Dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea is pain during menstruation, affecting 50 per cent of women. It may be primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhoea is due to excessive contraction of the uterus, which produces cramping pain, often severe enough to induce nausea and vomiting. The contraction is mediated by a chemical called a prostaglandin, and agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which prevent the formation of prostaglandins, may be effective. The combined oral contraceptive pill, which effectively blocks ovulation, may alleviate symptoms. The condition tends to improve following childbirth.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is pain due to an underlying abnormal condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease caused by infection with the agent chlamydia, fibroids or endometriosis.
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