1. What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain Slideshow
2. Disease Prevention in Women Slideshow Pictures
3. Happiness Quiz: Test Your Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ)

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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The best way to relieve painful menstrual cramps is to take an anti-inflammatory medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the formation of prostaglandins and reduce pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen (Advil is a familiar brand name), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and ketoprofen (Orudis) are available over-the-counter and without a prescription, and are effective at blocking the effects of prostaglandins.

• These medications work better if taken before the start of menstruation and can be continued as long as needed. If one type of OTC medication does not relieve the pain, try another, because these medications do not work the same in everyone.
• Anti-inflammatory medicine such as these can be harsh on the stomach. If the woman has a history of kidney problems or stomach problems (such as ulcers or reflux), consult with the health care professional prior to taking this type of medication. Taking the medication with meals may help prevent upset stomach.

If anti-inflammatory medicine is not an option, or if additional relief is needed, the following strategies may help relieve menstrual cramps:

• Heating pad laid over the pelvic area
• Massage to the back and lower abdomen
• Exercise, especially prior to the start of a menstrual period may be helpful to some women

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