What Your Menstrual cramps might mean

Having your period sucks. Not only do you have to deal with PMS, but you're greeted with menstrual cramps. That pain in your abdomen and pelvic region can range from annoying to debilitating. But if your cramps are chronic, it could be a sign that you're suffering from something more serious. Read on for the scoop from some experts, and always consult your doctor with questions.

 

Normal Cramps

Felt in the lower abdomen, these are usually mildly painful and can last for a couple of hours. After you take a pain reliever, you should be able to go about your day.

 

Ovarian Cysts

If you're experiencing very heavy cramping and bleeding, there's a chance you might have ovarian cysts, which are very common in women. The treatment for this condition can range from going on birth control to surgery. See your doctor if you think this might apply to you.

 

Ruptured Follicle

When an egg is released from the ovaries it is pushed out through a follicle and sometimes that follicle will burse or release an egg really quickly, which results in a pain that feels like a sharp cramp.

 

Endometriosis

If you're feeling pain during sex or worse-than-normal cramps, you may be suffering from endometriosis. This is a condition that causes the endometrium, the cells that grow in your uterus and are shed during periods, to grow into other areas of the body like the bowel or intestines.

 

Salpingitis

In this situation, your fallopian tubes become inflamed due to an ovarian cyst or other infection. This condition makes it harder for the eggs to pass through the tubes which will usually result in painful ovulation and bad cramping.

 

Chronic PID

If your cramping is extreme, it might be PID. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is often caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Although, it can also be caused by a broken infected cyst. PID can cause extreme cramping that doesn't always disappear right away. It's recurring or chronic.