Hi,
Dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the pain is so severe as to limit normal activities, or require
medication.Dysmenorrhoea is a medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation.
Dysmenorrhea may coexist with excessively heavy blood loss, known as menorrhagia.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when symptoms are attributable to an underlying disease, disorder, or
structural abnormality either within or outside the uterus. Primary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when none of
these are detected.
Secondary dysmenorrhea tends to be caused by the following:
endometriosis (tissue from the uterus growing outside the uterus)
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (a bacterial infection that enters the uterus and may spread to the
fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other tissues in the pelvic region; may be sexually transmitted)
cervical stenosis (narrowing of the opening to the uterus)
tumors (called fibroids) or cysts in the uterus.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also cause cramping pain during menstruation.
If your period pains are not relieved by simple painkillers then your doctor may wish to perform a pelvic
examination to rule out any underlying conditions that can cause dysmenorrhoea.
Depending on this, a pelvic ultrasound scan or laparoscopy may be suggested.
Medical treatment includes NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and also the contraceptive pill.
By preventing ovulation the contraceptive pill reduces the production of prostaglandins and pain. If the pain
is found to be caused by a condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or fibroids, then the
treatment will be tailored towards that condition.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/menstruationpainful.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysmenorrhea
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_dysmen_crs.htm
Is this the first period after your surgery?did you always have painful periods prior to it?
Usually dysmenorrhoea tends to lessen with each childbirth, but the women who have a normal delivery benefit
more than those who have had a C-sec.
You do need to see a Gynaecologist to work you up for a possible cause for the pain.
