Dysmenorrhea

Most ovulatory women experience some form of dysmenorrhea or “menstrual cramps” each month. When these monthly discomforts affect the normal function of a woman’s daily routine, it is usually considered severe and warrants a gynecologic evaluation. Typical “cramps” are usually alleviated with timed use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly known as NSAIDs. These are common medications found over the counter in the form of Ibuprofen or Naproxen. Sometimes these medications only partially or inadequately relieve the symptoms, of which further evaluation and gynecologic treatment is needed.

Common gynecologic conditions related to dysmenorrhea include:

• uterine
• leiomyomata
• endometriosis
• adenomyosis
• pelvic infection
• endometrial
• cervical polyps.