The difference between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is divided into primary and secondary types, and the main difference lies in the cause and treatment. Primary dysmenorrhea is a functional problem, usually related to physiological reasons such as uterine contraction and excessive secretion of prostaglandins; secondary dysmenorrhea is mostly caused by pathological diseases such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, and the underlying cause of the disease needs to be focused on.

1. Causes and solutions for primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea usually occurs during adolescence and has no clear organic lesions. The main causes include:

-Excessive secretion of prostaglandins: This is the main cause of uterine cramps, resulting in severe abdominal pain and discomfort.

-Excessive uterine contractions: Uterine hypoxia and reduced blood flow are the direct source of pain.

- Emotional and stress factors: Anxiety or tension may increase sensitivity to pain.

Solution:

-Medical management: Analgesics such as ibuprofen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve pain and inhibit the production of prostaglandins.

-Dietary adjustment: Appropriate intake of foods rich in magnesium and vitamin B, such as nuts and bananas, can help relieve muscle tension.

-Physical therapy: Using a hot water bottle on the abdomen can increase blood flow to the uterus and help relieve cramping.

2. Causes and solutions for secondary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea usually occurs in adulthood and is mostly caused by organic diseases. Common causes include:

-Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing increased pain.

- Uterine fibroids: Fibroids compress surrounding tissues, causing dysmenorrhea and increased menstrual flow.

-Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease: Inflammatory irritation causes persistent lower abdominal pain.

Treatment:

-Medical treatment: Hormonal medications (such as birth control pills) can be taken to control the development of endometriosis, while chronic pelvic inflammatory infection can be treated with antibiotics.

-Surgical intervention: For severe endometriosis or fibroid problems, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be used to remove the diseased tissue.

-Professional diagnosis and management: If the symptoms of dysmenorrhea cannot be relieved, you need to seek medical attention in time. Ultrasound or other imaging examinations can be used to determine the cause.

3. How to distinguish between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea

-Primary dysmenorrhea usually begins after menarche and is often accompanied by cyclical pain, the intensity of which gradually decreases with age.

-Secondary dysmenorrhea often begins suddenly in adulthood, has a clear tendency to worsen, and may be accompanied by other abnormal menstrual manifestations, such as excessive menstrual flow and prolonged menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea affects the quality of life, but it can be greatly relieved through reasonable management. It is recommended that women who experience severe dysmenorrhea for the first time or who have long-term dysmenorrhea that has not been relieved should consult a gynecologist in time to rule out the potential causes of secondary dysmenorrhea and initiate targeted treatment.