Dysmenorrhea: Definition and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the pressure of menstrual cramps in women with intense pain?

More than 400 mm Hg (correct)

Less than 200 mm Hg

Exactly 350 mm Hg

Around 300 mm Hg

What is a psychological factor that influences menstrual cramps?

Emotional stress (correct)

Lack of exercise

Adenomyosis

Uterine fibroids

What is a non-hormonal treatment for primary dysmenorrhea?

Acupressure

NSAIDs (correct)

Hot packs

Oral contraceptive pills

What is the purpose of applying hot packs to the lower abdomen and lower back?

To increase blood flow to the contracting muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the SP 6 acupressure point?

On the medial aspect of the calf, three cuns above the medial malleolus Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of reassurance and discussion after menarche?

It alleviates fear and anxiety related to menstrual cramps Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason for the intensity of pain to decrease after the birth of the first child?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age range for primary dysmenorrhea to occur?

Below 25 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the SP 8 acupressure point?

On the mediolateral aspect of the calf, three cuns below the SP9 point Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of pain in primary dysmenorrhea?

Increased prostaglandins Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pain in primary dysmenorrhea?

Pain that begins before onset of menses and during the first 24 hours of menstruation Signup and view all the answers

What is a condition that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring uterine pressure and contractions in assessing menstrual cramps?

To document the severity of menstrual cramps Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical frequency of uterine contractions during a normal menstrual period?

1-4 contractions every 10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of uterine contractions during a normal menstrual period?

15-30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical pressure of uterine contractions during a normal menstrual period?

50-80 mm Hg Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the acupuncture technique?

Restoring the balance of body's vital energies Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of pain relief in Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

Decreasing the production of prostaglandins and stimulating endorphine production Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of application for Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the suprapubic region?

Crook lying position, three shoots, direct contact, head perpendicular for 60 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the wavelength of the laser used in Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

904 nm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of pain relief in TENS?

Stimulating the release of endorphins Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the 2nd electrode (B) in the TENS dual channel V-shaped technique?

Antrolateral aspect of the umbilicus to the right (negative) Signup and view all the answers

How many shoots are applied on the suprapubic region in Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

3 shoots for 60 seconds each Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum power of the laser used in Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

5 milliwatts Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency range for the dual channel crisscross pathway?

80-120 Hz Signup and view all the answers

Where is the 1st electrode A1 placed?

On the abdomen at the most anterolateral area of pain below umbilicus on the right Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of pain relief by Kinesio-Taping?

Suppression of pain by stimulation of tactile fibers in the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of longitudinal stretch of the Kinesio-Tape?

55-60% Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of Kinesio-Taping on menstrual pain?

Decrease in pain sensitization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying Kinesio-Tape on the lower abdomen and lower back?

To decrease menstrual cramps Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of pain relief by aerobic exercise?

Release of endorphins Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the dual channel crisscross pathway for 1 hour several times a day?

At minimal intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of isometric exercises, including abdominal and pelvic exercises, in managing menstrual cramps?

To decrease the severity and duration of pain and the rate of use of medication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following yoga poses are recommended for heavier menstrual days?

Cobra, Cat, Cow and Fish Pose Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for holding each stretch during yoga exercises?

30 to 60 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using aromatherapy during menstruation?

To reduce the intensity of pain and improve body's endurance Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily supplement to reduce the duration of dysmenorrhea?

Vitamin E Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle change is recommended to reduce water retention during menstruation?

Reduce the amount of salt in your diet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is recommended to eat more during menstruation?

Chicken and fish Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended supplement to help maintain hormonal balance during menstruation?

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dysmenorrhea

Definition: Severe, cramping pain in the lower abdomen that occurs just before or during menses.

Types of Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea:
- No underlying gynecological cause
- Typically affects young women below 25 years old
- Pain begins within 6 months to 1 year following menarche
- Pain is spasmodic, with or without nausea and vomiting, and may radiate to the lower back and thighs
Secondary dysmenorrhea:
- Underlying abnormal or pathological cause
- Typically affects women between 30-45 years old
- Pain progresses throughout menstruation
- Causes include fibroids, adenomyosis, STI, and endometriosis

Etiology of Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea:
- Increased uterine activity
- Increased prostaglandins released due to endometrial cell lysis
Secondary dysmenorrhea:
- Underlying conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, STI, and endometriosis

Assessment of Menstrual Cramps

Measuring pressure within the uterus and number & frequency of uterine contractions
Normal menstrual cramps: 50-80 mm Hg, lasting 15-30 seconds, and occurring every 10 minutes
Intense pain: exceeding 400 mm Hg, lasting longer than 90 seconds, and occurring less than 15 seconds apart

Factors Influencing Menstrual Cramps

Narrow cervical canal
Retroverted uterus (RVF)
Lack of exercise
Psychological factors (emotional stress)
Adenomyosis and endometriosis
Uterine fibroids

Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea

General and psychological treatment:
- Discussion and reassurance
- Pain may decrease after childbirth
Drug therapy:
- Non-hormonal treatment (NSAIDs) to decrease prostaglandins
- Hormonal treatment (oral contraceptive pills) to decrease endometrial growth
Physical therapy treatment:
- Hot packs to increase blood flow and reduce muscle spasm
- Acupressure to balance internal function
- Acupuncture to restore balance of qi
- Low-level laser therapy to decrease prostaglandins and stimulate endorphins
- TENS to block pain perception and stimulate release of body opioids
- Kinesio-taping to suppress pain sensitivity
- Aerobic exercise to release endorphins and improve blood flow
- Relaxation techniques and yoga to increase pain threshold and improve balance
- Aromatherapy to reduce stress and pain
Lifestyle changes and diet modification:
- Stop smoking
- Take vitamin E supplements
- Reduce salt intake
- Choose pure fruit juices and mineral water
- Eat high-fiber foods and salads
- Consider supplements containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

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Description

This quiz covers the definition and types of dysmenorrhea, including primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Learn about the characteristics of each type and how they differ.