Health encyclopaedia

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Treatment of Periods, painful

Drug treatments

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) are painkillers that help with the pain in 80% of women. They block the effect of the prostaglandins that cause the contractions. The NSAID ibuprofen can be bought over the counter at your pharmacist. Stronger anti- inflammatory painkillers are available on prescription from your doctor. It is better to take these painkillers as soon as the pain starts and then take them regularly for a couple of days, rather than waiting for the pain to build up. Some women should not take anti-inflammatory painkillers e.g. women with a duodenal ulcer and some women with asthma. Always read the instructions for use and possible side-effects before taking any medication, or check with your GP. 
•  Paracetamol and co-proxamol should be considered if the pain is mild or when NAISD’s are not suitable. 
•  The combined oral contraceptive has the affect of thinning the lining of the womb and suppressing ovulation, so the amount of prostaglandin is reduced. Period pains are less likely if you take the contraceptive pill.
• Medicines that suppress menstruation are occasionally prescribed by a specialist for resistant period pain.

Non-drug treatments

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may help relieve period pain. TENS give out a small electrical current and works by altering how your body receives pain signals, rather than by having a direct effect on the contractions of your womb.
• Some women find that acupuncture is helpful.
• Moderate physical exercise may also help with relieving pain.
• Heat applied to the area of pain may help with pain relief e.g. holding a hot water bottle to the lower abdomen. A warm bath may also be soothing.
• A contraceptive intra-uterine system (an IUS), which slowly releases a hormone that thins the lining of the womb, helps with relieving pain in addition to providing contraception

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