By Jesutofunmi Adeyemo

Cringes to the bed, rolling from one end to the other with closed eyes. She screams at the slightest of sound made. Everything irritates, including her discharges. She hisses at its sight but heaves a sigh of relief, “At least, the visitor is here”.

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstrual periods which are caused by uterine contractions. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from reproductive system disorders. Both can be treated.

It is no news that majority of persons experiencing dysmenorrhea do not pay much attention in seeking medical means to rectify such pain as many believe that it is normal or what ought to be. This doesn’t underestimate the fact that experiencing menstrual pain may be genetic. Once it becomes severe, please you are advised to seek medical attention.

According to WOMEN’S HEALTH CONCERN, “Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime. You can suffer from period pain from your early teens right up to the menopause. Most women experience some discomfort during menstruation, especially on the first day. But in 5% to 10% of women the pain is severe enough to disrupt their life”.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the name for common menstrual cramps, which isn’t as a result of disease. Pain usually begins one or two days before you get your period or when bleeding actual starts. You may feel pain ranging from mild to severe in the lower abdomen, back or thighs.

This type of pain may have other symptoms. Such symptoms include: irritation to one’s environment, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, as well as dizziness.

Painful periods may be a resultant effect of disorder or an infection in your female reproductive organs, it is called secondary dysmenorrhea. Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps. You usually don’t have nausea, vomiting, fatigue or diarrhea.

How can you tell if the pain of your menstrual cramps is normal?

According to Cleveland Clinic, both primary and secondary menstrual cramps can be treated, so it’s important to get checked.

The following examinations are proffered by Cleveland Clinic in order to aid females experiencing dysmenorrhea

First, you will be asked to describe your symptoms and menstrual cycles. Your healthcare provider will also perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, your provider inserts a speculum (an instrument that lets the provider see inside the vagina). The provider is able to examine your vagina, cervix and uterus. The doctor will feel for any lumps or changes. They may take a small sample of vaginal fluid for testing.

If your provider thinks you may have secondary dysmenorrhea, you may need additional tests, such as an ultrasound or a laparoscopy. If those tests indicate a medical problem, your healthcare provider will discuss treatments.

If you use tampons and develop the following symptoms, get medical help right away: over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Fever.

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Dizziness, fainting or near fainting.

• A rash that looks like a sunburn.

These are symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening illness.