If period pain is impacting your quality of life, you're not alone. Dysmenorrhoea, which is the medical name for period pain, is thought to affect 71% of young women.

Period cramps can range from a dull, achy sensation to intense pain that feels unmanageable and is difficult to relieve. Despite its potential to seriously impact people's quality of life, sometimes causing them to miss work or school, dysmenorrhoea is not always given the attention it deserves. Women are often told that painful periods are normal.

Fortunately, you don't have to simply put up with this problem. There are treatments available that can help.

What is period pain/what is dysmenorrhoea?

Period pain, or dysmenorrhoea, is a cramping pain that is usualy felt in your tummy shortly before and/or during menstruation. It typically lasts for up to 72 hours.

You might experience pain at the start of your period, or several days before you start bleeding. The pain can be dull or sharp, and the cramps in your tummy might spread to your thighs and back.

There are two types of dysmenorrhoea:

  • Primary - This type is caused by menstruation and doesn't have any other underlying cause.
  • Secondary  - This is caused by an underlying gynaecological issue, such as fibroids.
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Relief from period pain

If you suffer from period pain, there are treatment options available out there. For example, anti-inflammatory medicines such as naproxen may help.

Available to buy online and from participating pharmacies without the need for a prescription, Ultravana Period Pain Relief 250mg gastro-resistant tablets contain naproxen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can offer long-lasting relief from painful periods. This medicine is indicated for primary dysmenorrhoea. 

Other treatment options include using a TENS machine, or using contraception such as the pill, injection or implant.

If your period pain doesn't get better, your doctor may refer you to a gynaecologist to investigate what's triggering it. You might need tests, for example an ultrasound scan, to discover the cause. If a condition is found, treating it should help to reduceyour period pain.

Take a look around our website to learn more about the possible causes and symptoms of painful periods, and the treatments on offer.

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Our menstrual health products

 

Do you suffer with disruptive periods?

Our menstrual health products are designed to provide effective relief from heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and period pain, helping you to get on with your life.

Evana Heavy Period Relief Tablets and Ultravana Period Pain Relief Tablets are easily accessible both online and from a range of pharmacies without the need for a prescription. 

 Explore our website to find out more about our period medicines.

*71%: mean age of participants ranged from 13 to 23 years