Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by an underlying condition such as a reproductive disease, a structural abnormality, or an contraceptive device.The type of menstrual pain that you experience is more severe than the one caused by your period alone.It can be difficult to determine if the pain you are experiencing is caused by primary or secondary dysmenorrhea without a medical exam.There are some signs that can help you determine if you have secondary dysmenorrhea.
Step 1: It's a good idea to think about when you get sick.
Women with secondary dysmenorrhea may experience a few days of nausea before their period.Past the end of the period, the cramps may last longer than normal.If you have primary dysmenorrhea, you can experience some pains as early as one or two days before your period begins.They should not last past the end of your period.
Step 2: Rate your pain.
Over time, you may have noticed an increase in the severity of your menstrual cramps and this could be a symptom of secondary dysmenorrhea.For example, if you had mild cramps as a teenager, they might have become more severe as an adult.Mild to severe pain from primary dysmenorrhea is possible.The pain can be found in the abdomen, lower back, and thighs.
Step 3: Along with your cramps, note other symptoms.
Women with primary dysmenorrhea often complain of other symptoms.Women with secondary dysmenorrhea may not experience other symptoms.Vomiting nausea fatigue is a symptom that may indicate that you are experiencing primary dysmenorrhea.
Step 4: There are symptoms of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue grows outside of the uterus.The tissue may spread to other parts of your body.Pain when you have sex can also be a symptom of this condition.It can be painful when you have a bowel movement or urinate.Between periods there can be excessive bleeding.Infertility.Other less serious symptoms include nausea and fatigue.
Step 5: Look for signs of adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis is a condition that causes the uterus to grow too deep.This can cause an enlarged uterus, painful periods, and other symptoms.Some women with adenomyosis have no symptoms, but they may have periods that are heavy or that last a long time.Stabbing pain in your body.It gets worse as you get older.There is pain during sex.You pass blood clot during your period.An enlarged uterus causes swelling in your abdomen.
Step 6: Symptoms of the disease can be seen.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can be caused by a sexually transmitted disease and can cause infections of a woman's reproductive organs.This condition can cause pain.Pelvic pain is one of the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease.There was a lot of achy skin.There is a smell coming from your vagina.During sex, there can be pain and/or bleeding.A burning sensation when urinating.Between your periods, bleeding.
Step 7: Look for symptoms of a narrowing of the neck.
The opening of the cervix can be narrower than normal.Some women who are past menopause have no symptoms.Not having a period is one of the symptoms of cervical stenosis.There are painful periods.Bleeding between periods is abnormal.Infertility.There is a bulge in the uterus that causes a lump.
Step 8: There are signs of fibroids.
There are tumors in the uterus.They cause no symptoms.Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by tumors, cysts, and malformations, which is why it is important to talk to your gynecologist if you have a sudden onset of severe or ongoing menstruation.Bleeding heavily during your period is one of the symptoms of uterine fibroids.There is a feeling of being full in your lower abdomen.Iterating frequently.Experiencing pain during sex.There is pain in your back.It can be difficult to give birth or have a caesarean section.Being infertile is rare.
Step 9: IUDs can cause secondary dysmenorrhea.
IUDs can cause secondary dysmenorrhea.If you have a birth control device that is causing you pain, talk to your gynecologist.Other types of IUDs are less likely to cause pain.
Step 10: Make an appointment with your doctor.
Make an appointment with a gynecologist if you suspect that you are having menstrual pain because of secondary dysmenorrhea.If you have a serious medical problem that requires prompt treatment, secondary dysmenorrhea can be a sign.
Step 11: Provide a detailed health history.
A thorough health history and questions about your current condition will be taken by your gynecologist.Honest answers to these questions are important.When did you have your first period?What time did your symptoms start?Does anything make your symptoms worse?How is the pain affecting you?Is it interfering with your daily activities?
Step 12: Go for a physical exam.
Your doctor will need to do a physical exam after you have taken a health history.As part of the exam, your doctor will look at your vagina, vulvar, and cervix to see if there are any problems.Your doctor will look at your abdomen for signs of swelling.Depending on the findings of the exam, your doctor may decide to run a blood test.Your doctor can use the additional information provided by these tests to make a diagnosis.
Step 13: Have you noticed a red flag?
You should tell your doctor about the symptoms if they indicate a serious problem.If you have had a sudden onset of pain that doesn't go away, a swollen vaginal discharge, or heavy menses, call or visit your doctor right away.