Coping with painful periods 

Painful Periods

Period pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women experience it at some point in their lives.

The medical term for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea.

Mild cramping which occasionally requires an over-the-counter pain reliever is generally normal.

Severe monthly cramps which are not relieved by medication and which interfere with work or social activities are not normal, and may therefore require evaluation.

Just about every woman suffers from some form of period pain, that happens before and during your monthly period.

As a leading gynecologist in Kenya, Prof. Rafique Parkar offers women the most advanced treatments for period pain so they can find relief from symptoms of pain.

Don’t suffer from painful periods

Painful periods happen when the muscles in the uterus contract or tighten. Women who experience painful periods may have higher levels of prostaglandins – a natural body chemical that causes contractions of the uterus, bowel, and blood vessels.

It can present as low abdominal pain, low back pain, or pain in the upper thighs; it may occur mainly before your period or during your heavy flow. Sometimes, women with period pain also suffer from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms (pain or bleeding), or would just like more information, please make an appointment to see our physician right away.

The team at Kenya Laparoscopic Surgery Services offers comprehensive gynecology care in Kenya for women of all ages.

We provide a full range of gynecology services in Kenya, from annual check-ups and routine pap smears to treatment of menstrual cramps or period pain and laparoscopic procedures performed in our facility which is equipped with the latest equipment.

Feel free to schedule a consultation with the top gynecologist in Kenya, Prof. Rafique Parkar, and learn more about period pain treatment in Kenya to live a happy, painless life.

What is normal period pain?

Period pain is only be considered normal if:

• The pain is only there on the first one or two days of your period.
• The pain goes away if you use the contraceptive pill or take period pain medications.
• Your ability to do your normal activities is not impaired.

Common conditions that cause painful periods include:

• The pain is only there on the first one or two days of your period.
• The pain goes away if you use the contraceptive pill or take period pain medications.
• Your ability to do your normal activities is not impaired.
• An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of contraception made from copper and plastic that fits inside the womb. It can also sometimes cause period pain, particularly during the first few months after it’s inserted.

Diagnosis of period pain

Evaluation of period pain begins with a thorough medical history and gynecologic examination.

We are particularly interested in the timing of your pain in relation to your period, its severity, and whether over-the-counter medication successfully treats the pain.

An ultrasound exam can be performed to search for causes of pain. Screening for sexually transmitted conditions is also performed.

Often, women may be offered diagnostic laparoscopy, a procedure during which a telescope is inserted through the navel to examine the pelvic organs directly.

Relief for painful periods

Below are a few techniques that help ease painful periods:

• To help relax the muscles, apply heat on the belly or lower back.
• Exercise to naturally release endorphins – naturally feel-good hormones. Keeping active can reduce pain.
• Relax with rest, warm baths, or meditation.
• Take period pain medications at the onset of pain and take regularly during the days you normally have pain.
• The oral contraceptive pill or the intrauterine device – it slowly releases a progestogen medication to the uterus that makes periods lighter & less painful.

Evaluation and Treatment

In many women, a diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy will reveal a cause of pain which would not otherwise be diagnosed. In these cases, treatment can be directed towards the underlying condition.

If painful periods are caused by endometriosis or fibroids, minimally invasive procedures can be used in the removal of the abnormal tissue.

At KLASS, we have extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of menstrual cramps. If you use over-the-counter medications and still have cramps which interfere with your lifestyle, we invite you to make an appointment for consultation in order for you to discuss the possible causes and what might be best to do in your individual case.

Your Period Pain Treatment with Prof. Rafique Parkar

Providing the care & support you deserve

Prof. Rafique Parkar pioneered Minimal Access Surgery in Africa 25 years ago and operates at the highest level of expertise in Africa. ( Level VI )

He is committed to improving the lifestyles of women in Kenya and the world by helping them gain access to top-level minimal access surgery in Africa.

He strongly believes that all women have the right to informed consent and should have access to the best treatment plans suited for them and that is the reason why he founded KLASS ( Kenya Laparoscopic Surgery Services ).

Together with his team at KLASS, they provide the highest level of holistic surgical care to women, ensuring that they meet their individual health needs.

Prof. Rafique Parkar specializes in helping women who ail from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Problems, Ectopic Pregnancies, and Gynecologic Cancers.