Menstrual cramps

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Menstrual cramps have no medical complications in themselves, but they often interfere with school, work and social activities.

The diseases and conditions sometimes associated with menstrual cramps may have complications, though. For example, endometriosis can cause fertility problems, while pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of a fertilized egg implanting in the tube (ectopic pregnancy) instead of in your uterus.

Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Morrow C, et al. Dysmenorrhea. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:19.
  2. Danakas GT. Dysmenorrhea. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  3. Smith RP, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea in adult women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  4. Dysmenorrhea. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp046.cfm. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  5. Smith RP, et al. Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in adult women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  6. Rainone F. Dysmenorrhea. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html.  Accessed March 24, 2011.
  7. Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn. March 26, 2011.
DS00506 May 3, 2011

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