Period Pain!

[englishteacher78]

I came off the pill in January - will be TTC from next month. I'm now remembering the real reason why I went on the pill. I'm now suffering from crippling period pain! Previously had investigations and doctor's advice was it will probably get better after pregnancy. That's all by the by though - any drug recommendations for over the counter pain relief?

Crippling period pain needs to be investigated further and properly to establish the underlying cause. It may well be endometriosis; this is very common and often under-diagnosed. Many GPs just do not recognise it and what you've been told is just plain wrong. Endo can cause subfertility problems and it does not always get better post pregnancy.

Endo if it is present is usually only diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy. Other tests like ultrasounds, blood tests etc DO NOT detect it.

I would ask your GP now to refer you to a gynae for further evaluation and do not take no for an answer. In the meantime also I suggest you keep a daily pain (have a scale from 1-10) and symptom diary as this will also give the gynae clues.

www.endo.org.uk is a helpful website.

I take Boots period pain tablets, Naproxen. Other pain killers weren't touching the pain, but this seems to help if taken when the pain starts. If possible I also go to bed with a heated wheat filled cushion or hot water bottle.

Second atilla though laparospy found no evidence of endo for me - did find that one of my tubes was knackered (nothing to do with period pains) though so speedy referral to fertility unit which I wouldn't have had otherwise. After having a baby it is sooooooo much better! camomile tea and hot water bottles helped me a little