Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea
- Primary - begins a year or two after the first menstruation, is associated with excessive production of prostaglandins, causing strong contractions of the uterus. No structural pathology
- Secondary - appears later, usually after 25 years, or intensifies over time; caused by a specific disease
The time of appearance and the nature of the dynamics help to distinguish them. Pain that has been there since youth and does not change is often primary. Pain that appears in adulthood or gets worse year after year requires a search for the cause - and very often it turns out to be endometriosis.
Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea
- Endometriosis is the most common cause; typically increases in pain over time
- Adenomyosis - accompanied by heavy menstruation
- Uterine fibroids, especially submucosal fibroids
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs
- Adhesive process
- Intrauterine device, especially non-hormonal
- Endometrial polyps
- Malformations of the uterus with impaired outflow of menstrual blood
- Cervical stenosis after cervical surgery
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Symptoms
- Cramping pain in the lower abdomen that begins shortly before or with the onset of menstruation
- Radiation of pain to the lower back and inner thighs
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Diarrhea or, conversely, constipation
- Headache, dizziness
- Weakness, sweating
- Irritability, decreased mood
- In the primary form, the pain is maximum on the first or second day and gradually subsides
- In the secondary form, pain may begin several days before menstruation and last longer.
Survey
- Detailed questioning: when did the pain start, how did it change, what helps
- Examination by a gynecologist with assessment of painful vaults and uterine mobility
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs - detection of fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrioid cysts, developmental anomalies
- Pap smear and infection testing
- MRI of the pelvis for suspected deep endometriosis
- Hysteroscopy for suspected pathology of the uterine cavity
- Diagnostic laparoscopy - for persistent pain and suspicion of endometriosis, when ultrasound does not give an answer
- Pain diary - helps to evaluate the dynamics and effectiveness of treatment
- Exclusion of other causes of pain: intestinal, urological, muscle
Treatment
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the mainstay of treatment; they block the production of prostaglandins and are most effective when taken several hours before or at the very beginning of expected pain
- Combined hormonal contraceptives, including continuous use
- Progesterone preparations
- Intrauterine hormonal system - significantly reduces pain and blood loss
- Antispasmodics as a supplement
- Treatment of the identified cause: endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, inflammation
- Laparoscopic removal of endometriosis lesions
- Warmth on the lower abdomen, physical activity, regular aerobic exercise
- Working with the pelvic floor muscles during spasm
- Quitting smoking
- Psychological support for chronic pain
A practical note about painkillers: They work best if you take them before the pain becomes severe. Waiting “until it gets really bad” reduces effectiveness because prostaglandins have already been produced.
Why can't you just be patient?
- За болью может стоять эндометриоз, при котором время играет против: спайки и повреждение труб накапливаются
- Годы терпения — это годы сниженного качества жизни, пропущенной работы и учёбы
- Регулярный приём больших доз обезболивающих без наблюдения вредит желудку и почкам
- Хроническая боль меняет работу нервной системы, и со временем лечить её становится сложнее
- Многие причины прекрасно поддаются лечению — терпение просто не нужно
Where to get examined in Tashkent
You need an examination by a gynecologist, a high-quality ultrasound and, if endometriosis is suspected, access to MRI and laparoscopy.
In Tashkent, such examination and treatment are carried out at the UROLOGIC COMPLEX medical center and at the Tashkent Medical Park clinic.
If pain during menstruation prevents you from living your normal life, this is a sufficient reason to visit a doctor. There is no need to wait until it becomes “completely unbearable”, and there is no need to prove the seriousness of your pain. Clinic contacts are below.