Period cramps are a normal part of any woman’s menstrual cycle. These uncomfortable twinges of pain are caused by a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins. During “that time of the month,” a female’s body releases prostaglandins, stimulating the uterus to contract and expel its lining in the form of your monthly cycle. These contractions are felt as period cramps.
And while mild discomfort is common during both PMS and your period, being in extreme pain could be a sign of something more serious. But are painful periods a sign of good fertility, as well? We’re here to answer that question and more!
Are Painful Periods a Sign of Good Fertility?
Painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, are often described as “debilitating cramps that disrupt your daily life.” One UK study reported that while 96% of women experience traditional period cramps, as many as 59% of women report severe pain each month. Over 50% of women also reported having period cramps severe enough to impact their ability to work.
In short, no, painful periods are not a sign of good fertility. In fact, it may be a sign of an underlying problem with your womb or other pelvic organs. These unknown reproductive conditions may create fertility issues and make it difficult to conceive. By addressing your painful period cramps, you may unlock the secret to your fertility troubles.
Let’s explore three common causes of painful period cramps, how they may affect fertility, and tips for finding relief.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus grows on the exterior walls, including on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It may even expand beyond the uterus to the bladder. This tissue then breaks down outside the uterus, is expelled as blood during menstruation, and may cause additional pain and discomfort.
Women with endometriosis may also develop scar tissue inside the pelvis, causing the reproductive organs to stick together. This can cause both painful periods and fertility problems. Scar tissue caused by endometriosis may alter the hormonal balance in the uterus, impacting egg quality. It may also affect the eggs’ ability to implant in the uterus and how the fallopian tubes function.
There are several treatment options available for endometriosis, including hormone therapy and the use of contraceptives. One of the most common types of hormone therapy includes gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), which block ovarian-stimulating hormones, lower oestrogen levels, and may prevent menstruation. Lack of a monthly period can help shrink the unwanted tissue caused by endometriosis.
Taking birth control or other oral contraceptives is another common way to ease endometriosis symptoms. These medications reduce the side effects of menstruation (including painful cramps) and may cause lighter, shorter, and more predictable periods. Progesterone is another form of hormone therapy for endometriosis that is said to stop your period completely. Doing so reduces the number of endometrial implants present in and around the uterus. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to treat endometriosis and associated infertility issues.
Uterine Fibroid Tumours
Between 20% and 40% of women in their reproductive years in the UK are affected by uterine fibroids. Not all women experience symptoms, though, with over 75% of women having fibroids with no notable symptoms.
These non-cancerous growths develop on the muscular wall of the uterus and range in size from a quarter inch to larger than a melon. Women can have a single fibroid or many. Fibroids are often detected during a pelvic exam or a prenatal ultrasound, even when no symptoms are present.
Just because you have fibroids doesn’t mean you’ll experience painful periods or develop fertility issues, but you might. This depends on the location of the growth. For example, submucosal fibroids can distort the uterus and complicate embryo implantation, affecting fertility more than other types.
Treating Fibroids
Treatment for fibroids depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, the location of the tumour, and the patient’s fertility goals. Conservative treatment options are best for women looking to conceive and maintain a healthy uterus and ovaries. Other common and effective treatments include surgical options, such as a hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy.
Surgery isn’t the only option for treating fibroids, though. Popular non-surgical treatments include fibroid embolisation, an MRI-guided ultrasound, and certain medications. Like treating endometriosis, GnRHa can help reduce the size of fibroids on the uterus and trigger a menopause-like state within the body.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are another common cause of painful periods and may negatively affect fertility. These fluid-filled sacs form as part of the follicle on the ovaries. A cyst may form if the egg isn’t released or the sac where the egg forms doesn’t dissolve on its own. Like fibroids, most cysts are non-cancerous, although cancerous ones may form in rare cases.
Cysts are common, with between 10% and 30% of women in the UK developing at least one in their lifetime. Similarly to fibroids, many cysts go undetected, causing no pain and displaying no symptoms. These types of ovarian cysts are often discovered during a routine pelvic exam.
Certain ovarian cysts, including endometriomas and those associated with ovulation disorders, can impact fertility and cause painful periods. In this case, treatment is necessary. Most other ovarian cysts will dissipate naturally. Your doctor may monitor your symptoms and menstrual cycle and perform a pelvic exam every few months to check if the cysts have changed in size or quantity. Taking birth control is another option if you want to relieve painful cramps caused by cysts and reduce the likelihood of new ones forming.
If changes in the size and appearance of the cyst or the intensity of your pain occur, you may require surgery. A cystectomy is a popular procedure that uses laparoscopy to diagnose cancer in ovarian cysts.
What to Do About Painful Periods
No, painful periods aren’t a sign of good fertility. They’re a sign to see your doctor and get checked out. A pelvic exam, a review of your symptoms, and other standard tests can usually determine the root of the problem. There’s also a chance that your painful periods are affecting your fertility. By diagnosing and treating painful cramps, you may simultaneously improve your chances of conception.
For more information and tips on navigating your fertility journey, check out our blog or click here to find a nearby clinic.
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