Secondary dysmenorrhea is referred to when menstrual cramps are caused by a problem related to reproductive health, a structural abnormality or an intrauterine device for contraception. The pain often gets worse and lasts longer than the cramps caused by menstruation. Without a gynecological examination it is difficult to determine whether it is primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. However, there are some signs that can help you understand if the cramps are due to secondary dysmenorrhea.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Consider the Symptoms
Step 1. Identify when the cramps start
Women with secondary dysmenorrhea may experience cramps a few days before the start of their period. Also, the pain lasts longer than normal menstrual cramps and, therefore, can prolong well beyond the end of your period.
Cramps caused by primary dysmenorrhea begin about a day or two before menstruation begins and can last a few hours or a few days. However, they should not extend beyond the end of the cycle
Step 2. Assess the pain
You may notice an increase in pain intensity over the years, and in these cases, cramps may be associated with secondary dysmenorrhea. For example, they weren't very strong in adolescence, but got worse in adulthood.
The pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea can be mild or severe. It is often localized on the abdomen, lower back and thighs
Step 3. Notice other symptoms besides cramps
Women who suffer from menstrual cramps caused by primary dysmenorrhea often complain of other symptoms, unlike those with secondary dysmenorrhea, who do not. Among the symptoms that indicate primary dysmenorrhea consider:
- Nausea;
- He retched;
- Exhaustion;
- Diarrhea.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Potential Causes of Pain
Step 1. Pay attention to the symptoms of endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease caused by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This tissue can grow throughout the uterus or even spread to other parts of the abdomen. The main symptoms of this condition are painful cycles and cramps that last for several days, but can also include:
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Pain during defecation or urination, especially in the presence of the menstrual cycle;
- Excessive bleeding during or between periods
- Infertility;
- Other less severe symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and fatigue.
Step 2. Identify the signs of adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a pathological condition that involves overgrowth of the endometrial glands within the uterine muscle wall. It can cause an enlarged uterus, pain during menstruation, and other symptoms. Some women suffering from adenomyosis are asymptomatic, but in the symptom kit it is possible to include:
- Menstrual periods that are heavy or that last a long time
- Shooting pain in the pelvis or severe cramps
- Cramps that get worse with age
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Formation of blood clots that are expelled during your period
- Swelling in the abdomen due to enlargement of the uterus.
Step 3. Look for symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease
Most often, this pathology is caused by the contagion of a sexually transmitted disease and causes an infection in the woman's reproductive organs. It can cause painful cramps. Other symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include:
- Pain in the pelvis;
- Fever;
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain and / or bleeding during sexual intercourse;
- Burning sensation when urinating;
- Blood loss between periods.
Step 4. Check for symptoms of cervical stenosis
We talk about cervical stenosis when the cervical canal is narrower than normal. Some women who have gone through menopause can suffer from this condition without experiencing any symptoms. However, the symptom kit includes:
- Absence of the menstrual cycle;
- Pain during menstruation;
- Abnormal blood loss, for example between periods
- Infertility;
- A lump in the pelvic area caused by a swelling inside the uterus.
Step 5. Pay attention to the symptoms of fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterine walls. They are often benign and cause no symptoms. However, the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea are tumors, cysts and malformations, so it is important to speak to your gynecologist in case you suddenly experience severe or continuous menstrual cramps. Among the symptoms of uterine fibroids consider:
- Abundant cycle;
- Increased abdominal volume and / or a bloated feeling in the lower abdomen;
- Frequent urination;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Pain in the lumbar;
- Difficulty during childbirth or the need for a caesarean section;
- Infertility (rare).
Step 6. Be aware that the IUD can cause secondary dysmenorrhea
Intrauterine devices, also known as intrauterine spirals, can also be at the origin of secondary dysmenorrhea. If you have been applied one of these contraceptives and complain of severe pain, consult your gynecologist.
Copper intrauterine devices are very likely to cause more pain than other types
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Assistance
Step 1. Make an appointment with your gynecologist
If you suspect that your menstrual pain is due to secondary dysmenorrhea, do not delay making an appointment with the gynecologist. This disease can indicate a more serious problem that requires immediate treatment.
Step 2. Give the gynecologist any information about your state of health
This will give you a complete medical history and can ask you specific questions about the condition you are suffering from. It is important to answer honestly. Here's what it might ask you:
- When did you have your first period?
- When did the symptoms start?
- Is there anything that makes them worse or alleviates them?
- How does pain affect everyday life? Does it interfere with normal daily activities?
Step 3. Undergo a physical exam
After having collected all the information on your state of health, the gynecologist will also carry out a physical examination. He will examine the vagina, vulva, and cervix for masses and abnormalities. It will also analyze the abdomen to see if there are any bulges.
Depending on the results of the physical exam, they may decide to order blood tests or imaging tests for you. This way, he will have more information to establish a diagnosis
Step 4. Report any warning signs you have noticed
Some symptoms can indicate serious problems, so you should tell your gynecologist. Call or make an appointment in case of:
- Sudden onset of pain
- Persistent pain
- Fever;
- Vaginal discharge
- Bloating in the stomach
- Unexpected and heavy periods (could indicate a thyroid disorder).
