We go through much pain while menstruating. Even though some of us may have gotten used to it over time, there are still days that we cannot just bear it and need other ways to overcome the pain.
Asides from pain, our menstrual periods can be messy. It tends to stink (some of the time), and this is why females are expected to stick to extreme hygiene routines to prevent situations of having a foul odour.
The pain that comes with menstruation is normal in most females, but there are still a few of them who may experience severe pain, and most times, they may not know how to manage it.
Reason Why Females Have Period Pain
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods or period cramps. Its symptoms usually include diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. It is normal to have cramps; for most ladies, the cramps subside after 2 or 3 days.
While some have pains that disrupt the functionality of their day i.e., they are unable to do anything due to the pain.
We have two types of dysmenorrhea, which are primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea is regular cramps you get every time you get your period and not due to a medical condition.
While the infection of your reproductive organ causes secondary dysmenorrhea, this pain begins before your menstruation and lasts longer than normal periods.
Other Causes Of Period Pains
• Intake of alcohol or cigarettes
• If you started flowing at an early age
• You have never been pregnant, and so on
How To Overcome Painful Period
1. Exercise: The last thing you might want to do when having cramps is exercise but it actually helps. When you exercise, a certain chemical is produced that blocks pain; it is called endorphins. These endorphins are released in pleasurable activities like sex, massage, and exercise, among others.
2. Warm bath or shower: A warm bath is known to ease and relax the muscles. It also increases blood flow and reduces swelling and body retention fluid, which lessens the pain
3. Apply heat to the abdomen: Using a hot water flask, bottle or heated pan on the abdomen reduces inflammation, which causes pain relief.
4. Massage: It has been proven that pleasurable activities release chemicals in our bodies that reduce pain or stress
5. Acupuncture: This actually reduces period cramps. The treatment is said to reduce inflation, and it releases endorphins in the body.
6. Lifestyle changes i.e., changing habits that are prone to increase cramps. Examples of those habits are;
- Excessive intake of alcohol
- Eating much food that contains sugar
- Consuming more chicken and fish than red meat
- Eating foods that are high in fibre, more vegetables and salad
Other remedies are
- Reaching orgasm
- Massage abdomen with essential oil
- Heating pads
Cramps are normal for ladies who are currently on their period, but when the pain becomes so unbearable and disrupts your day, not letting you do anything, then that can become a problem for you.
When you notice some abnormal cramps, you could try one of these tips. However, if the pains persist, it is always advised to go and see your medical doctor.
Disclaimer
A medical professional did not write this article. If you are experiencing persistent pains during your menstrual period, please visit a doctor as soon as possible.
