Painful Periods
Period pains can range widely in severity, and can also be made worse by certain conditions. At Welbeck, our consultant gynaecologists provide advanced treatments to help you feel at your best.
02036532008
Painful menstrual periods, medically known as dysmenorrhea, are common among women of reproductive age.
While mild to moderate menstrual pain and cramping is normal (around 60% of women will experience mild period cramps), around 5% to 15% of women report finding their period pain so severe that it impacts their normal activities.
Managing day-to-day life with severe period pains can be exhausting and frustrating. Thankfully, there are treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms and also manage any conditions that could be making them worse.
At Welbeck, our consultant gynaecologists are committed to treating women affected by painful periods and the associated conditions. They can also provide fast access to referrals to other specialities should you need them, ensuring you receive the best care as quickly as possible.
What are the conditions associated with a painful period?
Period pains occur when your uterus (womb) contracts just before and during your period.
Several conditions can make these cramps more painful, including:
- endometriosis or adenomyosis – this is where uterine tissue grows in other places
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal condition that can cause irregular or missed periods
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- fibroids – benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in and around the uterus
Period pain and endometriosis
If you have endometriosis, pieces of uterine tissue grow outside of your uterus (womb). When you have your period, these pieces of tissue bleed, which can cause swelling, scarring, heavy bleeding and pain. With endometriosis, you may experience severe menstrual cramps as well as abdominal or back pain during your period and in between periods, pain during sex and pain when pooping or peeing.
Period pain and PCOS
With PCOS, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) can develop on the ovaries due to hormonal imbalances. When cysts become large or rupture, they can cause sharp, severe pain during menstruation, which may radiate into your back or lower abdomen. PCOS can also cause irregular or missed periods, which can result in heavier, more painful periods.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is caused by an infection in the female reproductive system. It causes inflammation in the reproductive organs, including the uterus, which can lead to heavier, more painful periods. It can also cause bleeding between periods. If you have PID, you may also experience pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis, which can worsen cramping and increase overall discomfort during menstruation.
Period pain and fibroids
Fibroids are benign growths that develop in and around the uterus. They can increase the surface area of the uterine lining that is shed during a period, which can result in increased pelvic pressure, heavier blood flow with clots and painful period cramps.
What effect can contraception have on period pain?
Contraceptives such as the pill and IUD can be effective in reducing period pains. This is due to their effect on your hormone levels, which can help to manage conditions like endometriosis.
Period pain and the pill
The combined pill is often prescribed to women who experience severe period pain. The combination of oestrogen and progesterone in the pill limits endometrial growth and inhibits ovulation. Over time, this causes the lining of your uterus to become thinner, so your periods become lighter, and you have fewer uterine contractions, resulting in less intense cramping and pain.
Period pain and IUDs
Interuterine devices (IUDs) are also commonly offered to women with severe period pains. Working similarly to the pill, an IUD causes the uterine lining to become thinner, which results in lighter, less painful periods.
Some women who have an IUD fitted find that their periods stop altogether after a year or 2. However, it’s important to know that an IUD can make your periods heavier and more painful initially, but this usually improves within a few months.
Painful period relief and treatment
If you’re experiencing severe period pain, you’ve likely tried all the at-home tricks from applying heat packs to your tummy to taking over-the-counter painkillers. But remember, your period shouldn’t cause you so much pain that you can’t do your normal activities.
If you're experiencing severe period pain, make an appointment with a Welbeck consultant, who will be able to identify the cause of your painful periods and recommend the most effective treatment.
Private medical treatments for period pain include:
Period pain medication
Our consultants can prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate your symptoms and also manage some conditions associated with severe period pains.
If you’re affected by PID, your consultant may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and reduce the inflammation caused.
So you can start your treatment straight away, the Welbeck pharmacy is conveniently located on-site.
Contraceptives
If appropriate, your consultant may recommend a form of contraception to help manage your symptoms. Within our Women’s Health Clinic, we offer private coil insertion and removal to provide you with a rapid and efficient service.
Surgery
In some fibroid, endometriosis and PID cases, surgery may be required. If this is recommended, your consultant will discuss what is involved, taking into account your condition, health and individual needs.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the treatment and care you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Book your private consultation
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How to tell if your period pain is normal?
Mild to moderate cramps are normal, especially at the start of your period. If the pain is severe, constant, or interferes with daily life, we recommend making an appointment with one of our specialists.
What causes period pain?
Period pain is caused by the contraction of the uterus before and during your period. Certain conditions, including endometriosis, PCOS, PID and fibroids, can make period pain more severe.
How long should period pain last?
Period pains normally last 2 to 3 days, starting before or at the beginning of your period. If it lasts longer or worsens, we advise booking an appointment with a specialist.
Why is my period pain getting worse?
Worsening pain could be due to hormonal changes or conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. If you’re experiencing changes in your period symptoms, make an appointment to see one of our specialists.