Is sex helpful for dysmenorrhea?
Mar 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Sexual activity can be helpful for primary dysmenorrhea but is ineffective for secondary dysmenorrhea. In cases where dysmenorrhea results from a narrow hymenal opening or tight vaginal orifice causing obstructed menstrual flow and subsequent intense uterine contractions, sexual intercourse may rupture the hymen and loosen the vaginal opening, allowing menstrual blood to flow out more easily and thereby relieving menstrual pain. However, it does not provide relief for secondary dysmenorrhea.
Sexual activity can be helpful for primary dysmenorrhea, but it is ineffective for secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea requires treatment targeting its underlying causes to improve.
Dysmenorrhea is categorized into primary and secondary types. For women with primary dysmenorrhea caused by factors such as a narrow hymenal opening or tight vaginal opening leading to obstructed menstrual flow and resulting in intense uterine contractions, sexual activity may help. After intercourse, the hymen ruptures and the vaginal opening becomes looser, allowing menstrual blood to pass more easily during menstruation, thereby relieving menstrual pain.
However, for secondary dysmenorrhea caused by conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease, sexual activity does not improve these medical conditions and thus provides no relief. In fact, it may even lead to pain during intercourse.
When experiencing menstrual pain, it's important to keep warm during menstruation, get adequate rest, avoid cold or raw foods, and promptly seek medical evaluation to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
