Table of contents:
- What causes cramps after menstruation?
- 1. Ovulation
- 2. Endometriosis
- 3. Pregnancy
- 4. Ovarian cysts
- 5. Uterine fibroids
- How to deal with cramps after menstruation?
You may have experienced cramps in the abdominal area during menstruation. This is normal because your uterine wall muscles continue to contract during this period. However, there are also women who actually feel cramps even after their menstrual period ends. If you also experience it, here are a number of conditions that can cause cramps after menstruation as well as tips that can be done to overcome them.
What causes cramps after menstruation?
Cramps that occur after menstruation are generally harmless. However, cramps that last longer than the menstrual cycle or cause prolonged pain can signal the following conditions.
1. Ovulation
Ovulation is one part of the menstrual cycle, when the ovaries (ovaries) release an egg to be fertilized. The exact cause of ovulation cramps is unknown, but some theories suggest it might be when the follicle bursts before releasing the egg or when the follicle ruptures when it releases the egg. Ovulation cramps usually occur on one side of the body for a few minutes to a few days, then get better on their own.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when cells in the lining of the uterine wall develop on the outside of the uterus. As a result, you may experience cramps before, during, and after your period. Other symptoms can include:
- pain during or after sex
- excessive bleeding when you have your period or between menstrual cycles
- pain when urinating or defecating
- constipation or diarrhea
- nausea and bloating
3. Pregnancy
Post-period cramps can also indicate that you are pregnant. This is even more so if you also experience other symptoms such as enlarged breasts, urinating more frequently, and spotting blood during menstruation.
Pain in early pregnancy is usually mild and only temporary. However, severe pain in the pelvic area accompanied by abnormal bleeding can also be a symptom of wine pregnancy. This condition occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus.
4. Ovarian cysts
Most ovarian cysts will usually go away on their own. However, the growth of cysts can also cause bleeding and cramping after menstruation. Sometimes, some people will also experience pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen.
Large ovarian cysts can also make your pelvic area feel heavy and cause a bloating sensation. If this feels bothersome, you can see a doctor to get the right treatment.
5. Uterine fibroids
Fibroids are a type of tumor that can grow in the uterus. You don't need to panic, because fibroids are not malignant tissue like cancer.
Fibroid growths in the uterus usually don't cause any symptoms. However, there are also some people who may experience symptoms such as cramps after menstruation, menstrual irregularities, frequent urination, and constipation.
How to deal with cramps after menstruation?
The pain that occurs when you experience cramps can interfere with your daily activities. However, you can now handle it yourself by undergoing lifestyle improvements such as:
- consume a balanced nutritious diet and meet your daily fluid needs
- limit consumption of alcohol, caffeine, high-fat foods, and high-salt foods
- practice managing stress well
- more often exercise to improve the circulatory system
When cramps strike, you can also use a warm compress on the abdominal area or massage the stomach gently. If this method doesn't work or you are worried about other conditions, you can also consult a doctor to get the appropriate treatment.
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