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MENSTRUAL PAIN: CAUSES AND CONTROL

OVERVIEW:

Menstrual pain, cramp or dysmenorrhea as it is also known, is described as sharp pains in women’s lower abdomen. It may last 2 вЂ" 3 days or throughout the period duration. Menstrual cramp is likely to occur in women if:

• She started her first period at an early stage (younger than 11 years)

• Her menses lasts longer than 5 days

• She is overweight

• She smokes cigarettes or uses alcohol

• She has never been pregnant

Menstrual pain can be classified into two namely:

• Primary dysmenorrhea: Menstrual cramp that has been ever since a woman’s period started

• Secondary dysmenorrhea: If the menstrual pain is caused by some physical condition e.g. (a) Pelvic inflammatory or endometriosis (b) Infection in the reproductive organs (c) Abnormal pregnancy (d) IUD used for birth control (e) Ovarian cyst (f) Narrow cervix.

CAUSES:

A chemical produced by the women’s body (Protaglandins) cause many of the discomfort. The tissue that lines the uterus produces protaglandin and the chemical causes the uterine muscles to contract. Women who have high Protaglandin experience more intense contractions of the uterus and more pain. Protaglandin is also responsible for vomiting, diarrhea and headaches that accompany painful periods. Other symptoms include but not limited to the following: lower back pain, irritability and weakness.

DECEPTION:

Many lies have been told to many ladies about this discomfort and many have fallen prey to them. For this reason, I was compelled to write this piece even though I am a man to address these lies as well as throw more light on the subject. Some of the lies include but not restricted to: if you dis-virgin, your menstrual pain will stop; Not having sex causes it and a lot more. All these are lies. MENSTRUAL PAIN WILL ONLY STOP AFTER A WOMAN BECOMES PREGNANT OR START HAVING BABIES. However, it can be controlled with no after effect while a lady preserves her dignity and purity. Parents and guardian should take note and advise their wards accordingly

CONTROL:

The best way to relieve painful menstruation is by taking any or combination of anti-inflammatory medication such as:

Ibuprofen, Naprofen,