Treatments for dysmenorrhea: remedies, natural, physiotherapy and alternative

The treatment for primary dysmenorrhea can be done with pain medication, in addition to the birth control pill, but in case of secondary dysmenorrhea, surgery may be necessary.

In any case, there are natural, homemade and alternative strategies that help to control pain and discomfort, making life easier for women, such as exercising, using a bag of warm water over their wombs, and preferring or avoiding certain foods.

Below are some possible ways to treat this severe menstrual cramping.

Dysmenorrhea remedies

The remedies that the gynecologist will be able to indicate to fight the intense menstrual colic, after being diagnosed this alteration, can be:

• Analgesic medications , such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen, which work by blocking the production of prostaglandins having an effect against pain and inflammation; Antispasmodic remedies, such as Atroveran or Buscopan, for example, to decrease menstrual cramps; Remedies that decrease menstrual flow, such as Meloxicam, Celecoxib, Rofecoxib Oral contraceptive pill.

Both painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic drugs should be taken a few hours before or at the very beginning of menstrual cramps, in order to have the expected effect. In the case of the pill, it should be taken according to the instructions on the label, because they vary between 21 and 24 days, with a pause of 4 or 7 days between each pack.

When dysmenorrhea is secondary, and it happens because there is some disease in the pelvic region, the gynecologist may recommend other medications that are more suitable. In case of endometriosis, surgery may be necessary to remove excess endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and if an IUD is used, it must be removed as soon as possible.

Physiotherapy for dysmenorrhea

Physiotherapy can also be a good option to control the intense menstrual cramps caused by primary dysmenorrhea, with features such as:

• Use of heat, which will stimulate blood supply, relax the muscles and relieve the impact of uterus contractions; Massage therapy on the abdomen and back, using kneading or friction techniques that soothe, improve circulation and relax the muscles; Pelvic exercises which stretch the muscles, promoting relaxation and relieving pain; Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation, TENS, in which through the placement of electrodes in the lumbar and pelvic region, an electrical current is emitted that does not cause pain and which stimulates nerve endings, relieving pain and colic.

This type of treatment can be useful to decrease or even stop the pain of primary dysmenorrhea, and are also a good way to complement the treatment indicated by the doctor, in case of secondary dysmenorrhea. To find out the differences between these two types of the disease, see: What is dysmenorrhea, and how to end it.

Natural treatment for dysmenorrhea

Natural treatment can be done with homemade measures such as:

• Place a hot water bag on the belly; Rest, placing the belly down against a pillow to compress it; Decrease the consumption of salt and sodium-rich foods, such as sausages and canned foods; Eat more dairy products, dark vegetables, soybeans, bananas, beets, oats, cabbage, zucchini, salmon or tuna; Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, chocolate, black tea and soft drinks such as coca cola; Avoid alcoholic beverages.

A great home remedy for dysmenorrhea is to drink oregano tea, placing 2 teaspoons of oregano in 1 cup of boiling water, capping and letting it stand for 5 minutes, drinking it about 2 to 3 times a day.

Alternative treatment for dysmenorrhea

As an alternative treatment to relieve severe menstrual cramps, reflex massage, Ayurvedic massage or shiatsu can be used. But acupuncture, which consists of placing needles in key points on the body, it may also be possible to decrease menstrual pain and regulate the menstrual cycle, facilitating the woman's daily life.

These alternative treatment strategies can be performed at any stage of the menstrual cycle, but they also relieve pain during menstruation, but they are not always enough to replace taking the medications indicated by the gynecologist.

Is it possible to get pregnant with dysmenorrhea?

Primary dysmenorrhea, has no definite cause, and does not hinder pregnancy and therefore the woman is able to conceive naturally if she has sex, but in case of secondary dysmenorrhea, as there may be significant pelvic changes, and therefore it can be more difficult for women get pregnant naturally. In any case, menstrual pains subside long after pregnancy, but why this happens is not yet well defined.