How to relieve severe menstrual cramps during the period

Menstrual pain is mainly divided into two types: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. If the pain is severe, it is important to pay attention to daily care and follow medical advice regarding general treatments, medication, or surgical interventions to help relieve symptoms.

1. General Treatment

Primary dysmenorrhea may be caused by excessive prostaglandin levels in the endometrium, shedding of large pieces of endometrial tissue, or poor menstrual outflow. It is recommended to rest adequately, stay warm, drink hot soups, and apply local heat therapy, which can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Medication

If primary dysmenorrhea is confirmed, oral analgesics may be prescribed under medical supervision when necessary. Commonly used medications include ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules. Alternatively, contraceptive pills may be taken to suppress ovulation and relieve symptoms.

3. Surgical Treatment

For secondary dysmenorrhea caused by cervical stenosis, cervical dilation may be performed as directed by a physician. For cases caused by endometriosis or adenomyosis, if the patient desires future fertility, focal lesion resection may be an option. In persistent cases of primary or secondary dysmenorrhea where the patient does not wish to have children, hysterectomy may be considered.

If the pain is severe, prompt evaluation at a hospital gynecology department is recommended. Besides the above treatments, other options such as spinal manipulation, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) may also be available. The specific treatment plan should be determined according to a physician's recommendations.