PPWH-01 - Red Alert: When Period Pain Becomes a Problem

Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common problem that affects 16-91% of reproductive aged women. This type of pain is classified as primary or secondary and can be associated with persistent, or chronic, pelvic pain. Primary dysmenorrhea is recurrent lower abdominal pain associated with the menstrual cycle without an underlying pathology. Secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with a suspected or clinically identifiable pathology such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids. Regardless of the type, dysmenorrhea may negatively impact the patient at functional, emotional, and psychological health, as well as social function and standing. Dysmenorrhea is challenging because it can present with various pain symptoms, pain intensity, and abnormal bleeding, yet many women are taught that this type of pain is ‘normal’. Furthermore, many of those suffering from these symptoms do not necessarily fully view their symptoms as problematic, product of societal normalization and delays in access to proper care. Being able to identify "red flags", when it comes to menstrual related symptoms, is fundamental to evaluate and treat in a timely fashion. Specially since dysmenorrhea commonly co-exists with many other conditions leading to persistent pelvic pain which could lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatments. Therefore, clinicians must accomplish the complex task of educating patients while identifying, and treating, potential underlying causes of dysmenorrhea, and their potential co-existing conditions. This course will provide health professionals of different specialties with the primary tools to assess and manage those suffering from dysmenorrhea (primary and secondary). During this session we will engage the audience with case scenarios and an interactive platform, which will facilitate a better learning environment, rather than a typical point-by-point lecture.