Does dysmenorrhea affect pregnancy?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Whether dysmenorrhea affects pregnancy cannot be generalized. Dysmenorrhea can be divided into primary dysmenorrhea, which is physiological, and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to cases where there are no pathological changes in the female reproductive organs, and the pain is solely due to uterine contractions during menstruation, commonly seen in adolescent girls. Moreover, conditions such as adenomyosis, severe uterine fibroids, and endometriosis can also cause pain and are associated with changes in the uterus, which can affect pregnancy. However, primary, functional dysmenorrhea generally does not impact the ability to conceive. Thus, whether dysmenorrhea affects pregnancy depends on the specific circumstances.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is the cause of having many blood clots during painful menstruation?

During the menstrual period, the appearance of dysmenorrhea and more blood clots is often due to blood stasis within the body. Some Chinese patent medicines that invigorate the blood and dispel stasis can be used for conditioning. Additionally, some Chinese medicinal ingredients can be used for treatment. It is appropriate to consume some goji berries and longan, which have the effects of invigorating blood, dispelling stasis, and promoting blood circulation. These can greatly help in reducing excessive menstrual blood clots. Normally, drink more water and pay more attention to exercising. Avoid sexual intercourse during the menstrual period. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can sexual activity alleviate dysmenorrhea?

Sexual activity can alleviate menstrual pain. The reason sexual activity can alleviate menstrual pain to some extent is that during the process of enjoying sex, the excitement of the cerebral cortex and the pleasurable sensations from the nervous system guide our body, thereby releasing some well-known hormones and chemicals. Having sexual activity a few days before the onset of menstruation can create a reserve of mental pleasure, putting the body in a relaxed state. This releases the muscle tension associated with the habitual fear of menstruation, so the pain during menstruation will not be as pronounced. Furthermore, sexual activity can promote indirect movement of the uterus, thereby regulating the flow of Qi and blood and improving the circulation of Qi and blood.

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Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to regulate menstrual pain caused by a cold uterus?

For menstrual pain due to a cold uterus, the commonly used gynecological formula "Wen Jing Tang" is typically selected. Wen Jing Tang is a standard formula for regulating menstruation and is generally used for cold uterus and painful menstruation due to a deficiency-cold in the Ren and Chong meridians with blood stasis. Its main ingredients include Evodia, Ophiopogon, Cinnamon Twig, Angelica, Chuanxiong, Peony, Moutan Bark, Donkey-hide Gelatin, Ginseng, Licorice, Pinellia, and Ginger. If there is severe cold pain in the lower abdomen, Moutan Bark and Ophiopogon are removed and Artemisia leaves are added, or Cinnamon is used instead of Cinnamon Twig to enhance the effect of dispelling cold and relieving pain. If there is abdominal distension, Cyperus and Lindera are added.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What to drink for menstrual pain?

Women experiencing menstrual cramps can drink some hot soup, brown sugar water, or ginger sugar water. Additionally, using a heating pad can help warm the uterus. Drinking a cup of hot milk before bedtime during the menstrual period can also aid in sleep and alleviate symptoms of menstrual pain. Menstrual pain is a common gynecological condition among women, occurring before, after, or during menstruation, characterized by lower abdominal pain, a feeling of heaviness accompanied by lower back pain or other discomforts. Severe cases can impact the quality of life. During menstruation, women should maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid staying up late, eat a light diet, and refrain from consuming spicy or stimulating foods. Consumption of cold and chilled foods should be avoided, and additional care should be taken to keep the lower abdomen warm.

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Is it normal to have painful periods?

Dysmenorrhea is generally abnormal. Under normal circumstances, if menstruation involves ovulation, there may be slight discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation, which is considered normal. If dysmenorrhea is present and tends to worsen over time, this condition usually indicates the possibility of endometriosis. In such cases, it is essential to visit a hospital for a color ultrasound and a CA125 blood test to confirm if the pain is caused by endometriosis, and treatment should be based on the diagnostic results. Furthermore, if dysmenorrhea is caused by a cold uterus, symptoms might include pain accompanied by a cold sensation in the lower abdomen and cold extremities. In this case, it is typically necessary to take medicine that warms the meridians, dispels cold, and alleviates pain in the uterus. If dysmenorrhea is due to qi stagnation and blood stasis, one can take medicine that promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain in the meridians. Therefore, dysmenorrhea is not normal.