Painful menstruation is known as:
A. Amenorrhea
B. Dysmenorrhoea
C. Menorrhagia
D. Metrorrhagia
Correct Answer: B. Dysmenorrhoea
Explanation
Painful menstruation is known as dysmenorrhea.
Explanation
- Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual periods that are caused by uterine contractions during menstruation.
- The pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen, and may radiate to the lower back or thighs.
- It can be associated with:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Types of Dysmenorrhea
- Primary dysmenorrhea
- Occurs without any underlying pelvic disease.
- Common in adolescents and young women after menarche.
- Caused by increased prostaglandin production leading to strong uterine contractions.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea
- Occurs due to an identifiable pelvic pathology like:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Adenomyosis
- Occurs due to an identifiable pelvic pathology like:
Why this is the correct answer
Among menstrual disorders, only dysmenorrhea specifically means painful menstruation. Other terms describe irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or absence of menses—but not pain.
Other Options Details
Here are the descriptions of all the options clearly and simply:
A. Amenorrhea
- Definition: Absence of menstruation.
- Types:
- Primary amenorrhea: Menstruation has never occurred by age 15–16.
- Secondary amenorrhea: Menstruation stops for 3 months or more in a woman who previously had normal cycles.
- Causes: Pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, stress, poor nutrition, PCOS, thyroid disorders.
B. Dysmenorrhoea
- Definition: Painful menstruation.
- Features: Cramping lower abdominal pain during periods, may radiate to the back or thighs.
- Types:
- Primary: No pelvic disease; caused by prostaglandins.
- Secondary: Due to pelvic pathology like fibroids, endometriosis.
C. Menorrhagia
- Definition: Excessive menstrual bleeding.
- Features:
- Very heavy flow.
- Lasts more than 7 days.
- Passing large clots.
- Causes: Fibroids, hormonal imbalance, adenomyosis, bleeding disorders.
D. Metrorrhagia
- Definition: Bleeding between periods (irregular bleeding).
- Features:
- Bleeding occurs at unpredictable times.
- Not related to the regular menstrual cycle.
- Causes: Endometrial polyps, infections, hormonal imbalance, cervical lesions.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group