Dysmenorrhea Diagnosis and Treatment in Metairie, LA
A majority of women will experience some level of pain during their menstrual cycle. This pain is referred to medically as dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.
Our board-certified gynecologist and obstetrician, Dr. Katherine Swing, is highly trained in treating painful periods. Don’t suffer any longer, contact our OBGYN clinic in Metairie, LA by requesting an appointment online using our secure form.
What is Primary Dysmenorrhea?
If a woman’s pain during her period is not caused by any other medical condition, it is referred to as primary dysmenorrhea. This type of pain involves the common cramps that many ladies expect from their regular cycle, and typically starts about 1-2 days before that cycle begins.
Women may feel their menstrual cramps on a varying scale of pain. While some may only experience mild discomfort, others can become nauseated by uterine contractions. Additional symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea include fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.
What is Secondary Dysmenorrhea?
It is also entirely possible for an individual to experience menstrual cramping outside of her regular menstrual cycle. This is often due to a disorder of the reproductive system such as:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Cervical stenosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine polyps
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
What are the Risk Factors for Dysmenorrhea?
There are several factors that can influence the likelihood that a woman will experience dysmenorrhea. Ladies have a higher probability for dysmenorrhea if they:
- Are younger than 30 years of age
- Smoke
- Have a family history of dysmenorrhea
- Have been diagnosed with a similar condition such as menorrhagia (heavy periods) or metrorrhagia (irregular periods)
Noticing Abnormal Symptoms? Speak Up
Unfortunately, many women assume that their pelvic pain must simply be a normal part of their regular period, which leads many to suffer silently from their symptoms rather than getting suitable treatment.
The best way to handle any sort of abnormalities in your cycle is to address them with Dr. Swing Whether you experience dysmenorrhea or other common signs of a reproductive disorder such as heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, or pain during sex, it is important to contact Dr. Swing as soon as possible to address them. Specifically, if your dysmenorrhea lasts for more than 3 days and/or becomes increasingly more painful over time, you should seek treatment from a medical professional.
Both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea can be treated by Dr. Swing. Primary dysmenorrhea can typically be relieved and managed using over-the-counter pain relievers and/or hormonal birth control. If the patient’s pain is identified as secondary dysmenorrhea then follow-up examinations and diagnostic tests will likely be ordered to get to the root of the issue. Once a cause has been found, Dr. Swing will be able to recommend suitable treatment options based on the individual patient and her unique case.
Schedule a Painful Period Consultation in Metairie, LA Today
Dr. Katherine Swing is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is experienced in treating dysmenorrhea. To schedule a consultation at Swing Women’s Health and Wellness, please call (504) 582-9010 or submit a request online using our secure form.
