Most women experience menstrual pain, and it is not an alarming issue when the pain is mild or manageable. Although menstrual pain is quite normal, severe pain can be an indicator of underlying health-related problems like endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Any neglect may even provoke severe struggles and adversely affect your quality.

Dr. Meenakshi at Pelvic Clinic outlines why you should learn about menstrual pain and get medical help as soon as possible to safeguard your reproductive wellness. So, why can severe menstrual pain not be overlooked, and what should be looked out for to be aware of?

Menstrual Pain: What is Normal and What is Not?

The pain during monthly periods, or dysmenorrhea, is experienced by most women. In most patients, it is mild to moderate and can be treated through over-the-counter pain medication or lifestyle modifications like exercise, heat, or diet.

But when the menstrual pain is intense enough to disrupt day-to-day activities, cause nausea, vomiting, or even fainting, it is an indicator that there is something more serious happening. Such pains have been referred to as sharp, chronic, or progressively increasing and should be assessed by a professional.

Common Causes of Severe Menstrual Pain

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. This abnormal tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation.

Women with endometriosis often experience:

• Severe pelvic pain before and during periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Infertility issues

Because the symptoms can mimic other conditions, many women delay seeking help. But ignoring endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain and permanent damage to reproductive organs.

2. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or on the uterus. They can vary in size and number, and while some women remain symptom-free, others experience intense menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and prolonged periods.

Fibroids can lead to:

• Anemia due to excessive bleeding
• Painful intercourse
• Pressure on the bladder or bowel
• Complications during pregnancy

Ignoring fibroids could worsen symptoms and make treatment more complicated. Early diagnosis allows for more conservative treatment options.

3. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. While many cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, some can cause severe pain, especially if they rupture or cause ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary).

Symptoms include:

• Sharp or dull pelvic pain
• Bloating or swelling
• Pain during bowel movements or intercourse
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Ignoring painful ovarian cysts risks cyst rupture or ovarian damage, potentially requiring emergency surgery.

Why Ignoring Severe Menstrual Pain Is Risky?

Effect on Everyday Life

Disease in severe menstrual pain can disrupt work, education, and social life, and also affect mental health. Frequently being in discomfort, women can miss some essential things, or even feel like losers. Constant pain also impacts the sleeping and general energy levels.

Incorrect Diagnosis and Treatment

Omitting symptoms postpones diagnosis of the disease, such as endometriosis, fibroids, as well as ovarian cysts. Diagnosis of these disorders at an early stage is essential to at least treat them and prevent other risks of infertility, chronic pain, or invasive surgeries.

Fertility Concerns

Fertility is usually affected by conditions that lead to such excruciating pains during menstrual periods. As an example, the untreated endometriosis may result in the scarring or destruction of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. A fibroid can disturb the implantation of the embryo. This is because when reproductive health is intervened in early, it is possible to maintain it.

Chance of Complications

Certain origins of great pain can come in the form of life-threatening emergencies in case not attended to. An example is that when the ovarian cyst ruptures, it can result in internal bleeding, which may need urgent surgery. In some cases, fibroids may become big, causing urinary or bowel obstruction.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following alongside severe menstrual pain, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly:

• Pain that worsens over time or does not improve with usual painkillers
• Menstrual bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons every hour for several hours
• Pain interfering with work, school, or daily life
• Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or dizziness
• Difficulty urinating or bowel movements during menstruation
• Infertility concerns

Take Responsibility for Your Health Now

Problems with severe menstrual pain are not a disaster that should be kept secret or should be bottled up. It is the warning of your body telling you that something is out. There is no reason to delay. If you or someone you love is having severe or PMS-like increasing menstrual pain, do not wait.

Book your appointment with Dr. Meenakshi at Pelvic Clinic, the place where the care of experts meets warm care. Working together, you will discover the cause of your pain and learn about effective treatment outcomes to put you back to a healthy, pain-free life.

Contact Pelvic Clinic today and start to enter a better menstrual health.