Periods, painful
Introduction
Period pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women experience it at some point in their lives.
It's usually felt as painful muscle cramps inthe tummy, which can spread tothe back and thighs.
The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it may be dull but more constant.
Itmay also vary with each monthly period. Some Periods may cause little or no discomfort, while others may be more painful.
Sometimes you may experience pelvic pain even when you don't have your period.
This page covers:
How long will my period pain last?
Can period pain affect fertility?
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 3 Aug 2016
Introduction
Read about period pain (dysmenorrhoea), including associated symptoms, when to see your GP, causes, diagnosing underlying conditions, and treatment.
What causes period pain?
Period pain occurs when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually pass through your womb, but they're usually so mild that most women can't feel them. During y
How long will my period pain last?
Period pain usually starts when your bleeding begins, although some women have pain several days before the start of their period. The pain normally lasts 48 to 72 hours, although it can last longer.
How can I treat period pain?
In most cases period pain is mild enough to treat at home. Painkillers You cantake ibuprofen and aspirin to help manage your pain. However, don't take ibuprofen or aspirinif you have asthma or s
When should I see my GP?
See your GP if you have severe period pain or your normal pattern of periods changes for example,if your periods become heavier than usual or irregular. You should also see your GP if you have sympto
Can period pain affect fertility?
Period pain that's part of your normalmenstrual cycle won't affect your fertility. However,if the cause isan underlying condition, this may affect your fertility. For example, endometriosis and pelvi
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