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<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeSymptom HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a>Check Your Symptoms</p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Menstrual Cramps</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw96449"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="b4cb0a40" fingerprint-exact="e7c3d1bb">Overview</h2> <p fingerprint="ace78475" fingerprint-exact="2071fcb3">You may have painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) from time to time. Menstrual cramps can occur during or just before your period. The pain from these cramps can range from mild to severe. It can involve the lower belly, back, or thighs. You may also have headaches, nausea, dizziness, fainting, diarrhea, or constipation with your cramps.</p> <p fingerprint="f150727c" fingerprint-exact="e5730d53">During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="hw142281" data-hw-section="hw142281-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="hw142281" data-hwid="hw142281" hw:section-href="hw142281-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=hw142281#hw142281-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">uterus</span></a> produces a hormone called <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1950" data-hw-section="stp1950-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1950" data-hwid="stp1950" hw:section-href="stp1950-sec" href="?id=stp1950#stp1950-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">prostaglandin</span></a>. This hormone causes the uterus to contract, often with pain. If you have severe cramps, you may be producing higher-than-normal amounts of prostaglandin. Or you may be more sensitive to its effects.</p> <p fingerprint="21903201" fingerprint-exact="c78d5397">Primary <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1892" data-hw-section="stp1892-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1892" data-hwid="stp1892" hw:section-href="stp1892-sec" href="?id=stp1892#stp1892-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">dysmenorrhea</span></a> is a term used to describe painful menstrual cramping that isn't caused by a medical problem. It often starts during the teen years, when periods first start. But the pain often improves as you get older. </p> <p fingerprint="721bf2a7" fingerprint-exact="1f15e321">Secondary dysmenorrhea is a term used to describe painful menstrual cramping that's caused by a physical problem other than menstruation. Problems that can cause this type of cramping include:</p> <ul fingerprint="74d3e689" fingerprint-exact="3f082040"> <li>A condition in which cells that look and act like the cells of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) are found in other parts of the belly cavity (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="ste122087" data-hw-section="ste122087-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="ste122087" data-hwid="ste122087" hw:section-href="ste122087-sec" href="?id=ste122087#ste122087-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">endometriosis</span></a>) or grow into the muscular tissue of the uterine wall (adenomyosis). Pain usually occurs 1 to 2 days before menstrual bleeding starts. It continues through the period.</li> <li>Growths in the pelvis that aren't cancer (benign growths). This includes <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sto167466" data-hw-section="sto167466-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sto167466" data-hwid="sto167466" hw:section-href="sto167466-sec" href="?id=sto167466#sto167466-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">ovarian cysts</span></a>, cervical or uterine <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1841" data-hw-section="stp1841-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1841" data-hwid="stp1841" hw:section-href="stp1841-sec" href="?id=stp1841#stp1841-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">polyps</span></a>, and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stu3226" data-hw-section="stu3226-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stu3226" data-hwid="stu3226" hw:section-href="stu3226-sec" href="?id=stu3226#stu3226-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">fibroids</span></a>.</li> <li> <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1500" data-hw-section="stp1500-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1500" data-hwid="stp1500" hw:section-href="stp1500-sec" href="?id=stp1500#stp1500-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Pelvic infections</span></a>. They can cause worse pain and cramping in your belly during your period.</li> <li>Using an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150612" data-hw-section="sti150612-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150612" data-hwid="sti150612" hw:section-href="sti150612-sec" href="?id=sti150612#sti150612-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">intrauterine device (IUD)</span></a>. An IUD may cause worse cramping during your period for the first few months you use it. If menstrual cramps persist or get worse, talk to your doctor.</li> <li>Structural problems that were present at birth (congenital). This includes narrowing of the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina (cervix).</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="f23e8645" fingerprint-exact="fca32ada">Menstrual-type cramps may occur after a medical procedure. Examples are cautery, cryotherapy, conization, radiation, endometrial biopsy, and IUD insertion.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionHealthTools" id="sec-mencr-HealthTools"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="4f8c76b3" fingerprint-exact="aa5a79d3">Health Tools</h2><p fingerprint="07c09bf8" fingerprint-exact="d28efb5c">Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.</p><div class="HwHealthTools"><div class="HwActionsetTool"><span class="HwHealthToolIntro">Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.</span><div class="HwOptionalAll"><div class="HwHealthToolLinks"><ul fingerprint="9801ec7e" fingerprint-exact="518a5d89"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Actionset" data-hw-document-href="aq0001" data-hw-section="aq2" hw:document-type="Actionset" hw:document-href="aq0001" data-hwid="aq0001" hw:section-href="aq2" href="?id=aq0001#aq2">Menstrual Cramps: Relieving Pain</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionCYS" id="sec-hw96475"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1bc87b1b" fingerprint-exact="d719d6f6">Check Your Symptoms</h2><div><div class="HwAsset" hw:assetid="mencr"> <div id="HwSxBody" data-hw-version="1.0.0.0"><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion HwSxTopicConfirmationQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion477" data-hw-entity-key="477" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have menstrual cramps?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">Menstrual cramps can affect the lower belly, back, and thighs.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1037" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1037" data-hw-parent-entity-key="477">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Menstrual cramps</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1038" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1038" data-hw-parent-entity-key="477">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Menstrual cramps</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxAge" id="HwSxQuestion31" data-hw-entity-key="31" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">How old are you?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer72" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer" data-hw-age-range="143"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="72" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">Less than 12 years</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Less than 12 years</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer73" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="73" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">12 years or older</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">12 years or older</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxNonTopic" id="HwSxQuestion30" data-hw-entity-key="30" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you male or female?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer71" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="71" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Male</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Male</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer70" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="70" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Female</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Female</div></div></div><div id="SxWhyAskDiv"><button id="SxWhyAskAccordianBtn" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" type="button" aria-live="assertive"><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion">Why do we ask this question?</div><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion SxWhyAskAccordionArrow_Down" id="SxWhyAskAccordionArrow"> </div></button><div id="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" role="tabpanel"><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskHeaderDiv" tabindex="-1"><h4>The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.</h4></div><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskParaDiv" tabindex="-1"><ul><li>If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you <b>now</b> have in the area where you are having symptoms.</li><li>If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.</li><li>If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.</li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxForceRadio HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion57" data-hw-entity-key="57" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you pregnant?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer133" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="133" data-hw-parent-entity-key="57">Yes, you know that you're pregnant.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pregnancy</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer134" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="134" data-hw-parent-entity-key="57">No, you're not pregnant, or you're not sure if you're pregnant.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pregnancy</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion478" data-hw-entity-key="478" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you having any abnormal vaginal bleeding?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">Bleeding is abnormal if it occurs at a time when you aren't expecting it or if it's a lot heavier or lighter than what you are used to. </div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1039" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1039" data-hw-parent-entity-key="478">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Abnormal vaginal bleeding</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1040" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1040" data-hw-parent-entity-key="478">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Abnormal vaginal bleeding</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion447" data-hw-entity-key="447" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have new pain in your lower belly, pelvis, or genital area that is different than your usual menstrual cramps?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer975" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="975" data-hw-parent-entity-key="447">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Lower abdominal, pelvic, or genital pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer976" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="976" data-hw-parent-entity-key="447">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Lower abdominal, pelvic, or genital pain</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion24" data-hw-entity-key="24" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText"><a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7017">How bad is the pain</a> on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer58" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="58" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">8 to 10: Severe pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer57" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="57" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">5 to 7: Moderate pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Moderate pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer56" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="56" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">1 to 4: Mild pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Mild pain</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion479" data-hw-entity-key="479" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">How long have you had the pain?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1041" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1041" data-hw-parent-entity-key="479">Less than 4 hours</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pain for less than 4 hours</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1042" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1042" data-hw-parent-entity-key="479">4 to less than 24 hours</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pain for 4 to less than 24 hours</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1043" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1043" data-hw-parent-entity-key="479">1 day to 1 week</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pain for 1 day to 1 week</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1044" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1044" data-hw-parent-entity-key="479">More than 1 week</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pain for more than 1 week</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion55" data-hw-entity-key="55" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Is there any chance that you could be pregnant?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer129" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="129" data-hw-parent-entity-key="55">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possibility of pregnancy</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer130" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="130" data-hw-parent-entity-key="55">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possibility of pregnancy</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion17" data-hw-entity-key="17" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you think you may have a fever?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer40" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="40" data-hw-parent-entity-key="17">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer41" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="41" data-hw-parent-entity-key="17">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion449" data-hw-entity-key="449" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have a rash that looks like a sunburn?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer979" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="979" data-hw-parent-entity-key="449">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Sunburn-like rash</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer980" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="980" data-hw-parent-entity-key="449">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Sunburn-like rash</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion450" data-hw-entity-key="450" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you think that the symptoms may have been caused by sexual abuse?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer981" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="981" data-hw-parent-entity-key="450">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible sexual abuse</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer982" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="982" data-hw-parent-entity-key="450">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible sexual abuse</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion480" data-hw-entity-key="480" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have an IUD (intrauterine device)?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">An IUD can make cramping worse during your period.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1045" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1045" data-hw-parent-entity-key="480">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">IUD</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1046" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1046" data-hw-parent-entity-key="480">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">IUD</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion481" data-hw-entity-key="481" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are the cramps so bad that you're thinking about having the IUD removed?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1047" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1047" data-hw-parent-entity-key="481">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe cramps</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1048" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1048" data-hw-parent-entity-key="481">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe cramps</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion482" data-hw-entity-key="482" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do cramps start 5 to 7 days before your period begins or continue after your period ends?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1049" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1049" data-hw-parent-entity-key="482">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Cramps begin 5 to 7 days before period starts or continue after period stops</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1050" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1050" data-hw-parent-entity-key="482">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Cramps begin 5 to 7 days before period starts or continue after period stops</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion483" data-hw-entity-key="483" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Is sex painful?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">If you are not sexually active, say no.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1051" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1051" data-hw-parent-entity-key="483">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Painful sex</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1052" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1052" data-hw-parent-entity-key="483">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Painful sex</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion484" data-hw-entity-key="484" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have low back pain?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1053" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1053" data-hw-parent-entity-key="484">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Low back pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1054" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1054" data-hw-parent-entity-key="484">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Low back pain</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion485" data-hw-entity-key="485" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Have cramps been severe or lasted longer than usual for at least 3 menstrual cycles?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1055" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1055" data-hw-parent-entity-key="485">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe or prolonged menstrual cramps for at least 3 menstrual cycles</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1056" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1056" data-hw-parent-entity-key="485">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe or prolonged menstrual cramps for at least 3 menstrual cycles</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdhealthrisks"><p>Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:</p><ul><li><b>Your age</b>. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.</li><li><b>Your overall health</b>. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.</li><li><b>Medicines you take</b>. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.</li><li><b>Recent health events</b>, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.</li><li><b>Your health habits and lifestyle</b>, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_green" id="HwSxIdgreen"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Try Home Treatment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.</li><li>Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="hw96622" hw:section-href="hw96622" hw:document-href="mencr" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=mencr#hw96622">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="mencr-RelInfo" hw:section-href="mencr-RelInfo" hw:document-href="mencr" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=mencr#mencr-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7017"><p>Pain in adults and older children</p><ul><li><b>Severe pain (8 to 10)</b>: The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.</li><li><b>Moderate pain (5 to 7)</b>: The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.</li><li><b>Mild pain (1 to 4)</b>: You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_black" id="HwSxIdblack"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Make an Appointment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.</li><li>If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.</li><li>If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="hw96622" hw:section-href="hw96622" hw:document-href="mencr" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=mencr#hw96622">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="mencr-RelInfo" hw:section-href="mencr-RelInfo" hw:document-href="mencr" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=mencr#mencr-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_yellow" id="HwSxIdyellow"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Today</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care soon</b>. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.</li><li>If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.</li><li>If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="hw96622" hw:section-href="hw96622" hw:document-href="mencr" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=mencr#hw96622">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="mencr-RelInfo" hw:section-href="mencr-RelInfo" hw:document-href="mencr" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=mencr#mencr-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_red" id="HwSxIdred"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Now</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care right away</b>. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.</li><li>You do not need to call an ambulance unless: <ul><li>You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.</li><li>You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxTitle" id="HwSxTitletw9725" data-hw-section="tw9728">Pregnancy-Related Problems</div><div class="HwSxTitle" id="HwSxTitleabvbd" data-hw-section="hw63246">Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding</div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw96622"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1d4dc8a4" fingerprint-exact="5c91135b">Self-Care</h2> <p fingerprint="d5bb504b" fingerprint-exact="cc5412ef">It's common to have painful cramps from your period now and then. But you can usually ease cramps with home treatment. Here are some things you can try. </p> <ul fingerprint="7d773722" fingerprint-exact="728f62dd"> <li> Apply heat to your belly. <p>Use a heating pad (set on low) or a hot water bottle on your belly, or take a warm bath. You might find that heat relieves the pain as well as medicine does. </p><p>Don't go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin. Put a thin cloth between the heating pad and your skin. </p></li> <li>Relieve pressure on your back. <p> Lie down and put a pillow under your knees. Or lie on your side, and bring your knees up to your chest. </p></li> <li>Get regular exercise. <p>It helps blood flow and may reduce cramping. </p></li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="a13d6884" fingerprint-exact="e0e3a60d">Using medicines for pain</h3> <p fingerprint="d6660964" fingerprint-exact="40eb5e26"> It's common to have painful cramps from your period now and then. The good news is that you can usually ease cramps with <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stn166079" data-hw-section="stn166079-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stn166079" data-hwid="stn166079" hw:section-href="stn166079-sec" href="?id=stn166079#stn166079-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">over-the-counter (OTC)</span></a> medicine. </p> <p fingerprint="b2daccb5" fingerprint-exact="4b78ae1c"> Here are some medicines you can try and ways to help get the most benefit out of the medicine you use. </p> <ul fingerprint="2af151bc" fingerprint-exact="e622c5d3"> <li> Take over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain. <ul><li> Try <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stn166055" data-hw-section="stn166055-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stn166055" data-hwid="stn166055" hw:section-href="stn166055-sec" href="?id=stn166055#stn166055-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)</span></a>, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). </li><li>Try acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) if NSAIDs don't relieve the pain. </li></ul><p>Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you are trying to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before you use any medicine. </p></li> <li> Stay ahead of the pain. <p> Pain medicine works better if you take it before the pain gets bad. </p><ul><li> Start taking the recommended dose of the pain medicine as soon as you start to feel cramping, or on the day before your period starts. </li><li> Keep taking the medicine for as long as you have cramps. </li></ul></li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c5b2b5b7" fingerprint-exact="1ca93d88">When to call for help during self-care</h3> <p fingerprint="0c6430b7" fingerprint-exact="37647145">Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:</p> <ul fingerprint="231d96df" fingerprint-exact="8efa4a7f"> <li>New cramps in someone who could be pregnant.</li> <li>Pain that gets worse.</li> <li>Menstrual cramps that last longer than a period.</li> <li>New fever.</li> <li>Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.</li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c9d246df" fingerprint-exact="236ac716">Learn more</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <ul fingerprint="67c2a94c" fingerprint-exact="941747eb"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Actionset" data-hw-document-href="aq0001" data-hw-section="aq2" hw:document-type="Actionset" hw:document-href="aq0001" data-hwid="aq0001" hw:section-href="aq2" href="?id=aq0001#aq2">Menstrual Cramps: Relieving Pain</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="rlxsk" data-hw-section="aco5889" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="rlxsk" data-hwid="rlxsk" hw:section-href="aco5889" href="?id=rlxsk#aco5889">Stress Management</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw96640"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="e957cf0e" fingerprint-exact="9f06dbb7">Preparing For Your Appointment</h2> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <p fingerprint="9351063e" fingerprint-exact="ae0777b1">You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared for your appointment.</p> <ul fingerprint="b41d9a77" fingerprint-exact="dafa4155"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="hw226888" data-hw-section="acm4246" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="hw226888" data-hwid="hw226888" hw:section-href="acm4246" href="?id=hw226888#acm4246">Making the Most of Your Appointment</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-mencr-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="d00e83e0" fingerprint-exact="33f9c3bd"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abpn10" data-hw-section="hw242004" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="abpn10" data-hwid="abpn10" hw:section-href="hw242004" href="?id=abpn10#hw242004">Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abdpn" data-hw-section="hw46826" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="abdpn" data-hwid="abdpn" hw:section-href="hw46826" href="?id=abdpn#hw46826">Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="vagts" data-hw-section="hw89443" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="vagts" data-hwid="vagts" hw:section-href="hw89443" href="?id=vagts#hw89443">Female Genital Problems and Injuries</a></li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwCreditsSection HwSectionCredits" id="sec-mencr-Credits"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle">Credits</h2><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span> April 30, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</span></a><br><span><b><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Clinical Review Board</span></a></b></span><br>All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation"><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:block" id="secNav-hw96449"><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="mencr-HealthTools" id="nextLink-mencr-HealthTools" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="mencr" data-hwid="mencr" hw:section-href="mencr-HealthTools" href="?id=mencr#mencr-HealthTools">Health Tools</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true"> »</span></div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-mencr-HealthTools"><div class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true">« </span><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" data-hw-section="hw96449" id="prevLink-hw96449" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="mencr" data-hwid="mencr" hw:section-href="hw96449" href="?id=mencr#hw96449">Overview</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="mencr" 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class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span>April 30, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</a></p><p><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><span><b>Clinical Review Board</b></span></a><br>All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar2"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationTop"> </div><div class="HwElement" id="HwNavigationWrapper"><div class="HwNavigation" id="HwNavigation" role="navigation"><h3 class="HwNavStackHeader" id="HwNavStackHeader">Topic Contents</h3><ul aria-labelledby="HwNavStackHeader"><li 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