8 Effective Tips on How To Cope With Painful Periods

15 Dec. 2020

Pain during periods is familiar to many women all over the world. Some women experience mild discomfort while others can suffer from unbearable cramps that interfere with normal activity. You should understand that there is no need to endure pain and neglect your condition. Fortunately, there are a lot of methods that can help ease painful sensations during menstruation. Here is a list of eight effective tips on how to cope with painful periods.

1. Apply heat

The heat has a wonderful ability to relieve muscles and ease cramping. One of the most effective options is to apply a heating pad onto your belly and stay in bed. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can use a bottle with warm (not hot) water or a bag with warmed cereal. But if you can’t stay in bed, it is important to wear warm clothes, especially in winter. 

2. Do yoga

Yoga has a lot of benefits and it can also help relieve cramping. There are special yoga poses called asanas that are aimed at pain relief. You should also know that yoga boosts the production of endorphins that improve your mood and relieve pain at the same time.

3. Take a bath

Taking a warm bath in combination with aromatherapy tends to be one of the most relaxing things in the world. Before taking a bath, be sure to use a tampon. You can take a bath for 15-20 minutes to get the desired relief. If you don’t have a bathtub, a warm shower can also work. 

4. Massage your belly

If you experience severe cramping during periods, you can massage your belly. It is beneficial to use lavender oil during the massage since it has pain-relieving properties. But it should be dissolved in a carrier oil since it can cause irritation. Gently massage your abdominal area and try to spend more time in bed.

5. Have sex

Many people think that sex during periods is unacceptable. But the reality is that sex, especially orgasm can relieve pain and ease cramping because of an increased estrogen release. As mentioned above, estrogen acts as a painkiller. Additionally, sex can improve your mood and energize you. 

6. Follow a healthy diet

It is extremely important to consume a lot of fruits and vegetables to keep your body healthy. But some necessary vitamins and microelements can help you cope with menstrual pain. If you suffer from severe cramping, include foods rich in vitamins B1, B6, calcium, and magnesium into your diet.

7. Use painkillers

OTC painkillers are one of the simplest ways to get rid of pain and cramping. You can ask your gynecologist about the most effective pain medication. However, you should be careful with pills and take only a recommended dosage to avoid overdose and other severe consequences. You should also know that constant intake of painkillers can lead to drug tolerance.

8. Ask your gynecologist about birth control

There are a lot of hormonal contraception options that can help you not only prevent pregnancy but also ease your pain during periods. Visit a gynecology center to chose birth control that will meet your needs. Even though you can buy birth control pills without a prescription, it is essential to consult a gynecologist before use because you can choose the wrong pills.

The bottom line

It is important to understand that severe pain and cramping during periods can also be caused by a certain underlying medical condition like endometriosis or uterine fibroids. That’s why it is better to visit a gynecologist for a thorough examination if you experience annoying discomfort and/or painful sensations during menstruation.

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