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.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- 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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