Clinical features: Dysmenorrhoea is painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is present if pain prevents normal activity and requires medication. There are 3 types of dysmenorrhoea:
Primary (no organic cause), Secondary pathological cause e.g PID and uterine polyposis and membranous (cast of endometrial cavity shed as a single entity (rare). Typically, in primary dysmenorrhoea pain occurs on the first day of menses, usually about the time the flow begins, but it may not be present until the second day. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and headache may occur.
Treatment guidelines
Allow bed rest.
Analgesics such as
Ibuprofen 200-600 mg every 8 hours (maximum 2.4 g/day).
OR
Acetylsalicylic acid 300-600 mg every 4 hours
OR
Diclofenace 25 mg 2-3 times a day
Women with regular complaints can easily detect length of use during their periods (2-3 days usually sufficient)
Treat the underlying condition if known.
NOTE: For primary dysmenorrhoea patients may be adviced to start taking Ibuprofen one or two days before menses and continue for three to four days: during menses to minimise painful menstruation |
