Abstract
PRIMARY (essential) dysmenorrhea has been described as pelvic pain with other accompanying disturbances, which occur just before or during menstruation without demonstrable pelvic or systemic disorder. Although primary dysmenorrhea is only a symptom, rather than a disease, it is one of the most common gynecologic complaints in women during the reproductive years. The pelvic pain is of a sharp, cramping, intermittent character, referred to the midline and the lower abdomen. At times it extends to the vagina, lower back, and thighs. Accompanying symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea may consist of nausea, vomiting, headache, backache, nervousness, irritability, joint pains, etc. The etiology of primary dysmenorrhea is not known; discussions of the many different theories are not within the scope of this study. However, it is most likely due to tetanic uterine contractions during the latter part of the luteal phase, as shown by Wilson and Kurzrok. 1 Primary dysmenorrhea only occurs in
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 call
