What is the medical term for painful menstruation?

The medical term for painful menstruation is dysmenorrhea. This condition often involves cramping and discomfort that can occur before or during a woman's menstrual flow. Dysmenorrhea can be classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is related to the normal menstrual cycle and is caused by the release of prostaglandins, which lead to increased uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with underlying reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis or fibroids.

In contrast, oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent menstrual periods, amenorrhea describes the absence of menstruation, and menorrhagia indicates abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Each of these terms addresses different aspects of menstrual health, but none specifically denotes the pain associated with menstruation, which makes dysmenorrhea the correct choice for this question. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the nature of menstrual disorders and informs effective management and treatment options.