Symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain caused by organic pelvic diseases. It is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal bloating, a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen, and dragging pain. The pain usually occurs before menstruation, peaks during the first half of the menstrual period, then gradually subsides and lasts until the end of menstruation. However, dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis may occur shortly after menarche. The onset of sexual activity may reduce the incidence of dysmenorrhea.
In daily life, neglecting genital hygiene and having overly frequent sexual activity may lead to local infections causing secondary dysmenorrhea. If not treated promptly, it can affect normal daily activities. So, what are the symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea?
Symptoms of Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain caused by organic diseases in the pelvic cavity. It is commonly accompanied by abdominal bloating, a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen, and radiating pain. Pain usually begins before menstruation, peaks during the first half of the period, then gradually subsides and continues until menstruation ends. However, in cases of endometriosis, painful periods may start shortly after menarche. The onset of sexual activity may reduce the incidence of dysmenorrhea.
Secondary dysmenorrhea typically develops several years after menarche, and symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. The main manifestations include lower abdominal distension and pain, a feeling of heaviness, with pain extending to the lower back, sacrum, thighs, and even feet. Abdominal pain starts before menstruation, peaks during the first week of the cycle, and then gradually decreases until the period ends. Over time, the duration of pain tends to lengthen, occurring not only during menstruation but also at other times in the cycle, and the intensity of pain progressively worsens.
In severe cases, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as headache, dizziness, pallor, and cold extremities. Additionally, accompanying symptoms are often related to the patient's primary condition. For example: 1) Endometriosis: patients often have painful intercourse, difficulty with bowel movements, infertility, and menstrual irregularities. 2) Adenomyosis: patients frequently present with increased menstrual bleeding, infertility, and uterine enlargement. Individuals experiencing these conditions should seek timely evaluation and treatment at a hospital’s gynecology department to prevent worsening of the disease. I hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
