Menstrual Periods, Painful, (Dysmenorrhoea)

Dysmenorrhoea is one of the most common conditions to affect a woman’s quality of life. The condition can be divided into primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs when the periods are painful and no organic or psychological cause can be found. It usually occurs at the beginning of reproductive life when the girl starts ovulating, approximately 6–12 months after menarche. The pain starts with the onset of menstruation and is generally associated with ovulatory cycles. Secondary dysmenorrhoea occurs when the woman experiences painful periods where an organic or psychosexual cause can be found. Pain is exacerbated by menstruation and may persist after menstruation finishes. The differential diagnosis includes: pelvic inflammatory disease; endometriosis or adenomyosis; submucosal fibroids; intrauterine polyps; and intrauterine contraceptive device. If no pelvic pathology is found, the treatment can be as for primary dysmenorrhoea.