Dr. Sandhya Rani, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Aster Women and Children Hospital, provides valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea.
Types of Dysmenorrhea
- Primary dysmenorrhea: This is the most common type, characterized by pain that begins at the onset of menstruation and typically subsides as a woman gets older.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea: This type is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Causes and Symptoms
Painful periods can significantly impact a woman's daily life, leading to missed school or work days. Dr. Sandhya Rani discusses the various causes of secondary dysmenorrhea, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis or pelvic infections.
Treatment Options
The treatment for painful periods depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Sandhya Rani outlines the following treatment options:
- Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage pain.
- Hormonal treatments: Birth control pills or other hormonal treatments can reduce pain and regulate menstrual cycles.
- Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Lifestyle Changes
Dr. Sandhya Rani emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes in managing painful periods, including maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques like yoga and meditation etc.
Dispelling Myths
Dr. Sandhya Rani addresses common misconceptions about painful periods, such as the belief that pain will disappear after marriage or childbirth. She clarifies that while these factors may alleviate pain in some cases, they are not guaranteed solutions.
If you experience sudden onset of painful periods, increasing pain with each cycle, or other concerning symptoms, consult our gynecologists at Aster Women and Children Hospital. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve overall well-being.
To book an appointment, contact us at 080-4510 8888.
