When it comes to that time of the month, it’s common to experience some ache or discomfort, especially if you are young and you have had it since you started having your menses.
However, severe period cramps are not normal. They can signal an underlying condition – one that may impact your fertility.
Get it checked – one of these could be causing your abnormal period pains.
Diseases that may cause period pain
Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the ovary. They often show no symptoms. Some may affect fertility and a large ovarian cyst can cause abnormal discomfort.
Uterine fibroids: Growths in the uterus which may sometimes affect fertility. They often come without symptoms.
Endometriosis: It’s when the lining of the womb gets displaced outside the uterus, where it shouldn’t be. This makes the organs scar and stick together, causing pain and problems getting pregnant.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection that starts from the vagina and spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. May damage the reproductive organs if left untreated.
Adenomyosis: It’s when the lining of the womb grows into the uterus wall. This can make the womb swell, and cause painful periods and heavy bleeding.
Worrying signs
- Period pains that start to occur, or worsen, years after your first period.
- Intense period pains which keep you from going about your normal life.
- Ache or pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen/back, even at times outside your period
- Period cramps that last more than 2 — 3 days (with pain sometimes happening outside the menstrual period)
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Other symptoms such as unusual spotting, nausea, bloating, fever or irregular periods
Infographic brought to you by Mount Elizabeth Hospital