menstrual cycle pain

Question 1

Does primary dysmenorrhea have pelvic pathology?

Answer 1

no

Question 2

when does primary dysmenorrhea occur?

Answer 2

shortly after menarche (1st period)

Question 3

How long does primary dysmenorrhea last?

Answer 3

8-72 hrs

Question 4

what causes primary dysmenorrhea?

Answer 4

the release of prostaglandins during period cause contractions

Question 5

prostaglandin levels are highest when?

Answer 5

during 1st two days of period

Question 6

Does secondary dysmenorrhea have pelvic pathology?

Answer 6

yes

Question 7

when does secondary dysmenorrhea occur?

Answer 7

anytime after 1st ever period

Question 8

when does the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea occur?

Answer 8

before, during or after period and it increases overtime

Question 9

dyspareunia

Answer 9

pain during or after sex

Question 10

dysuria

Answer 10

painful urination

Question 11

s/s of secondary dysmenorrhea

Answer 11

pain during sex, painful urination, heavy bleeding, GI symptoms (Constipation etc), infertility

Question 12

is there a pelvic abnormality with secondary dysmenorrhea?

Answer 12

yes

Question 13

causes of secondary dysmenorrhea

Answer 13

IBS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, polyps

Question 14

primary dysmenorrhea often improves after what?

Answer 14

childbirth and entering into 30s

Question 15

If you can’t get it under control what testing should you do?

Answer 15

blood count, ESR, electrolytes, thyroid disfunction, pregame’s test, tumor markers, STI, pelvic ultrasound

Question 16

non pharmacological interventions for dysmenorrhea

Answer 16

heat, exercise, acupuncture, TENS

Question 17

treatment options for dysmenorrhea

Answer 17

NSAIDS (they decrease prostaglandin production), BC, surgery, IUD, depo

Question 18

when do you refer to GYN?

Answer 18

when NSAIDS and BC don’t work