We all have a general idea about the uterus. It is a part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries release an egg to the uterus, by the process of ovulation, wherein it will wait for fertilization by the male sperm or else be discarded from the uterus in the monthly period of the woman. This monthly period is the menstrual cycle. If the female egg gets fertilized by the male sperm, the unborn baby or the foetus is the result. It then grows in the upper part or the body of the uterus. The uterus normally carries the foetus in the pregnant woman till childbirth.
What is dysmenorrhoea ?
The word “Dysmenorrhoea” is derived from Greek terminology. ‘Dys’ means difficult, or painful, ‘meno’ means the month and ‘rrhea’ means flow, hence the term “dysmenorrhoea”. Dysmenorrhoea is basically painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is a medical condition associated with severe uterine pain during the menstrual cycle.
What is the cause for dysmenorrhoea ?
The exact pathophysiology behind Dysmenorrhoea is not yet fully understood but it could be due to augmented activity of the myometrium (inner muscular layer of the uterus). This increased activity is induced by excessive production of prostaglandins (hormones that aid healing by creating the pain, fever and inflammation reactions). Prostaglandins then cause ischaemia (less blood supply to cells, finally causing cell death), making the uterine lining shed off in the monthly period, accompanied with pain.
What are the risk factors for dysmenorrhoea ?
A high percentage of women of the reproductive age suffer from dysmenorrhoea. Women with irregular menstrual cycles, heavy menstrual periods, vaginal discharge and intermenstrual bleeding may be more prone for dysmenorrhoea.
What are the types of dysmenorrhoea ?
It is classified into two types, primary and secondary.
- Primary dysmenorrhoea when there is no co-existent pathology.
- Secondary dysmenorrhoea where there is an identifiable pathological condition.
Conditions associated with secondary dysmenorrhoea are pelvic infections, sexually transmitted diseases, sub-fertility, any abdomino-pelvic surgeries and difficult childbirths.
What are the clinical features of dysmenorrhoea ?
Symptoms of dysmenorrhoea include severe uterine pain during menstruation. It manifests as cyclical lower abdominal or pelvic pain, felt with each monthly period. The symptoms of the primary type of dysmenorrhoea start a few hours before the start of menstruation and are relieved mostly in the first few days of bleeding itself. It is associated with significant psychological, physical, behavioural and social distress as well. It is a primary cause of absenteeism from work, schools and colleges amongst women. Associated symptoms include bloating, back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and fatigue.
How is dysmenorrhoea diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the body is mandatory.
- A thorough menstrual history including the age of onset at menarche, the menstrual cycle length and regularity, the duration and approximate amount of blood flow, and an assessment of the type, duration, and severity of pain is vital in the diagnosis of dysmenorrhoea. History establishes the diagnosis of dysmenorrhoea and also differentiates between primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea.
- An ultrasound and endoscopic examination may have to be done, for diagnosis of Secondary Dysmenorrhoea and to check presence of underlying problem.
- Ultrasound of the Uterus : This will have to be undergone to study the uterus and its lining. The uterine check-up involves pelvic ultrasonography, trans-vaginal ultrasound and other imaging tests.
How is dysmenorrhoea treated ?
Mainstay treatment is primarily supportive in nature. It should aim for alleviating pain and giving symptomatic relief. Surgical treatment is to be held in reserve for specific secondary dysmenorrhoea or for certain refractory cases.
Thus, patients with primary type of dysmenorrhoea may only require reassurance and simple analgesics or painkillers, whilst those with secondary type of dysmenorrhoea will need both investigations and treatment. Pain relief will include use of infrared lamps, analgesic tablets and sprays and hot water bottles. Bed rest is recommended for severe menstrual pain.
How to find gynecologists for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea ?
Now you can find gynecologists for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea .
Find and choose a gynecologist for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
