All If you thought period pain is normal, but you have unbearable cramps each month that make you fear the onset of this natural cycle, beware! Read about the exact syndrome that causes menstrual cramps, and prepare for the same.
Menstruation is a special phase in every girl's life. It changes a girl into a young lady. Every cycle of menstruation is preparation for nurturing a life.
The downside of this is the unbearable pain that comes with periods each month. But why is pain bundled with necessity? We try to understand the dynamics of the anatomy.
1. Uterus or womb is a pear shaped organ located in the pelvic cavity of females. It conceives and all the development of the fetus takes place here. So, to prepare itself for such a big responsibility, it starts increasing its blood supply and makes its walls thick to receive the expected fertilized egg. But when pregnancy does not occur, it results in breakdown of the placenta lining. Thick mucus and blood in the form of bloats comes out of the vagina, known as menstrual flow. It generally lasts for 3-5 days.
2. Due to increased prostaglandins level, females often feel cramps and discomfort. Menstrual cramps happen because of contractions in the uterus which is a muscle. Strong contractions create pressure against nearby blood vessels. This briefly cuts off the supply of oxygen to the uterus which causes pain and cramping.
3. The usual symptoms include mild or severe pain in the abdomen, hips, lower back, and inner thighs. When cramps are severe, symptoms may include upset stomach, vomiting, and loose stools. This is categorized as Primary Dysmenorrhea, or pain during periods.
4. You are fully capable of easing the pain to an extent. Here are some ways of doing so:
● Take rest, and take lots of it.
● Avoid caffeinated foods and lower your salt intake at this point, and generally as well. This may be difficult if you have savoury cravings, but eat water-rich fruits and have nuts.
● Avoid intoxicant intake, like tobacco, cigarettes or alcohol.
● Massage your lower back and abdomen
● Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, make exercise a part of you weekly routine.
● Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on lower back or tummy. Taking a warm bath may also provide some relief.
● Avoid painkillers and rely on Sirona Pain Relief Patches to naturally relieve pain.
● Have warm liquids, ginger and lemon concoctions with black pepper and jaggery, and don’t consume chilled drinks.
5. While primary dysmenorrhea are cramps due to the menstrual cycle, secondary dysmenorrhea is caused due to problems in the reproductive organs that can cause severe cramping.
There can be several conditions which can cause it, including endometriosis in which the tissue lining of the uterus is found outside it. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also cause severe pain in which there is an infection caused by bacteria that starts in the uterus and can spread to other reproductive organs.
The pain in secondary dysmenorrhea is extreme and one must consult with a
professional healthcare worker regarding the same.
(Meghanshi (4 th sem, LHMC)
Image Source: Feminisim in India
