Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Assess Symptoms
• Method 2 of 3: Identify possible causes of pain
• Method 3 of 3: Get medical attention

Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by menstrual cramps due to an underlying medical condition, such as a reproductive system disorder, chromosomal rearrangements, or an intrauterine device (IUD). This type of menstrual pain is usually much worse and lasts longer than normal menstrual pain. Without a physical examination, it can be difficult to determine if your pain is caused by primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. However, there are some signs that can tell if your menstrual pain is due to secondary dysmenorrhea.

Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Assess Symptoms

1. 1 Think back to when the pains arose. In women with secondary dysmenorrhea, pain may begin several days before the menstrual cycle. These pains can also last longer than normal menstrual pains, and the woman may feel them even after her menstrual cycle ends.
   • Pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea can begin 1–2 days before the onset of the menstrual cycle and last from several hours to several days. However, when the menstrual cycle ends, they should go away.
2. 2 Assess the degree of pain. Are your menstrual pains worse? If so, then it may also indicate that your pain is caused by secondary dysmenorrhea. For example, if in adolescence the pain was relatively minor, but over the years it has become much stronger.
   • The pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea can be mild or acute. Typically, pain occurs in the abdomen, lower back, and hips.
3. 3 Pay attention to other symptoms that accompany the pain. Women who suffer from menstrual cramps due to primary dysmenorrhea often complain of other symptoms as well. However, women with secondary dysmenorrhea may not have these symptoms. Symptoms that may indicate the presence of primary dysmenorrhea include:
   • nausea;
   • vomit;
   • fatigue;
   • diarrhea.

Method 2 of 3: Identify possible causes of pain

1. 1 Identify the symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. Cells can grow around the uterus and even spread to other parts of the abdomen. The main symptoms of this disease are severe pain during the menstrual cycle, which can last for several days. Other symptoms include the following:
   • pain during sex;
   • pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during your menstrual cycle;
   • heavy bleeding during your menstrual cycle or between cycles;
   • infertility;
   • other less serious symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, and fatigue.
2. 2 Identify the symptoms of adenomyosis (internal genital endometriosis). Adenomyosis is a condition in which endometrial cells grow too deep into the muscle tissue of the uterus. This can lead to an increase in the size of the uterus, pain during menstruation, and other symptoms. Some women with adenomyosis may not have any symptoms, while others may experience the following:
   • severe or prolonged pain during the menstrual cycle;
   • stabbing pain in the pelvis or severe cramping;
   • pain that gets worse with age;
   • pain during sex;
   • blood clots during the mensural cycle;
   • swelling in the abdomen due to an enlarged uterus.
3. 3 Beware of the symptoms of salpingitis (a condition that causes inflammation of the fallopian tubes). Salpingitis is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases. The disease itself leads to inflammation of the female genital organs. This condition can cause severe pain. Other symptoms of salpingitis include:
   • pain in the pelvis;
   • temperature increase;
   • foul-smelling vaginal discharge;
   • pain and / or bleeding during sex;
   • burning sensation while urinating;
   • bleeding between menstrual cycles.
4. 4 Beware of the symptoms of cervical stenosis. Cervical stenosis occurs when the opening of the cervix narrows. Some postmenopausal women may not have any symptoms with this condition. Symptoms of cervical stenosis include the following:
   • lack of a menstrual cycle;
   • severe pain during the menstrual cycle;
   • abnormal bleeding between menstrual cycles;
   • infertility;
   • swelling in the pelvis caused by a bulge in the uterus.
5. 5 Determine if there are symptoms of fibroids. A uterine fibroid is a muscle tumor that grows in the walls of the uterus. These tumors are usually benign and do not cause any symptoms. However, tumors, cysts and other anomalies can cause secondary dysmenorrhea, which is why it is so important to see a gynecologist if you have severe menstrual pain. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
   • profuse bleeding during the menstrual cycle;
   • Abdominal enlargement and / or heaviness in the lower abdomen;
   • frequent urination;
   • pain during sex;
   • back pain;
   • childbirth difficulties or repeated need for a caesarean section;
   • infertility (in rare cases).
6. 6 Note that IUDs can cause secondary dysmenorrhea. IUDs, or IUDs, can also cause secondary dysmenorrhea. If you have one of these contraceptives installed and you have severe pain because of it, we recommend that you contact your gynecologist immediately.
   • Copper intrauterine contraceptives are usually the cause of severe pain.

Method 3 of 3: Get medical attention

1. 1 Make an appointment with your gynecologist. If you think your menstrual pain is due to secondary dysmenorrhea, make an appointment with your gynecologist right away. Secondary dysmenorrhea may indicate the presence of a serious medical condition that needs immediate treatment.
2. 2 Provide a detailed medical history. Your gynecologist will review your medical history and ask you about your current state of health. Answer truthfully. For example, a doctor might ask the following questions:
   • At what age did you have your first period?
   • When did the symptoms start?
   • What makes the symptoms worse and what makes them worse?
   • How does pain affect your life? Does it interfere with your daily activities?
3. 3 Get physical diagnostics. After a doctor takes a close look at your medical history, he or she will examine you. During the diagnosis, your doctor will examine your vagina, external genitals, and cervix for any masses or abnormalities. The doctor will also examine the abdomen for swelling or swelling.
   • Depending on the result of the examination, the doctor will decide whether you should have a blood test and visual diagnostics. These tests will give the doctor more information that is needed to make a diagnosis.
4. 4 Share with your doctor any warning signs you notice. Some symptoms may indicate a serious problem, so be sure to tell your doctor about them. Call your doctor right away or make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
   • sudden pain;
   • pain that does not go away for a long time;
   • high temperature;
   • vaginal discharge;
   • swelling of the abdomen;
   • sudden heavy menstrual bleeding (this may be a symptom of a thyroid disorder).