Pain...
- Period pain
- Breast pain
- Headache
- Muscle/ joint/ back pain
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis/ Adenomyosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Vulval/ insertion pain (vaginismus)
Tips and tricks...
Period pain
Period pain occurs when the muscular wall of the womb rapidly tightens and contracts. Just before and during menstruation, the wall of the womb does this more vigorously to remove its lining.
Breast pain
Breast pain, also called mastalgia, is very common. The pain may be felt as heaviness or soreness, or a stabbing or burning sensation. It can be felt in any part of the breast.
Endometriosis
A condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
Ovarian cysts
These are fluid-filled sacs that develop on a woman’s ovary. They’re very common and don’t usually cause any symptoms. They can cause pain if they rupture, or block the blood supply to the ovaries.
Muscle/ joint/ back pain
Cyclical muscle or joint pain typically occurs just before and during menstruation. The most commonly affected parts of the body are; the neck, shoulders, the lower back, hips and thighs.
Vulva/ insertion pain
Vaginismus- when the vaginal opening suddenly tightens up when you try to insert something into it e.g. a tampon, menstrual cup, or during sex. It can be painful and unsettling but is easily treated.
Relevant blogs...
Period pain- what's normal?
Is your period pain 'normal'… or a sign of PMI, endometriosis, or fibroids? Yet again, the silence created by the menstrual taboo has led to unnecessary suffering, and confusion. Let’s bust some myths!
Reframing the endometriosis 'diagnostic' problem
The lack of a reliable endometriosis biomarker test is not the main problem faced by those who seek a diagnosis. It relates to clinicians not taking their experiences seriously, and failing to provide evidenced-based information.
The pain that dare not speak its name
A UK survey reveals a surprising level of secrecy around period pain. Many people are reluctant to talk about, or seek professional help for, menstrual cycle-related symptoms.