SECONDARY DYSMENORRHEA

Secondary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain due to pelvic pathology. Secondary dysmenorrhea usually occurs after a woman has had normal menstrual periods for some time. It differs from primary dysmenorrhea in that the pain is caused by an abnormality or disease of the uterus, tubes or ovaries.The pain may be similar to menstrual cramps, but often lasts longer than the menses, and may also occur at other times of the month. The most common causes are infection,. adenomyosis (benign growths in the uterine walls), endometriosis (tissue from the lining of the uterus implants outside the uterus) and adhesions (scarring or adherence of two surfaces). Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on finding the cause and treating it appropriately. Medical and/or surgical treatment may be needed.