Menstrual cramps
Every month women have to deal with the uncomfortable effects of menstruation. Although different women may experience certain symptoms or varying degrees of conditions, it is important to recognise the different conditions of a normal menstrual cycle.
In this series we talk about menstrual cramps. One may ask, what are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps are pains in the belly and pelvic areas that are experienced by a woman as a result of her menstrual period. Menstrual cramps are not the same as the discomfort felt during pre menstrual syndrome (PMS), although the symptoms of both disorders can sometimes be experienced as a continual process. Many women suffer from both disorders (PMS and cramps).
Menstrual cramps can range from mild to quite severe. Mild menstrual cramps may be barely noticeable and short duration sometimes felt just as sense of light heaviness in the belly. Severe menstrual cramps can be so painful that they interfere with a woman’s regular activities for several days. Some women with severe cramps are advised to take pain killers such as brufen, diclofenac and buscopan in sever cases.
According to Dr. Aaron Sakala, a gynaecologist they are two types of menstrual cramps or in medical terms dysmenorrhoea which are primary and secondary.
"In the primary there is no underlying gynaecological problem causing the pain and a woman needs not to worry. This type may begin within six months to a year following the time when a girl starts having menstrual periods. Cramps do not begin until an egg is released from the ovaries and actual menstruation begins before the onset of ovulation,” he explained
Dr. Sakala further explained that secondary dysmenorrhoea could be attributed to an underlying abnormal condition.
"They could be an underlying abnormal condition usually involving a woman’s reproductive system which contributes to the menstrual pain. This may be evident at the beginning of menstruation but often the condition develops later,” he said
He explained that there was no known remedy for cramps but that different remedies worked for different women.
“Every woman needs to find a treatment that works for her. There are a number of possible remedies. Though it is believed that for some women once they conceive the problem goes but this cannot be the case for others. In some cases women who take oral contraceptive birth control pills have less menstrual pain.” he said
Keeping it Mzansilicious
My name is Khanyisile Ndaba. I was born and brought up in Johannesburg at Mofolo north. I grew up with[…]6 Fool-Proof Ways to Improve Your Online Dating Profile
In love - as in life - image matters a lot. When you set up or revamp your online dating[…]8 first date ideas for outdoorsy types
If you're looking for something a bit more original than the typical "dinner and a movie," more power to you.[…]Social Dating
There’s no doubt that social media like Facebook, Flickr and Twitter make it easy to keep in touch with friends[…]What to buy your sweetheart for Christmas
Coming up with the perfect Christmas present for your significant other can be daunting, especially when you've been dating such[…]Call for entries: Al Jazeera Pitching Forum
On 15 June 2013, two commissioning editors from Al Jazeera will listen to pitches from 16 African filmmakers. Each person[…]
Michael Jordaan steps down as CEO of FNB
NEWSWATCH: CEO of First National Bank, Michael Jordaan, tweeted earlier today announcing his resignation: "After 10 years at the helm[…]How to connect FMCG brands with African consumers
When it comes to marketing FMCG brands on the African continent, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. African consumers are[…]
Apple remains no.1 in the BrandZ Top 100
African telecoms network MTN retain their position in the Top 100, moving up nine places from 88 to 79 with[…]12 Men A Black Woman Should Never Date
I'd be willing to bet the farm that every living, breathing black woman has dated at least one of these[…]Charles Banda heads to Malawi……
Former Muchinga Province deputy Minister Charles Banda has been sworn-in, as Zambia’s High Commissioner to Malawi. full details later…..Kambwili launches 2013 COSAFA cup tournament
Sports Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, has officially launched the 2013 COSAFA Cup tournament, describing the tournament as key in motivating Zambia’s[…]Submit and View Comments
