What causes dysmenorrhea?
There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
- Primary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by common menstrual cramps.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by a disease or condition, such as infection, ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs in the ovary), or endometriosis (say: “en-doe-me-tree-oh-sis”), a problem with the lining of the uterus.
Source
Dysmenorrhea by L French, M.D. (American Family Physician January 15, 2005, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050115/285.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 01/11
Created: 03/05