Painful Periods Could Be A Sign Of Fertility Struggles + How To Tell If Something Is Off

If you're a woman reading this, chances are you've experienced menstrual pain at one time or another. The technical term for this is dysmenorrhea, and it occurs up to three days before you get your period.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is normal and very common, as it's correlated with the natural shedding of the uterine lining in preparation for the start of the next menstrual cycle.

On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea indicates underlying conditions that may cause trouble with fertility. If you've always had pain-free periods or moderate cramps during menstruation but have started to experience painful menstruation—it could be a symptom of secondary dysmenorrhea.

Endometriosis is the most common cause of painful menstruation and trouble conceiving. The condition comes about when the lining that typically is on the inside of the uterus begins growing on other part of the reproductive system (such as fallopian tubes and ovaries) thus destroying or weakening them, which can result in fertility challenges. If a patient has been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully and has chronic lower back pain, nausea, and pain after sex, she may have endometriosis.

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors on the uterus that affect approximately 30 percent of women ages 30 to 45. If the benign growths are inside or close to the uterine lining, they may obstruct blood flow, resulting in painful menstruation. Depending on their location and size, they may affect fertility and potentially result in pregnancy loss.

Related to endometriosis, adenomyosis is a condition in which the uterine inner lining grows into the uterus wall. It can cause cramps, lower abdominal pain, and bloating during menstruation in addition to heavy bleeding. While the fundamental cause of adenomyosis is yet unknown, research indicates that several reproductive hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, progesterone, and estrogen may trigger it. The abnormal quantities of these hormones coupled with the damage the condition may cause to the uterine wall can play a role in fertility.