Causes of severe menstrual pain and its impact on IVF preparation – Menstrual pain and the line between normal and abnormal.
Extremely painful menstruation. Is this just a characteristic of the body or a warning sign of underlying health problems? Many patients today are concerned about the causes of severe menstrual pain when preparing for IVF, as the success of the procedure depends on their overall health. The statistics are relentless, as almost every second woman experiences dysmenorrhea.
This condition is rarely limited to pain in the lower abdomen. The clinical picture is often much more complex. It is accompanied by a whole range of unpleasant symptoms. Weakness, nausea, dizziness. Sometimes vomiting or complete loss of appetite occurs. The abdomen becomes bloated. Often, the temperature rises, and pronounced vegetative and emotional disorders appear. All this greatly affects the quality of life.
The main causes of painful menstruation
In medicine, severe pain in the abdomen during menstruation is called dysmenorrhea. Specialists divide it into two main types: primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea
This type usually manifests itself a couple of years after the onset of the first menstruation. As a rule, the pain in primary dysmenorrhea is short-lived. It is moderate and does not radically disrupt the usual rhythm of life. However, it can be different. The intensity of the pain can increase over the years and be accompanied by new symptoms.
The exact causes of primary dysmenorrhea are not fully understood. Doctors associate it with a complex of factors.
Excessive production of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause active contraction of the uterus.
Psycho-emotional state. High levels of stress and emotional overload often increase the perception of pain.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
This type of pathology is caused by organic changes. The problems lie in the reproductive system and pelvic organs. Secondary dysmenorrhea is more common in patients over 30 years of age. The pain syndrome here is caused by specific diseases.
Several factors are among the main causes. Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs. Endometriosis. Ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids. The use of an intrauterine device can also be a cause. The mechanism of pain here is associated with poor blood circulation. Smooth muscle spasms and inflammatory reactions in the tissues occur.
Why does nausea occur during menstruation?
Nausea during this period is a very common complaint. In most cases, it is normal. It is associated with physiological changes in the body and does not require emergency medical intervention. But it is important to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Hormonal fluctuations. An increase in prostaglandin levels not only causes uterine contractions. It also affects the tone of the stomach and intestinal muscles, causing nausea.
Serotonin surges. Changes in the level of this neurotransmitter can cause mood swings. It can also cause physical symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.
Anatomical factors. The enlarged uterus before menstruation sometimes puts pressure on neighbouring organs. The intestines and stomach suffer, causing discomfort.
Exacerbation of gastrointestinal problems. Menstruation can serve as a trigger. Chronic diseases of the digestive system are exacerbated.
Premenstrual syndrome. Nausea is often part of the complex of PMS symptoms, along with headaches and fatigue.
Intense uterine spasms. Strong pain impulses from contractions can affect the nerve centers. This reflexively causes the gag reflex.
Important If nausea becomes unbearable, accompanied by vomiting or fainting, you cannot wait. In this case, a visit to the gynaecologist is mandatory.
What to do in case of severe pain syndrome
You cannot endure severe pain. In case of severe dysmenorrhea, you need to make an appointment with a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. This will definitely include an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. The specialist will analyze your lifestyle to identify the causes of discomfort. Extended laboratory tests may be required.
Treatment tactics are always individual. They depend on the root cause of the pain.
Drug therapy. This includes taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. Hormonal contraceptives are also used to correct the background.
Physiotherapy methods. The use of dry heat, electrostimulation, and other procedures helps to relax the muscles.
Surgical treatment. Used in situations where serious pathologies are identified. For example, fibroids or large cysts that require surgery.
Prevention and recommendations for improving well-being
In addition to the main treatment, there are other measures. Experts recommend following a number of simple rules. They will help reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Quality sleep. Ensure you get a good night's rest. Fatigue only intensifies pain.
Balance physical activity. If you have a sedentary job, you need to move more. This will help avoid blood stagnation in the pelvis. If you are involved in strenuous sports, it is better to reduce the load during menstruation.
Dietary adjustments. Avoid strict diets. Your diet should be balanced and rich in vitamins. Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can increase cramps.
Regular checkups. Visit your gynecologist at least once a year. This will ensure that any hidden problems are detected in a timely manner.
Features of preparing for IVF with painful menstruation
Are you planning to undergo IVF in vitro fertilisation? And do you suffer from painful menstruation? Consultation with a reproductive specialist is a mandatory step.
Severe dysmenorrhea is often not just a symptom. It is a marker of serious abnormalities in the reproductive system. For example, external genital endometriosis. Such conditions can directly interfere with pregnancy. They reduce the effectiveness of the IVF protocol.
Before entering the IVF protocol, it is recommended to take several steps.
Undergo an in-depth gynaecological examination. Have a detailed ultrasound and take extensive hormone tests.
Identify and treat any diseases. Endometriosis, inflammation, or fibroids must be eliminated before stimulation begins.
Consult with your doctor about medications. The list of painkillers must be safe. They should not harm the quality of the eggs or the preparation of the endometrium.
Follow lifestyle recommendations. Nutrition, sleep, and moderate exercise will help minimise inflammation.
Timely diagnosis and competent therapy are the keys to success. Make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Natuvitro reproductive medicine clinic. Our specialists will help you find the true causes of dysmenorrhea. We will develop a treatment plan and prepare your body for IVF.
FAQ Frequently asked questions
1. Can painful menstruation cause infertility? Pain itself does not cause infertility. However, it is often a symptom of diseases that prevent conception, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. That is why it is important to find the cause of the pain before IVF.
2. Can I take painkillers during the IVF protocol if my period starts? The use of any medication must be strictly agreed with your reproductive specialist. Some drugs can affect the ovulation process. Your doctor will select safe painkillers for you.
3. Do painful periods always indicate a disease? No, not always. Primary dysmenorrhea may be related to sensitivity and hormone levels. There are no organic pathologies in this case. However, only a doctor can distinguish between normal and abnormal.
4. Will childbirth help get rid of menstrual pain? There is a belief that pain disappears after childbirth. Indeed, in many women, the uterus changes position. Hormonal levels are rebalanced. This can reduce pain. But this is not guaranteed. You should not endure pain while waiting for childbirth; it needs to be treated.
Poppy Watt