how do you get rid of KILLER cramps? like so bad you can't even function? and my boyfrend always asks what he can do to help. any suggestions i can tell him?
babyface13 answered Tuesday March 4 2008, 5:24 pm: i don't get them often but when i do they kill and my boyfriend rubs my stomach while we watch a movie or something, it works for me hope it works for you
LM answered Sunday March 2 2008, 2:56 pm: Tylenol or Midol, something like that.
As for what your boyfriend can do about it, not very much. But he could very easily provide a distraction or two to get your mind focused on something else. Watch a movie maybe, or go for a walk (exercise can relieve cramps for some people)
Peeps answered Sunday March 2 2008, 2:16 pm: If you are having debilitating cramps you really should talk with your doctor about this. Dysmenorrhea, or cramping and pain during menstruation, is serious. This is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women.
There could be an underlying issue within or outside the uterus (for example, pelvic inflammatory disease, leiomyoma, endometriosis, adhesions, adenomyosis, uterine displacement, or a retroverted uterus). Endometriosis is the most common cause of dysmenorrhea.
Endometriosis is a serious condition and can leave you infertile if left alone since it results in scar tissue. This means, the lining of the uterus is growing outside of the uterus, where it's suppose to be. This causes the body to be unable to expel it properly. The tissue still detaches and bleeds but is left in your body.
Endometriosis occurs in one in every 5 females. Usually diagnosed between ages 30 and 40; however, it is not unheard of at younger ages. Here is the Wikipedia page about it (which has the symptoms listed):
You should really talk with your doctor about this. It isn't okay to not be able to do anything during your period.
In the meantime, to relieve menstrual cramps try what works best for you:
1. Take ibuprofen (like Advil), or some over-the-counter painkiller such as Midol or Pamprin.
Remember, ibuprofen should always be taken with food or milk. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.
2. Start birth control pills.
Many gynecologist recommend birth control pills which regulate and sometimes decrease menstrual cramps.
3. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on the cramping area. You can now buy ThermaCare HeatWraps for Menstrual Cramp Relief that warms up and is stickied to the front side of your panties so you can go about your day. I've had friends that tried the HeatWraps and they really loved them.
4. Start an exercise routine.
During menstrual cramps, the last thing on your mind is exercise. However, many women find that after they establish an exercise regimen, cramps are lessened. After several months, your menstrual flow may be lighter and less painful.
Try light aerobic exercise, swimming, meditating, or a short jog.
5. Change to a healthier diet.
Try to stay away from eating only junk food or food that does not make you feel better. During or right before your period, make an effort to eat more balanced meals, iron-rich foods (eggs, meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts), fresh fruit, vegetables, and vitamin supplements.
Taking a calcium supplement daily (all through the month) has helped many women lessen menstrual cramps.
6. Drink lots of liquids (hot and cold).
Most women don't drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water (or juice) a day. Try and cut down on soda and coffee. If you feel bloated, lethargic, or if you have constipation or diarrhea, be sure to drink lots of water.
Abstain from alcohol. If you tend to retain water during your period, alcohol will only add to your problems.
Cut out caffeine. The caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate can contribute to menstrual discomfort by making you nervous. Go caffeine-free. The oils in coffee also may irritate your intestines.
7. Have an orgasm or two.
Achieving orgasm through masturbation or other means temporarily reduces painful cramps for some women. The vigorous muscle action moves blood and other fluids away from the area, relieving pain. If you don't feel comfortable with this method, that's okay. Just do what works for you.
8. Get your feet rubbed.
The foot contains acupressure or trigger points that are believed to be connected along internal energy pathways to your pelvic area. Feel for these spots (which will be sensitive during your period) in the depressions above either side of your heel. Gently press in with your thumb and fingertips. Do the same along the sides of your Achilles tendon, moving up toward your calf muscle.
Try this acupressure technique for a few minutes on each foot. In my experience, this always works for me, especially when I'm having trouble falling asleep because of the cramping.
I hope you find some relief for your killer cramps and get checked out by a doctor. It's better to be safe than to find out years later you may be unable to have children because you let this problem go on too long. [ Peeps's advice column | Ask Peeps A Question ]
THEPRiNCESSiSHERE answered Sunday March 2 2008, 9:35 am: Try using a heating pad, and i recommend pamprin.
Also i find by massaging the area helps ease them alittle bit. There really isn't much your boyfriend could do ... hope i helped.
Attention: NOTHING on this site may be reproduced in any fashion whatsoever without explicit consent (in writing) of the owner of said material, unless otherwise stated on the page where the content originated. Search engines are free to index and cache our content. Users who post their account names or personal information in their questions have no expectation of privacy beyond that point for anything they disclose. Questions are otherwise considered anonymous to the general public.