Grab these facts on painful menstruation, quality of life

Recently, I had the task of explaining to a number of secondary school students in Dar es Salaam about painful menstrual periods.

It struck my mind that some of my readers, who most often sought to know the science behind such pains could have an interesting read this week. This is, especially when the question arose as to whether it affects quality of life or not.

Well, in science we call it dysmenorrhea. That’s when a woman’s period is accompanied by cramp lower abdominal pain.

It may begin just few days before or during menstruation and may continue for two to three days. This pain can be sharp or dull aching and sometimes tend to come and go. It may also associate with back pain.

Does it affect quality of life?

Researchers say that 1 in 3 women experience painful periods and which sometimes the make it hard for them to do normal household, job, or school-related activities during each menstrual cycle.

That’s why some pain during your period is normal, but the severity of the pain and in what way it affects your quality of life is a significant aspect to be considered. Women who are likely to experience this pain are those who started their first period at an early age (younger than 11 years) or have family members with dysmenorrhea (genetics).

If you are overweight or obese or smoke cigarettes or you don’t do regular exercises you are at risk. Those who have never been pregnant. Or their menstrual periods are heavy are likely to experience dysmenorrhea.

The pain isn’t generalized

Painful menstruation can be broadly being divided in two:

• Primary dysmenorrhea

This is menstrual pain that occurs around the time that menstrual periods first begin in otherwise healthy young women.

In most cases, this pain is not related to a specific problem with the uterus or other pelvic organs. Increased activity of the hormone prostaglandin, which is produced in the uterus, is thought to play a role in this condition.

• Secondary dysmenorrhea

Is menstrual pain that develops later in women who have had normal periods. It is often related to problems in the uterus or other pelvic organs, such as:

Endometriosis, Fibroids, Intrauterine device (IUD) made of copper, Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and Stress and anxiety.

Tips to deal with menstrual cramps

• Apply a heating pad below your belly button.

• Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower belly area.

• Drink warm beverages.

• Keep your legs raised while lying down, or lie on your side with your knees bent.

• Take warm showers or baths.

• Exercise regularly.