Dysmenorrhea is the medical term used to describe painful cramps during menstruation. These are caused by uterine contractions. As the uterus tightens, it can press on nearby blood vessels and cut off the oxygen supply to muscle tissue. This causes the discomfort some women experience.

Two Types of Dysmenorrhea

There are two types of dysmenorrhea. The first is called primary dysmenorrhea and includes common menstrual cramps.  The other is secondary dysmenorrhea. This is the result of a disorder in the reproductive organs. It can be caused by several different conditions, including:

• Benign tumors (fibroids) – Growths found along uterus’ inner wall
• Pelvic inflammatory disease – Bacterial infection in the uterus that can spread
• Cervical stenosis – narrowing of the uterine opening
• Adenomyosis – Occurs when uterine lining grows into muscle
• Endometriosis – Tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of it

Reducing Menstrual Cramps

If you experience secondary dysmenorrhea, you should talk to your gynecologist about treatment options. For women with primary dysmenorrhea, you can try the following methods to help reduce pain and discomfort.

• Rest as needed during your period
• Avoid salt and caffeine
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Massage your abdomen and lower back
• Start exercising regularly (ask your doctor before beginning an exercise program)

You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If these methods do not help, talk to your gynecologist about additional options. You may be prescribed a higher dose of Ibuprofen or a similar pain reliever. Some women take oral contraceptives to help manage menstrual pain.

Make an appointment with Women’s Health in West Bloomfield if you have period discomfort to ensure that you aren’t experiencing the effects of an underlying health condition.

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Patients with infection in the female reproductive organs may be suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease. There are often no symptoms, and the patient may have no idea the problem exists. The condition develops as sexually-transmitted bacteria move from the vagina into the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Signs of the condition may not appear until later. The most common pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms include:

• Lower abdominal and pelvic pain
• A heavy vaginal discharge with strong odor
• Discomfort or bleeding during intercourse
• Fever sometimes accompanied by chills
• Difficult or painful urination
• Abnormal uterine bleeding

Patients may also experience difficulty getting pregnant or chronic pelvic pain.

Do I Need to See a Gynecologist About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

If you suspect something is wrong or has changed in your body, it is best to seek professional medical advice. This is especially true if you notice:

• Severe pain that occurs low in the abdominal region
• Vomiting and nausea that won’t let you keep anything down
• Fever that’s 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher
• A foul-smelling vaginal discharge

If you experience persistent but mild symptoms, you should still see a doctor. You could have pelvic inflammatory disease and not know it. Early treatment is the best way to manage the condition and reduce its effects. Your risk increases if you:

• Douche regularly
• Have sex without a condom
• Have sex with multiple partners
• Are in a relationship with someone who has had more than one sex partner
• Have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or an STI

Contact Women’s Health to make an appointment to learn more about your pelvic inflammatory disease risk or to find treatment options.

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A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus. There are three primary types of hysterectomy that your doctor may recommend based on your medical needs. They include:

• Total Hysterectomy – This procedure includes removal of the uterus and cervix.
• Subtotal Hysterectomy – This procedure includes removal of the uterus only, leaving the cervix intact.
• Radical Hysterectomy – This procedure involves removal of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and support structures. Lymph nodes may also be removed.

Why Do I Need a Hysterectomy?

The idea of having a hysterectomy may sound frightening. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 600,000 women in America have hysterectomies each year. This procedure is one of the most common surgeries women undergo in the country. It is done for multiple reasons, including:

• Prolapsed uterus
• Cancer found in the cervix, ovaries, or womb
• Heavy periods that are often caused by fibroids
• Pelvic pain due to fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Medically Necessary vs. Elective Hysterectomies

Out of those 600,000 women quoted by the CDC, an estimated 20% to 30% or more have a medically unnecessary hysterectomy. Women with endometrium issues like polyps, fibroids, and heavy bleeding may choose to have the surgery to relieve discomfort.

A prolapsed uterus happens when the pelvic organs descend due to weakened ligaments or muscles. This can lead to problems with intercourse, increased discharge, constipation, cosmetic issues, and discomfort. Women can choose to have a uterine suspension or a hysterectomy to correct the problem.

In cases involving cancer, a hysterectomy may be deemed medically necessary if the patient has progressed to an advanced stage. The procedure can be used to treat cervical, ovarian, uterine, and fallopian tube cancer.

Your OB/GYN can provide more insight into whether a hysterectomy is the best option for you. Contact your gynecologist at Women’s Health and Menopause Center today to make an appointment.

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Help to Get Your Sex Life Back on Track

Painful intercourse can be a real problem for sexually active adults. What should be a pleasant experience can become very uncomfortable. Rather than avoid having sex, you should first consider possible causes and treatment options. Here are three common causes of pain during sex and how to deal with them.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are a very common problem that affects nearly 75% of adult women at some point in their lives. Symptoms can include a burning sensation and severe itching as well as pain. Some will notice a cottage cheese-like discharge as well. There are over-the-counter treatments available that may provide relief. If the condition becomes severe or returns frequently, then you should speak to your gynecologist to look for underlying issues or other causes.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection found in the reproductive organs. You may notice irregular bleeding, discharge, painful urination, and fever as well as pain during intercourse. The discomfort is usually noticed during penetration when contact is made with the cervix. PID happens when bacteria enters the system. It’s usually caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia. Your doctor can diagnose the problem and may prescribe antibiotics.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can occur as a symptom of menopause. It can also appear in younger women as a side effect of medications like decongestants or birth control pills. This condition will cause discomfort during penetration that feels like sandpaper. A lubricant may be all that’s required in mild cases. Contact your gynecologist if the problem persists or becomes more severe. Your doctor can provide a diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort so you can enjoy sex again.

Schedule an appointment with a Women’s Health and Menopause OBGYN today.

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Approximately one in five U.S. women between the ages of 15 and 44 douche. Douche is a French word that means “soak” or “wash.” In the United States, it refers to using a mixture of water and other fluids to clean out the vagina. Commercially produced douches usually contain fragrances and antiseptics.

The Benefits of Douching

The only benefit of douching is that some women claim it makes them feel cleaner. There is no scientific evidence that backs the idea that douching actually has a positive effect on health, and there are some risks.

The Cons of Douching

Most doctors will advise against douching. This process interrupts the natural balance of flora and acidity in the vagina. It can also lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause common problems like yeast infections. Other douching health risks include:

• Pregnancy Problems – Douching can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and preterm birth.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – Douching can create an environment that allows a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to flourish.
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – Douching makes the vagina five times more likely to develop this type of infection compared to women who do not douche.
• Dryness & Irritation – Douching can cause dryness and irritation in the vagina.

Should I Douche?

Doctors and experts agree that women should not douche. Some vaginal odor is normal and general good hygiene is recommended. If you notice strong odors, discharge, or other problems, contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center to schedule an appointment.

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