Period Pain And Fertility
Period pain that’s part of your normal menstrual cycle will not affect your fertility. However, if the cause is a medical condition, this may affect your fertility.
For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and a build-up of tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
Then How Long Do Period Cramps Last Or How Many Days Do You Have Cramps Before Your Period
The menstrual cramps can come before, during or even after period. Usually, menstrual cramps come before and last one to two days before the period begins, called premenstrual cramps. In some cases, they can happen during the period. Sometimes, menstrual cramps come after period, though this is very rare.
As discussed above, severe cramps before period are likely accountable to the high level of prostaglandins. Suffering severe premenstrual cramps is a signal to show that your prostaglandins concentration is higher than usual, causing very painful contractions to occur. Depending on the level of prostaglandins in the body, the uterine muscle contractions may continue, which leads to ongoing menstrual cramps during the period.
While the level of prostaglandins needs blood test to be confirmed, there are other factors that affect the cramps and are much easier to see. They are emotional stresses, overweight or obese, frequently smoking or alcohol drinking, heavy bleeding, never been pregnant or had the first period at early age . Basically, women in above circumstances are more likely to experience menstrual cramps before period .
Signs Your Period Is About To Start
Physical changes that show you are entering puberty usually occur prior to beginning your period:
- Breast growth and tenderness
- Hair in the pubic area between the legs, as well as in the armpits
- Lower abdominal cramping, bloating or general discomfort
- White vaginal discharge
Certain experiences, like breast tenderness or cramping, may also appear again each month right before or during the week of your period.
Also Check: How To Tell When Your Period Is Over
How Long Period Pain Lasts
Period pain usually starts when your bleeding begins, although some women have pain several days before the start of their period.
The pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours, although it can last longer. It’s usually at its worst when your bleeding is heaviest.
Young girls often have period pain when they begin getting periods. Read more about starting periods.
Period pain that does not have an underlying cause tends to improve as a woman gets older. Many women also notice an improvement after they’ve had children.
Important Questions To Ask Yourself
To find out if you need extra help, Dr Manwaring recommends you ask yourself these five questions:
If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, talk to a trusted doctor about your painful periods.
Pain, heavy bleeding or other factors regarding your period that get in the way of you going about your life shouldn’t be suffered in silence.
If you’re finding your period hard to manage, you don’t need to go it alone. Help and effective treatments are available.
Also Check: How To Make Your Period Flow Heavier
Implantation Cramps Can Feel Exactly Like Menstrual Cramps
Your next period might not actually be a week away. It might be more like nine months away. The cramping you feel could be an early sign of pregnancy, also known as implantation cramping.
When a fertilized egg burrows into the lining of the uterus and sets up shop, the process is called implantation. This may cause some mild cramps, says Yvonne Bohn, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Santa Monica, California. “The uterus contracts in response to implantation and causes a sensation of cramping,” she says. These cramps feel very similar to menstrual cramps.
You might also experience some bleeding around this time, typically about 10-14 days after conception. Usually, the bleeding is lighter than what you’d experience during a regular period.
Is It Normal To Have Some Mild Cramps During Your Period
Yes, it is normal to have mild cramps during your period because of uterine contractions. The uterus is a muscle that tightens and relaxes which can cause jabbing or cramp-like pain. However, if the discomfort is not relieved with over-the-counter medications and causes you to miss school or other daily activities, it could mean that there is another reason for your symptoms.
It is common for young women to have irregular periods when they first begin to menstruate. This means that ovulation may not happen for a few months or even for a few years. So you may not have menstrual cramps when you first begin your period. Menstrual cramps may be more likely in cycles in which you ovulate and prostaglandin levels are higher. After one, two, or three years, when your hormonal system is more mature, you might have more painful menstrual cramps. But you can have menstrual cramps from your first periods even when you are not ovulating.
If your cramps are severe and interfere with your daily activities, dont ignore what your body is telling you. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider, because there may be other reasons for your pain.
Don’t Miss: Negative Pregnancy Test But No Period
What Should I Expect
You already know that a period is when the lining of the uterus is released and flows out of the vagina as bloody fluid. Great, but what exactly will that feel like? Does it come out fast or slow? How much fluid will there be? How long does it take? Will it hurt? What does it look like? Itâs normal to have all these questions, so keep reading to be a period pro!
Your Daughters First Period: Help Them Be Ready
Many women probably remember when and where they got their first period. A lot of us probably also wish wed been a little more prepared.
If your daughter is approaching their first period, how can you help them be ready without embarrassing them and yourself? Make an action plan so youre both ready.
Confront concerns. Your daughter is probably wondering what her period will feel like, how long it will last, and how she can take care of herself each month. Let her know that asking questions is OK, says pediatrician Cara Natterson, MD.
You can start with the basics: Explain that their first few periods will most likely be light, and they might not be regular in the beginning. The blood might be red, brown, or even blackish, and they should change their pad every 4 to 6 hours.
Dads, if this topic is outside your comfort zone, ask an older daughter or female relative to bring it up. Your daughter might be just as uncomfortable talking with you about their period as you are.
Make a period kit. Many girls fear theyll get their first period at school or when theyre away from home. To help your daughter feel ready, buy a small zippered pouch and stock it with a couple of teen-size sanitary pads and a clean pair of underwear, Natterson says. Tell your daughter to keep the pouch with them at all times, and keep one with you, too, just in case.
Continued
Recommended Reading: What Age Do You Normally Get Your Period
Don’t Miss: Why Does Copper Iud Cause Heavier Periods
On The Lookout For Changes
Even though there are a wide array of experiences of period pain, it’s also important to learn what’s normal for you, so you can be on the lookout for any changes.
If you experience a sudden increase in your ‘usual’ levels of period pain, or if you start to get period pain when previously you had none, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor to rule out anything serious.
For more information on pelvic pain including pain that occurs at times outside of your period read our recent article, Pelvic pain: know the different causes and when to seek help.
What Exactly Is A Period
Thereâs a lot to understand about the menstrual cycle and periods, but basically, a period is something that begins to happen a couple of years after puberty begins. When someone has a period, it means they have bloody fluid that is released from the uterus and trickles out of the vagina. Most periods last 3-7 days, then about every month, it happens all over again. Itâs called the menstrual cycle because it is a cycle that repeats itself over and over. It may sound weird, but itâs totally normal, it happens to half of the worldâs population, and itâs actually a sign of good health.
Recommended Reading: Painkiller For Stomach Pain During Periods
Will Exercise Stop My Period
Being active can cause menstrual abnormalities, but it takes a lot of very intense exercise. Usually, only women who compete professionally experience changes in their periods. Why this happens isn’t clearly understood, but is likely a combination of extreme exercise, an increase in lean body mass, not eating enough or getting the proper nutrients, and stress related to competition.
How Is Dysmenorrhea Diagnosed
Most of the time, women do not need to see the doctor for menstrual cramps. This may be different if you have severe, lasting pain or pain that is new or different. In these cases, your doctor may want to do a physical exam, pelvic exam, or tests. These can help diagnose or rule out the cause of your pain. An ultrasound test lets your doctor see if you have ovarian cysts. A laparoscopy can check for endometriosis. In this minor surgery, the doctor makes a small cut in your low stomach. Then, they insert a thin tube to look inside your uterus.
Read Also: Could I Get Pregnant On My Period
Preparing For Your First Period
The age your mother or older sister started her period is a good indication of when you may start your period. Genetic factors are an important influence on the age of menstruation and many girls will begin their periods around the same time as their mother or sisters did.
When your first period starts, you can use either pads or tampons to contain the bleeding. Many girls will start using pads until they are more comfortable inserting a tampon. Whether using a pad or tampon, its important to change it throughout the day for comfort and health, and to prevent leaking.
If you think your period may begin soon, carry a supply of pads or tampons in your bag or ask a teacher or nurse for extras. You may also want to keep a sweater to wrap around your waist or a change of clothes on hand in case your period starts and your clothes get stained.
Although your first few periods can be unpredictable and you wont know the exact day it will start, over time the start of your period will become more consistent. You will then be able to track your menstrual cycle, helping you to be more prepared in the future.
What If I Bleed Through My Clothes Are They Ruined
Not necessarily! Before we get into the nitty-gritty, know that leaks happen to everyone.
When you first start your period, youre learning about how much you bleed, how much your menstrual product can hold, and when your flow is heaviest.
If you can, keep a couple of stain wipes in your bag. They can help get the worst of the stain out and hold things over until youre able to clean the fabric properly.
You can also tie a jacket or sweatshirt around your waist to help cover the stain until youre able to change.
When you get home, try this method to get blood stains off:
Don’t Miss: Why Do Periods Hurt So Bad
Endometriosis And Uterus Pain Before Menstruation
Cramping before menstruation starts could be a sign of endometriosis.
Endometrial tissue that grows outside of the uterus on other reproductive organs is called endometriosis. Dr. William Blahd on WebMD says that bad to severe abdominal cramping is the most common symptom of endometriosis. The painful cramps can happen before menstruation, during, or after your period.8
Other symptoms of endometriosis include light spotting between your periods, painful bowel movements, and cramping after intercourse.
What Will It Look Like
If a period is made of bloody fluid, you would expect it to look like blood, right? Well, sometimes period flow can look thinner or thicker than ânormalâ blood. First periods sometimes show up as a thick dark âsmearâ in your underwear. Dark? Yep, the color can definitely be different than you expect, ranging from deep red, to maroon, brown or even black. That happens because blood changes color over time. Sometimes your period blood has been waiting in your uterus or vagina for a while before it comes out, so it isnât the color of âfreshâ blood like youâd see if you cut your skin . The color doesnât mean anything about your health, so just know that if you see brown stuff in your underwear , itâs probably your period.
Dont Miss: Can You Get Pregnant 5 Days Before Your Period
Also Check: My Period Is 3 Days Late Should I Be Worried
What If Nothing Helps My Menstrual Cramps
If your menstrual cramps are not relieved by over-the-counter medicine, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Use a period and symptom tracker for 2-3 months and then bring it to your next medical appointment. A record of your symptoms can help your health care provider figure out the best treatment choices for you.