Overview

If you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps or cramps that last for more than three days, contact a healthcare provider. Both primary and secondary menstrual cramps are treatable, so it’s important to get checked.

First, your healthcare provider will ask you to describe your symptoms and menstrual cycles. They’ll perform a pelvic exam by placing gloved fingers into your vagina. During this exam, your provider will also insert a speculum into your vagina. This allows them to get a better look at your vagina and cervix. They may take a small sample of vaginal fluid for testing. The goal of the exam is to determine if a medical condition is causing painful periods. If there isn’t an apparent cause, your provider will diagnose you with primary dysmenorrhea.

However, if your provider thinks you may have secondary dysmenorrhea (caused by another health condition), you may need additional tests. Imaging and other diagnostic tests allow your provider to get a better look at your uterus and other reproductive organs. Your provider may recommend:

  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your uterus, ovaries and other reproductive organs.
  • Hysteroscopy: Your provider uses a thin, lighted device to see inside your uterus. The device transmits images of your uterus to a screen.
  • Laparoscopy: Your provider makes tiny incisions in your abdomen and then uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera at the end) to view your pelvic organs.

If those tests show you have a medical condition causing painful menstruation, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment with you.

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Symptoms

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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