As women, it’s not uncommon to be subject to painful periods. In most cases, this is an unfortunate, but natural, part of the monthly menstrual cycle and is a phenomenon that will ease after a few days without further incident. In certain cases, painkillers, taking a bath or trying out several forms of relaxation may be enough to alleviate any mild to severe symptoms of this pain.
By the time they reach a certain age, most women have a good understanding of what to expect from their periods and, for some, this will usually involve a certain amount of pain and discomfort. At their worst, painful periods can interfere with everyday living and make it difficult for women to complete the most basic and routine tasks.
Sadly, there will be times when periods appear to be more intense than normal and it’s not unusual to experience the pain that you normally associate with particularly uncomfortable periods outside of your time of the month.
Why can periods be so uncomfortable?
For lots of women, abdominal pain and cramping are symptoms that are inseparable from their periods. This occurs during menstruation due to how the wall of the womb contracts in an effort to help the womb get rid of its lining. As this happens during every period, it’s not generally understood why some periods are worse than others, although it has been suggested that this is due to an abundance of prostaglandins – natural chemicals in the body that can lead to greater pain – in those who suffer the most.
Pre-existing or new health conditions
There is a chance that those who experience chronic period pain, or have just begun to encounter new levels of discomfort on a regular basis, do so due to the presence of an underlying health condition. Endometriosis, a condition in which cells normally found in the womb take up residence in other parts of the reproductive system, effectively mimics the process of menstruation when it is time for these cells to be shed. This can cause severe pain during periods.
Bacterial infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can be exacerbated when a woman is going through her period and the existence of fibroids – small, non-cancerous growths that can be found in and around the womb – can also contribute to discomfort and pain during certain times of the month.
Don’t suffer in silence
Painful periods may seem like a matter of course, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do to relieve these symptoms. Although this pain can be at its worst in the midst of your period, there are ways of managing this.
To find the root cause of your period pain, it’s important to seek out the advice of a suitable medical professional such as a gynaecologist. And Mr Francis Gardner, an expert in all areas of Advanced Gynaecology, is just the man for the job. Over 25 years, he’s made a career of helping women of all ages and backgrounds identify the reasons behind their painful periods and worked with them to overcome this debilitating monthly event.
To book in for your consultation or One Stop See and Treat with Mr Gardner, please get in touch today.
FAQ’s
If you’re concerned about how painful your periods have become and often struggle to complete routine tasks because of them, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention to make your periods more manageable.
Some women find that they can manage these painful symptoms themselves by taking painkillers, exercising regularly, having warm baths or showers or indulging in one of any number of relaxation techniques.
If identifying the cause of your painful periods proves difficult, you may be asked to undergo a series of tests. These can involve basic pelvic examinations, ultrasound scans and more thorough investigative procedures such as a diagnostic laparoscopy or a hysteroscopy.
This is dependent on the cause of your period pain, but may involve taking medication or undergoing surgery.