Painful sensations, discomfort, and cramps during periods are common for many women all over the world. Some women can experience so severe pain that it interferes with their activities. They have to skip work or school and stay at home.
Severe pain during your periods is called dysmenorrhea. This condition is divided into two types, primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea means that the pain during your periods is not caused by any underlying disease.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is a pain that is complicated by an underlying medical condition. Women with secondary dysmenorrhea usually experience more severe symptoms that are not easy to eliminate. It is important to undergo timely and proper treatment because some diseases can lead to serious complications.
Despite the fact that painful crumps are quite common, many women tend to suffer and endure. However, there are a lot of safe ways to eliminate or at least reduce painful sensations. In this article, we gathered seven simple tips on how to ease pain during your periods.
Table of Contents
1. Take OTC pain medications
Over the counter painkillers are considered one of the most simple ways to relieve severe pain and cramps during menstruation. It is much better for your body to take pain medication and reduce painful sensations than suffer from unbearable cramps.
However, it is important to take only the recommended dosage. The reality is that overdose can lead to unpleasant consequences. Moreover, if you can’t live without painkillers and take them several times a day, this is alarming. In this case, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Almost all painkillers provide the same result. But you should be careful and discuss all the medication you take with your doctor. Some components of pain medication may cause an allergic reaction or be incompatible with other drugs you may also take.
2. Use a warmer
The use of a warmer or a heating pad can also relieve your pain during periods. In order to avoid negative consequences, make sure the warmer is not too hot. If you don’t have a warmer or heating pad, you can take a plastic bottle and fill it is warm water. Place the warmer on your pelvic area in leave it there for 20-30 minutes.
You can also take a warm shower or bath. It would be beneficial not only in terms of relieving pain, but warm wared also have a relaxing and calming effect. If you prefer a warm bath, make sure that you use a tampon. It prevents chemicals and bacteria from penetration into your vagina.
3. Exercise
Despite the fact that you may avoid any physical activity during your periods because of severe cramps, exercising can be extremely beneficial. Exercising helps improve your blood circulation. Moreover, it boosts the production of endorphins. Endorphins are the chemicals that have a lot of benefits. They interact with receptors in your brain that decrease your perception of painful sensation.
Endorphins are often called “feel-good” chemicals. This means that thy can also improve your mood. It is a beneficial property since many women are in bed mood during their periods. There is no reason to torture yourself with power training or marathons. A little warm-up or jogging will be enough.
4. Take vitamins
Intake of vitamin B6 and magnesium can be beneficial to women that suffer from severe menstrual cramps. There is a huge number of different vitamin complexes that can facilitate pain during periods. However, you should consult with your gynecologist before taking them.
You can also receive the necessary amount of vitamins with the help of a healthy diet. Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins and fiber that can improve your health and well-being. Try to include more healthy food into your diet before the periods to ease your painful sensations.
5. Try yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation can ease your pain as well. The reality is that yoga is a physical activity that has the same benefits as exercising. In addition, yoga also helps relax the muscles of your pelvic area. To stay on the safe side, it is better to choose simple poses that don’t require special skills.
Meditation will help you concentrate on your pain and get rid of it. Take a comfortable position (sitting in the lotus position is not necessary) and listen to your body. You can also add aromatherapy to enhance the effect of meditation.
6. Have sex
Some people think that having sex during periods is unacceptable and disgusting. But the reality is that sex also helps relieve pain. You should know that orgasm enhances the production of endorphins. Moreover, sex relaxes and provides you with pleasant emotions. In order to keep your shits clean, you can take a warm shower and lay a towel on the bed.
7. Take hormonal contraception
Many women who take hormonal contraception report that their cramps during menstruation became less severe. Birth control pills include hormones that suppress ovulation. This significantly reduces painful sensations during periods. In addition, hormonal contraception can ease the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). However, you should understand that only a doctor can choose an appropriate type of birth control pills after examinations and tests.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that pain during your periods can’t be considered normal. If you constantly suffer from severe cramps, you should visit your gynecologist. Ceratin medical conditions are not easy to diagnose at the regular check-up. That’s why it is important to tell your gynecologist about severe pain during periods. This can help your doctor evaluate your condition and suggest proper treatment.
