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Many women all over the world experience pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstruation. While mild pain and discomfort can be considered normal, severe pain and cramping can manifest an underlying medical condition that causes these symptoms.
Many women all over the world experience pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstruation. While mild pain and discomfort can be considered normal, severe pain and cramping can manifest an underlying medical condition that causes these symptoms.
It is important to understand that taking painkillers is not the solution and it is better to visit a gynecologist for a thorough diagnosis. When the cause of your cramping is defined, proper treatment will help you get rid of pain and other bothersome symptoms. In this article, we have gathered five gynecological issues that can cause severe menstrual cramps.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS have increased levels of male hormones (androgen or testosterone). This imbalance of hormones can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms like:
You should also know that PCOS is deemed one of the most common causes of infertility due to the formation of cysts of the ovaries that interfere with conceptions. Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for PCOS but there are many treatment options that can help ease symptoms and even improve fertility.
Endometriosis makes the endometrium (the inner uterine lining) spread outside the uterus and cover pelvic organs. Due to the fact that the endometrium sheds during periods, women with endometriosis can experience severe cramping and pain during periods. Additionally, endometriosis can cause fertility issues. Timely and proper treatment can help ease these symptoms and prevent the progression of endometriosis.
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrium grows into the uterine walls. This can lead to the enlargement of the uterus and pelvic pressure. Women with adenomyosis can experience pain during sex and chronic pelvic pain. Adenomyosis can also cause heavy periods that are accompanied by severe pain and cramping.
Even though the exact cause of adenomyosis is still unknown, its development usually depends on the estrogen levels. That’s why hormone medication is considered the most common treatment for adenomyosis. Your gynecologist can also recommend anti-inflammatory medication to ease the pain. Hysterectomy can also be performed in the most severe cases of adenomyosis.
Uterine fibroids are growths that occur in the uterus. These growths are non-cancerous and usually don’t cause severe symptoms. But the main problem is that they can grow enormously and make your periods heavier and more painful. If uterine fibroids cause bothersome symptoms, it is better to remove them. Ask your gynecologist about the available treatment options for fibroids.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that means the inflammation of the pelvic organs that is caused by an untreated infection. In most cases, pelvic inflammatory disease develops as a result of STIs but even a naturally occurring infection like bacterial vaginosis can contribute to its development. The most common symptoms of PID include:
Fortunately, pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated with the help of antibiotics. However, extremely advanced cases of PID may require surgical intervention. You should know that your partner or partners can also be infected with STIs and they should also be treated.
It is important to understand that neglecting your pain can lead to the advancement of serious health issues. Timely and precise treatment can make you feel much better during periods. Make an appointment with your gynecologist to define the exact cause of your pain and discuss the available treatment options.
