When a woman feels pain during the menstrual cycle, it’s often assumed that her period is causing discomfort. While many women experience some cramping with their periods, painful periods usually refer to extreme uterine or pelvic pain of unknown origin, known as Dysmenorrhea. The causes of Dysmenorrhea are not fully understood, but a lack of estrogen is believed to be the primary cause. Estrogen plays a role in dealing with prostaglandins – naturally occurring chemicals that help regulate the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, including the uterus. In addition, they trigger inflammation and can also induce nausea. If you have painful periods, an OB/GYN specializing in painful periods in Orlando can help you lead a more comfortable life. This article looks at some of the different causes of painful periods.

1. Endometriosis

One of the leading causes of painful periods is endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue that typically lines the uterus, known as endometrium, grows outside the uterus into surrounding reproductive organs. This can cause inflammation and scarring in these organs, which results in pain. Women with endometriosis are often prescribed drugs to help reduce estrogen levels, to help combat the overproduction of prostaglandins.

2. Fibroids

Another common cause of painful periods is fibroids. Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, are benign growths of the uterus which often go undetected until they cause pain or heavy bleeding. Although any woman can get them, women between 40 and 49 years old are five times more likely to develop these significantly sized tumors.

3. Leiomyoma

The third leading cause of painful periods is leiomyomas, also known as fibromyomas. These are benign growths that develop in the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Although they can be present at birth or during adolescence, they often start to grow after puberty and increase in number with age. They are more common among African-American women, who are at greater risk of developing these tumors than Caucasian women.

4. Uterine Cancer

Although rarer than the first three causes, uterine cancer can also cause painful periods. Uterine cancer usually develops later in life and is more common among women over 50. The symptoms for this condition often include vaginal bleeding between periods, discharge, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain.

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can be due to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, but it’s also often caused by other bacterial infections. Certain types of bacteria found in the vagina can spread into the cervix, traveling to the uterus and fallopian tubes. If left untreated, PID can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms of this condition include irregular bleeding, fever, and pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.

To summarize, many people mistake painful periods for period discomfort when it is, in fact, extreme uterine or pelvic pain. Most women experience period pain due to pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine cancer, and fibroids. Leiomyoma and endometriosis are also common causes of period pain. An OB/GYN can identify the cause of your period pain and recommend an ideal treatment.