Painful Periods

Although it’s normal for women to experience some pain with periods, excessive pain during periods is a cause for concern. Women who suffer very painful periods should know that it isn’t normal and some treatments are available.

Period related pain is usually caused by contractions of the uterus similar to those felt during labor. This is why some women will complain that they feel like they’re giving birth when they get painful periods. The cause is basically the same, although no baby is involved.

There are some things that women can do about painful periods. Indeed there are some simple and very good solutions that women should be aware of.

Exercise

The best thing a woman can often do for a painful period is to get up and start moving around. Exercise will often make a painful period go

A low impact exercise such as a leisurely walk, slow cycling or a short slow swim is often the best treatment for period pain. An activity like gardening can be a good alternative especially if it is something a woman really enjoys.

Women suffering from period pain shouldn’t engage in strenuous exercise like weight lifting or running. A woman should probably quit exercising and see her doctor if the exercise doesn’t help or the pain gets worse.

Pain Killers

Painkillers can help but women should know that they are no cure. Taking a lot of painkillers could make the problem worse. Doctors recommend ibuprofen and aspirin as painkillers to combat painful periods.

Always follow the instructions on the pain medication bottle and don’t take prescription pain killers for painful periods unless a doctor specifically prescribes them for that purpose. Women who find themselves taking a lot of painkillers should see their doctors.

Medical Treatments

There are some medical treatments for painful periods that are usually only used in extreme cases. Some of these treatments do appear to be effective but there is no silver bullet that can stop painful periods.

Transcotnaeus electronic nerve stimulation is technique similar to acupuncture that uses electrodes to stimulate the abdomen to relieve painful periods. This technique is widely used in Great Britain and is effective in many cases.

In the United States surgery to relieve painful periods is quite common. Such surgery usually involves attempts to look into the womb and see what is wrong.

In the most serious cases, doctors could form a hysterectomy or removal of the womb. This is a major operation that will prevent women from having children. This operation is usually only done in worst case scenarios.

Causes of Painful Periods

There are several things that can cause women to have painful periods. Infections, narrowing of the cervix and fibroids or non-cancerous uterine tumors can cause painful periods.

Fortunately many of these conditions can be cured or alleviated through routine medical procedures. Fibroids can be removed and infections cleared up by antibiotics. More serious conditions can also cause painful periods.

Any woman who suddenly starts having painful periods should see her doctor right away. They can be symptoms of more serious problems.