What Can Your OBGYN Do About Period Cramps?
by Julia Gregory
Some women suffer from cramps during their period, and others don't. If your cramps are severe, it's important to visit an OBGYN and make sure there's no serious underlying cause, like fibroids or endometriosis. However, even if your OBGYN rules these things out, there are a few things they can do to help reduce or eliminate your period cramps.
Prescription Muscle Relaxers
Many women are able to get relief from cramping by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like naproxen or ibuprofen. But if these medications alone don't give you relief, or if you cannot tolerate them, then your OBGYN may prescribe you some muscle relaxers. These medications work by preventing your muscles from over-contracting. So basically, they will stop your uterine muscles and the muscles around your uterus from cramping up. You should not operate heavy machinery on muscle relaxers, so you will need to be careful when you take them. Most women don't need to take them consistently throughout their periods—they just need a dose here and there when cramps start to get the best of them.
Birth Control Pills
Women with painful periods often benefit from taking birth control pills. These pills alter your levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can help keep your muscles from over-contracting and cramping. If you are already taking birth control and still experiencing cramping, then your OBGYN may want to switch you to a different pill. One that contains a little more estrogen may help ease your cramps. You may also benefit from switching to a different form of hormonal birth control, such as the birth control ring, shot, or patch.
IUD
An IUD, or intrauterine device, can also help regulate your periods and relieve cramping. There are two kinds of IUDs. One releases hormones to help control your reproductive cycle. The other is made from copper and works by physically preventing an egg from implanting in your uterus. The hormonal type can help make your periods both lighter and less painful, but the copper kind can actually make your periods heavier and more painful. Usually, the longer a hormonal IUD is left in place, the lighter and easier your periods become. Your OBGYN can help you select the best type of IUD for your particular needs.
If you have painful periods, make an appointment with an OBGYN by contacting an office like Women's Health Specialist PC. Even if you don't have an underlying medical condition to be concerned about, your OBGYN can recommend a better protocol for easing your cramps so you can get on with your life.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.