Can sexual activity alleviate dysmenorrhea?

Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 24, 2025
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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 Tao Zhong E
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The principle of dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea generally refers to lower abdominal pain during menstruation. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea involves no substantive lesions; that is, no problems can be identified through examinations, yet menstrual pain occurs. This type is generally due to internal inflammatory factors and pain mediators, such as an increased secretion of prostaglandins, making the pain more pronounced. Secondary dysmenorrhea generally refers to organic lesions, such as adenomyosis or endometrial cysts. In these cases, noticeable menstruation pain also occurs due to organic lesions leading to an increased secretion of pain mediators.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if menstrual cramps are very painful?

In cases of severe menstrual pain, it is crucial to strictly keep warm and to avoid eating or touching cold items. You can also opt for heat therapy, such as using a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen or soaking feet in hot water. This can quickly relieve contractions and spasms of the uterine smooth muscle, and swiftly ease the symptoms of painful menstruation. Some people’s menstrual pain is related to inflammation, and others might suffer from conditions such as adenomyosis or endometriosis. These cases require regular check-ups and treatment.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to quickly relieve menstrual pain?

If the symptoms of dysmenorrhea are severe, to quickly alleviate the pain, it is essential to keep warm strictly. You can use a hot water bottle to apply heat to the lower abdomen or soak your feet in warm water. Heat therapy generally quickly relieves the pain caused by the contraction of the uterine smooth muscle and spasms. If necessary, painkillers can be used for treatment, although painkillers have side effects, such as gastrointestinal damage. If you have noticeable symptoms of dysmenorrhea, you should have regular physical examinations to determine if it is related to pelvic inflammation. Some cases are due to conditions like adenomyosis or endometriosis, and targeted treatments can be performed.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does dysmenorrhea affect pregnancy?

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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can I drink milk tea if I have menstrual cramps?

It is generally not recommended to drink milk tea during menstrual cramps. This is because milk tea contains some caffeine, and drinking caffeine during menstrual cramps can easily induce anxiety and irritability in women, which aggravates the symptoms of menstrual pain. It also consumes some of the energy stored in the body and affects metabolism. Additionally, tea contains tannic acid, and during menstruation, when a woman's blood hemoglobin levels are low, drinking milk tea can hinder the absorption of iron from food, which can exacerbate anemia. Furthermore, some dairy products in milk tea, such as cream, cheese, and cultured milk, can disrupt the balance of trace elements in the body and are factors that aggravate menstrual cramps. Therefore, it is not advised to drink milk tea during menstrual cramps.