There are two forms of dysmenorrhea which can cuase pelvic pain in women


	Although mild cramping can be normal during a period, significantly painful periods are never normal. The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrheal. There are basically two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in very young women and starts with the very first period. It is usually improved by treatment with an oral contraceptive pill and/or non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Advil, or Aleve. Primary dysmenorrhea usually resolves within six months of the first period. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs later than the first year of menstruation. It is called secondary dysmenorrhea because the pain is often secondary to a disease. If significantly painful periods occur for more than six months and are not relieved by oral contraception and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications than there is a good chance that a disease process such as endometriosis or infection is causing the pain. Occasionally doctors may also prescribe a medication called Lupron if endometriosis is suspected. Early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis can often eliminate the pain, prevent major surgery, and protect a woman's fertility. Other causes of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as adhesions (internal scarring) and infection can be treated effectively as well.

Although mild cramping can be normal during a period, significantly painful periods are never normal. The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrheal. There are basically two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in very young women and starts with the very first period. It is usually improved by treatment with an oral contraceptive pill and/or non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Advil, or Aleve. Primary dysmenorrhea usually resolves within six months of the first period.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs later than the first year of menstruation. It is called secondary dysmenorrhea because the pain is often secondary to a disease. If significantly painful periods occur for more than six months and are not relieved by oral contraception and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications than there is a good chance that a disease process such as endometriosis or infection is causing the pain. Occasionally doctors may also prescribe a medication called Lupron if endometriosis is suspected.

Early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis can often eliminate the pain, prevent major surgery, and protect a woman's fertility. Other causes of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as adhesions (internal scarring) and infection can be treated effectively as well.