What can I do to reduce pain with monthly bleeding

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During monthly bleeding the womb squeezes in order to push out the lining. The squeezing can cause pain in the lower belly or lower back, sometimes called cramps. The pain may begin before bleeding starts or just after it starts.

What to do:

  • Rub your lower belly. This helps the tight muscles relax.
  • Fill a plastic bottle or some other container with hot water and place it on your lower belly or lower back. Or use a thick cloth you have soaked in hot water.
  • Pressing hard on the tender place between your thumb and first finger can ease many kinds of pain.
  • Drink tea made from raspberry leaves, ginger, or chamomile. Women in your community may know of other teas or remedies that work for this kind of pain.
  • Keep doing your daily work.
  • Try to exercise and walk.
  • Take a mild pain medicine. Ibuprofen works very well for the pain that comes with monthly bleeding.
  • If you also have heavy bleeding and nothing else works, taking a low-dose birth control pill for 6 to 12 months may help.
Sources
  • Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
  • Audiopedia ID: en010218