Primary dysmenorrhea: This is a common complaint for young women but it's hard to be sure exactly how many are affected by it. Study results suggest somewhere in the range of 43 to 93 per cent of young women experience some form of dysmenorrhea, with 4 to 23 per cent reporting severe dysmenorrhea (PRODIGY 2006). Those severely affected may have to miss school or take time off work one or two days every month. Some girls find that their very first periods are painful. For others, periods gradually become painful during the six to twelve months following their first period (PRODIGY 2006). The pain is caused by an imbalance in the body's prostaglandins (chemicals which affect blood pressure and body temperature and make the womb contract).
Secondary dysmenorrhea: This tends to start later than primary dysmenorrhea, usually affecting women between the ages of 30 and 45 years (PRODIGY 2006). It is caused by an underlying problem, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is located outside the womb, but still bleeds on a monthly basis. Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by long-standing infection in the pelvis. Secondary dysmenorrhoea may also be caused by fibroids or an intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD), such as the coil. While it is important for doctors to treat these underlying problems, the pain associated with periods is treated in the same way as for primary dysmenorrhea.
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