So how to get rid of period-related pain and discomfort? Women may suffer from period-related pain in their early adolescence. Most women experience some discomfort during periods and experience this mostly on the first day. But 5% to 10% of women may experience extremely severe pain, which can puts their lives in danger.
Why do periods cause pain?
Women may experience two types of pain during periods. The first is called primary dysmenorrhea and the second is secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary Dysmenorrhea :
It causes pain in the lower abdomen but it’s not a matter of urgent concern, as it is not a type of disorder at all. This pain occurs at the onset of periods and is cured within 2 to 3 days. During this time pain is felt in the lower abdomen and thighs.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea.
If there is any serious condition in the womb such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or endometriosis, then there might be a strong pain during menses and this is called secondary dysmenorrhea. This pain may increase a week before the onset of periods, and sometimes it may cause constipation or bloat too.
DID YOU KNOW?
If the mother has had pain during her periods, then the child may also have the probability of getting pain. Up to 40% of women experience period pain along with some symptoms, such as swelling, tenderness of the breast, abdominal bloating, decreased concentration, mood swings, stiffness, and fatigue.
• Primary Pain
This pain usually occurs in adolescent girls and young women as it is a sign of the onset of periods. Abdominal spasms are caused by uterine contractions. Lack of blood in the uterus can also cause pain. The pain is mainly in the lower abdomen but can also go back and down the thighs. Some women feel irritable. This is a natural condition and for many women is just a minor monthly hassle. The primary pain can be overcome with a contraceptive pill as well as some relaxation techniques.
• Secondary Pain
This pain cannot begin until a woman is 20 years old. This pain is not limited only to the time of menses but can occur throughout the menstruation cycle. Periods can be heavy and sex can be painful. Moderate to severe pain can be a sign of other conditions, including infection, which need immediate attention. If you are over 18 years of age and are experiencing period pain, you should not hesitate to consult a gynecologist.
Why does the abdomen hurt before the onset of bleeding (before ovulation)
Before periods, girls start having problems like abdominal pain and cramps. Sometimes swelling may also appear. Most of the girls start having these difficulties two days prior to the period, which is not a healthy sign.
The pain which is felt before and during periods is called dysmenorrhea, which is a normal condition in most of women.
However, 90 percent of women may have pain due to spasms in the uterus. Prostaglandin hormone is released when the uterus starts the contraction process. During this time, clots may also come out through the urine, because of which the pain may become more severe. Sometimes it can also cause fibroids and endometriosis.
Easy methods to get rid of period-related pain
There are several simple ways to lessen your period-related pain or discomfort –
• Take a hot bath with aromatherapy oil : Always keep a lukewarm water bottle with you.
• Massage the back and abdomen. It is extremely effective for some women.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes for a few days before and during your period.
• Do some gentle exercises like yoga. Take regular rest before periods: It helps in relaxing the muscles during the first few days and improves blood circulation in the area.
• For faster relief, take a pain killers specifically designed for the symptoms of periods.
Some fitness advices to inculcate a better way of living :
Research has shown that by living a healthy lifestyles, the periods related pain can be reduced –
- The primary and foremost step is to quit smoking: Smoking is thought to be the reason for increasing period pain by reducing the access of oxygen to your genitals and other parts.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Eat plenty of high fiber foods, salads and vegetables.
- Daily vitamin-E supplements can be help.
- If you eat red meat, see that it is lean. Eat more chicken and fish instead.
- Reduce foods such as chocolate, cake and biscuits.
- Reduce the quantity of salt in your diet to prevent water retention.
- Instead of consuming sugar-added drinks, consume pure fruit juices or mineral water.
- Practice yoga: Practicing Patangasana / butterfly pose (continuously for 5 minutes), Bhujangasana/cobra-pose (for 3 repetitions), and cat-camel exercises (for 3-5 repetitions) will prove to be magic in reducing your periods related pain and cramps, that too GUARANTEED!
Treatment of period-related pain
Painkiller intake is not at all appropriate to relieve period pain. However, consuming pills only while the pain becomes intolerable could be taken into consideration.
Meanwhile, instead of painkillers, some home remedies could be used to relieve this pain. With the help of these methods, one can easily find relief from pain during her periods.
Carom seeds (Ajwain) is beneficial
During periods, the problem of bloating increases in most women. This problem may also cause abdominal pain. Carom seeds are the best option to fix it.
METHOD:
Mixing half a teaspoon of carom seeds (Ajwain) in half a teaspoon of salt and drinking it with lukewarm water provides immediate relief during periods.
Ginger and turmeric intake is also beneficial
The use of ginger and turmeric is very beneficial to relieve pain in periods.
METHOD:
Boil 1 cup of water. Add finely chopped ginger and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in it. Consume it not just during your periods, but regularly. Only then it will be beneficial.
Eat papaya
Eating papaya during periods improves digestion. Consuming it during periods also provides relief from pain. Due to this, the flow of blood is also maintained.
Use of Tulsi
As we all know, Tulsi is a natural painkiller and antibiotic. If you also have severe pain during the periods, do consume it by adding it to your daily tea, or simply boiling basil leaves in water, and here you go. It will provide tremendous relief to you.
Intake of milk
During these times, pain is severe in women who are deficient in calcium in their bodies. Therefore, to avoid pain during such times, increase your intake of milk and milk products.
Hot water bath
Periods cause severe pain in your abdomen and groin regions. Thus, warm water bath should be preferred to get rid of it.
You can also have a warm water tub while bathing and sit into it for about 15-20 minutes to experience immediate relief.
Visit your doctor for pain check-ups. He/She can give you some useful advices:
- Treatment with non-hormonal medication: tranexamic acid or mefenamic acid.
- Contraceptive pill: This will not only reduce pain and discomfort but will make your periods feel lighter and regular.
- Severe pain-relieving pills that you cannot buy from a chemist without a prescription: You should start taking them with your doctor’s prescription as soon as the periods begin. Do not wait to take the medicine until the pain becomes more intense.
- Intra-uterine system (IUS) / Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) may be suitable for some women: It is a very effective method of contraception that can also reduce blood loss and period pain.
The conclusion
Periods are a natural process that cannot be stopped or interrupted, but the pain and other discomforts caused by them can be minimized. Only if women take necessary precautions and measures, can they come out of the troubles brought by their periods. This can be controlled by changing the routine a little and consuming the balanced diet.
So, whtat’s stopping you beautifuls? Get rid of these stupid pains and cramps now, by following all the measures given above.
Stay safe and pain-free! You go girl.
Also read : How to take care of a pregnant woman during covid-19 pandemic
