Will taking contraceptive pills cause stomach pain during menstruation?
Mar 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
After taking contraceptive pills, menstrual periods usually do not cause abdominal pain. However, if menstrual cramps occur, they may be caused by physiological or pathological factors, such as gynecological diseases or primary dysmenorrhea, which require symptomatic treatment. Additionally, menstrual pain could result from inadequate warmth protection or conditions like adenomyosis. It is recommended to avoid getting cold during menstruation and to soak feet in warm water to help dispel coldness.
Generally, taking contraceptive pills should not cause abdominal pain during menstruation. However, menstrual pain may result from physiological or pathological factors, such as gynecological disorders or primary dysmenorrhea, which require symptomatic treatment.
I. Physiological Factors
Cold-induced blood stasis type of dysmenorrhea during menstruation is caused by exposure to cold, leading to poor blood circulation and blood stasis in the uterine cavity. This can be relieved by keeping the abdomen warm—for example, through heat application, moxibustion, or thermal therapy—to promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Gynecological Diseases
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition caused by active endometrial cells implanting outside the uterine lining. It is mainly characterized by progressively worsening menstrual pain, along with increased menstrual flow, prolonged periods, and painful intercourse. Treatment under medical guidance may include oral medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or indomethacin tablets.
2. Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea commonly occurs in young girls and is not associated with organic disease. It is primarily due to blocked meridians, causing menstrual blood to fail to discharge smoothly from the uterine cavity. This leads to excessive production of prostaglandins by the endometrium, resulting in uterine contractions. Symptomatic treatment under medical supervision may include oral administration of medications such as Fenbid tablets or Sanli analgesic tablets. In most cases, after marriage and childbirth, a woman's uterus becomes softer and more mature, and the pain usually improves.
In addition, inadequate warmth preservation or conditions such as adenomyosis may also contribute. It is recommended to avoid getting cold during menstruation. Soaking feet in warm water may help improve blood circulation and relieve cold accumulation.
