Primary dysmenorrhoea

Abstract

Dysmenorrhoea literally means painful menstrual flow and refers to cramping lower abdominal pain occurring with the onset of menstrual flow. In cases of primary dysmenorrhoea the pain commences during the teenage years and occurs in the absence of any pelvic disease. In contrast, secondary dysmenorrhoea usually commences later in life and results from some kind of underlying problem like endometriosis. This paper investigates the prevalence, aetiology, the distinction of primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea and treatments that can be offered to women.