The Group

Many women suffer from painful periods.“Dysmenorrhea” is the medical term for that abdominal pain that is sharp and crampy. Sometimes you also get back pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches. It is thought that dysmenorrhea is caused by a hormone-like substance in our bodies that can cause pain. This substance—called a big ol’ word: “prostaglandin”—helps your body contract its muscles in your uterus. Too much of this stuff makes for serious period cramps: they are longer and tighter and very painful. The pain you feel is from your muscles not getting oxygen, which is kinda like they are temporarily suffocating—which HURTS.

So take deep, deep breaths and do everything you can do to relax your muscles. Try a hot water bottle on your belly or back or a hot bath. Or stretch, go for a walk, masturbate, or have a massage done on your lower belly and lower back. Experiment to figure out what helps YOU relax.

You can also try over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. If you have really bad pain, see a doctor. They can prescribe medication that helps.

Rebecca Hodgson-Dewitt