Some factors can increase the risk of developing dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps). Risk factors, which are linked with menstrual cramps, include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Prolonged menstrual blood flow (more than five days)
- Younger the normal age (11 years or younger) at menarche (onset of puberty)
- Age 20 years or less
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Irregular menstrual periods (metrorrhagia)
- Family history of menstrual cramps
- Never having given birth to a child.
Diagnosis
Clinical history alone is generally sufficient to diagnose dysmenorrhoea. If the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea persist, it is necessary to examine and investigate the patient to exclude other possible conditions. Your physician will do a general examination as well as a pelvic exam. During the pelvic examination, he or she will look for signs of infection and any abnormalities in the reproductive system. A swab from the cervix (endocervical swab) for microorganisms like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea and the upper part of the vagina (high vaginal swab) for other pathogens will be taken.
If the physical examination is abnormal, or if another condition is likely, it may be appropriate to investigate further. In the absence of abnormal results on physical examination, it is reasonable to try to manage according to the symptoms without additional tests.
If the doctor suspects that dysmenorrhoea is associated with an underlying condition, he or she will offer some investigations. They include:
Ultrasound scan
This is a painless investigation, which uses ultrasound waves to visualise the organs inside your body. It can be used to look at your cervix, womb (uterus), Fallopian tubes, and the pelvis.
Computerised tomography (CT) scan
It is painless and uses X-rays to visualise internal organs. However, it is much more efficient to detect abnormalities compared to regular X-rays.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to make detailed images of your internal organs. It is a painless investigation and can be used to look for endometriosis or tumours.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is also known as bandaid surgery, keyhole surgery, or minimally invasive surgery (MIS). It is an outpatient surgical investigation or procedure, which is performed under general anaesthesia. Your doctor makes tiny incisions through the abdominal wall and inserts a small tube with a fibre-optic camera to visualise the abdominal cavity. It is useful to detect certain conditions like fibroids, adhesions, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian cysts.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscope is a thin telescope-like instrument. Your doctor will insert this lighted device through the vagina and cervix to visualise the cavity of your uterus. It helps detect abnormalities like cervical stenosis, polyps and fibroids.
Related Links:
Dysmenorrhoea (Menstrual Cramps)
How to Treat Dysmenorrhoea?
Do You Have Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)?
Related Links:
Dysmenorrhoea (Menstrual Cramps)
How to Treat Dysmenorrhoea?
Do You Have Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)?
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