Abstract
Dysmenorrhoea is a medical condition characterised by severe uterine pain during menstruation manifesting as cyclical lower abdominal pain. It is commonly classified into primary dysmenorrhoea in the absence of co-existent pathology and secondary dysmenorrhoea when there is an identifiable pathological condition. About 40–70% of women of reproductive age suffer with dysmenorrhoea along with its associated psychological, physical, behavioural and social distress. The exact pathophysiological processes are not fully understood but it probably reflects increased myometrial activity induced by an excessive production of prostaglandin causing ischaemia (uterine ‘angina’). History is critical in establishing the diagnosis of dysmenorrhoea and also in differentiating between primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Mainstay treatment is generally supportive providing symptomatic relief and more directive surgical treatment is reserved for specific secondary causes of dysmenorrhoea or for refractory cases. Therefore, patients with primary dysmenorrhoea may simply need reassurance and simple analgesics, while those with secondary dysmenorrhoea require investigation and treatment of the underlying organic problem. We present an overview of managing this condition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
