Dr. Chaithra M
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Primary Dysmenorrhoea

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  • General Gynae
  • Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhoea or “painful periods” is the most common of all gynaecological symptoms. It is generally described as a crampy lower abdominal pain, which starts at the onset of menstruation. It can be classified as either:

  • Primary - menstrual pain occurring with no underlying pelvic pathology.
  • Secondary - menstrual pain that occurs with an associated pelvic pathology.
  • Risk Factors

    The risk factors for primary dysmenorrhoea include:

  • Early menarche
  • Long menstrual phase
  • Heavy periods
  • Smoking
  • Nuliparity
  • Clinical Features

    The typical description of dysmenorrhoea is lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which can radiate to lower back or anterior thigh. Pain is crampy in nature. It usually lasts for 48-72 hours around the menstrual period, and is characteristically worst at the onset of menses. The pain can be associated with other symptoms, such as; malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness. Abdominal and pelvic examinations (including speculum examination of cervix) are performed but are usually unremarkable. Uterine tenderness may be present.

    Investigations

    No investigations are specific to primary dysmenorrhoea and therefore the work up is focused on ruling out underlying pathology.

    Diagnostic Laparoscopy may be warranted to diagnose underline mild Endometriosis as a cause for Dysmenorrhea.

    If the patient is at high risk of a sexually transmitted infection, then a high vaginal swab and endocervical swabs are indicated to screen for underlying infection.

    If on examination a pelvic mass is palpated, a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) should be performed to investigate further.

    Lifestyle Changes

  • Stop smoking (there is a clear relationship between smoking and dysmenorrhoea).
  • Pharmacological

  • Anagelsia (First line):
    1. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid). They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins; which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhoea.
    2. And/or paracetamol
  • 3-6 month trial of hormonal contraception (Second line):
    1. Monophasic combined oral contraceptive pill is most commonly used first line.
    2. Intrauterine system (e.g Mirena coil) may also be effective.
  • Non-Pharmacological

  • Local application of heat (water bottles or heat patch)
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
  • Summary

  • Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to menses pain in the absence of an underlying pelvic pathology.
  • Prostaglandins released stimulate myometrial contraction and spiral artery vasospasm causing ischaemia of the secretory layer of the endometrium.
  • It typically has a good response to COCP and NSAID therapy.
  • FERTILITY

    • Fertility Challenge for young couple
    • Fertility Window/When to Try
    • Fertility Workup for Couple
    • Ovulation Induction
    • Infertility Management
    • Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI)
    • Invitro Fertilization (IVF)
    • Intra Cytoplasmic Injection (ICSI)

    LAPAROSCOPY

    • Diagnostic Laparoscopy
    • Laparo Hysteroscopy for Fertility
    • Ectopic Pregnancy
    • Endometriosis
    • Fibroid Uterus
    • Dermoid Cyst
    • Ovarian Cyst
    • Ovarian Torsion
    • Tubal Block/ Recanalization
    • Laparoscopic Hysteroscopy
    • Laparoscopic Myomectomy
    • Bartholin Cyst

    PREGNANCY CARE

    • Pre Conceptional Care
    • Post Pregnancy Care
    • High Risk Pregnancy
    • Diabetes in Pregnancy
    • Normal Delivery
    • Caesarean Section/LSCS
    • Normal Delivery After Caesarean Section (VBAC)

    GENERAL GYNAE

    • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
    • Miscarriage / Abortion
    • Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
    • Primary Dysmenorrhea
    • Adenomyosis
    • Bartholin Cyst
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
    • 3D Ultrasound Scan
    • Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
    • Menopause
    • Family Planning / Contraception
    • Uterine Prolapse
    • Urinary Incontinence
    • Urinary Infection


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    Suchethana Hospital

    • Address
      #284/1,2,3, 4th Main Road
      Opp. Vishweshwaraiah Park Main Gate
      PJ Extension, Davanagere - 577002
    • Phone:
      +91-8792596216

    • Email
      drchaithram@gmail.com

    Fertility

    • Fertility Workup for Couple
    • Ovulation Induction
    • Infertility Management
    • Invitro Fertilization(IVF)
    • Intra Uterine Insemination(IUI)
    • Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection(ICSI)

    Pregnancy Care

    • Pre Conceptional Care
    • Post Pregnancy Care
    • High Risk Pregnancy
    • Diabetes in Pregnancy
    • Normal Delivery
    • Normal Delivery After Caesarean Section (VBAC)

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