Definition

Dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menses.

The term is formed of three Greek words: the prefix dys meaning difficult; men, menos meaning month; rrhoia meaning discharge.

Classification

Dysmenorrhea may be classified as primary or secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as cyclic/menstrual pain in the lower abdomen in the absence of pelvic disorders. The condition is usually associated with ovulatory menses. The pain is thought to be caused by uterine contractions and ischemia probably due to prostaglandins released in the endometrium. Primary dysmenorrhea is also described as functional, intrinsic, essential, or idiopathic dysmenorrhea.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is defined as cyclic/menstrual pain in the lower abdomen resulting from pelvic pathology and which can be associated with anovulatory menses. While the pain-producing mechanisms in secondary dysmenorrhea are not fully understood, it is thought that excess prostaglandin production or uterine contractions secondary to obstruction, mass, or a foreign body are involved. Secondary dysmenorrhea is also described as extrinsic or acquired dysmenorrhea.

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