What are menstrual cramps?
Now, this is something that almost every girl has to go through. In some cases, it is bearable but sometimes the pain is so much that you are not able to do anything. Menstrual cramp pain is referred to as throbbing and aching pain which is felt in the lower belly before the menstrual cycle starts. The severity of the cramps can be mild to severe. It is also known as dysmenorrhea.
Initially, when the menstrual cycle starts the menstrual cramps in the first 2 years are unbearable. Although with age, the severity of the cramps will reduce. If the pain is so much that it is making it difficult for you to live a normal life, then you need to get medical help. In some cases, the women have problems getting pregnant as the reason for these cramps is something else. So, make sure that you visit the best infertility clinic in Ludhiana. Dr. Sumita Sofat is one of the well-known fertility doctors who has been giving her services at the best IVF Centre in Punjab for the last 25 years.
What are the menstrual cramp symptoms? You may notice:
- Extreme pain in the belly
- Pressure like feeling in the belly
- Pain in the lower back, hips, and inner thighs.
- Loose stools
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
What are the warning signs you need to consult the doctor?
Your unusual menstrual cramps last for 2 to 3 days. Understand that the problem can be treated, so make sure that you get the condition checked on time. The doctor will ask you to get a pelvic examination through which the inside of the cervix and vagina is looked at.
What are the causes of menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus or womb contracts which is a muscle. During the menstrual cycle, it happens in excess that you are not able to bear it. In addition, during this, the oxygen is cut off from the uterus and it will result in pain. Some of the additional causes are:
- Presence of fibroids in the uterus
- Endometriosis is the condition when the tissue lining starts growing outside the uterus
- Adenomyosis is the condition when the uterus will begin to grow in the nearby muscles.
- PID (Pelvic Inflammatory disease) is a type of infection that starts from the uterus and then it goes to the reproductive organs.
What is the treatment for menstrual cramps?
In case the pain is mild then you can take aspirin-like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. To get relief on time, make sure that you take them when the bleeding starts or you feel the cramps. Heat can be a great choice to get relief from the pain.
Apart from that, you should make certain lifestyle changes which include:
- Do not consume alcohol or tobacco products
- Get rest when your body tells you
- Limit consumption of salt and coffee
- Massage the abdomen and lower back
- Keep your stress levels managed
- You should get acupuncture
- Incorporate exercise into your daily regime