Does dysmenorrhea affect fertility?

Many women have regular menstrual cycles, yet numerous female friends dread the arrival of their periods—primarily because each month brings significant discomfort, with dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) being the main culprit. Dysmenorrhea is neither trivial nor negligible; gaining a deeper understanding of it can greatly aid in both prevention and treatment. So, does dysmenorrhea affect fertility?

Does Dysmenorrhea Affect Fertility?

Severe dysmenorrhea may impair fertility. Its underlying causes are often serious—for instance, uterine developmental abnormalities such as a septate uterus or unicornuate uterus. Disordered uterine contractions resulting from such structural anomalies can lead to painful menstruation. Clinically, a uterine septum can be resected via hysteroscopy, a procedure that typically preserves reproductive function. Additionally, if dysmenorrhea stems from endometriosis, approximately 40% of affected patients experience infertility; thus, prompt and active treatment of endometriosis is strongly recommended.

Dysmenorrhea is merely a clinical symptom; whether it affects fertility depends entirely on its underlying cause. If it arises from conditions such as endometriosis, uterine hypoplasia, endocrine disorders, intrauterine adhesions, cervical stenosis, or uterine fibroids, fertility may be compromised—though the extent of impact varies significantly among individuals. Conversely, dysmenorrhea triggered by environmental factors, dietary habits, or psychological stress generally does not impair fertility. Therefore, upon experiencing dysmenorrhea, women should first identify its root cause and then pursue targeted interventions. With timely and appropriate management, most women retain their ability to conceive.

We recommend that patients maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid cold exposure, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to enhance overall immunity. We hope this information proves helpful to you.