Painful Periods Quiz: What's Your Menstrual Pain IQ?

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, most women have some discomfort during their periods, and more than half have some pain for one or two days each month.

Menstrual pain so severe that it keeps you from your normal activities is known as “dysmenorrhea." In most cases, it can be treated.

Potential symptoms of dysmenorrhea include cramps or pain in the lower abdomen or lower back, a "pulling" feeling in the inner thighs, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.

They're not the second leading cause of school and job absences, according to the National Institutes of Health -- they're the leading cause.

In general, women with painful periods do not need to avoid sex. In fact, orgasms can relieve menstrual cramps in some women. However, there could be specific reasons a certain individual might be advised to avoid sex, so consult your doctor if you have questions.

In endometriosis, endometrial tissue forms in other areas in the body, such as on the ovaries, bladder, bowel, or on the outer surface of the uterus. This can lead to scarring within the abdominal cavity and pain.

Fibroids can form on the outside, the inside, or in the walls of the uterus, and can cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends seeing a doctor if you have severe menstrual cramps or cramps that last for more than two or three days. You also should see a doctor if you have a fever, a foul-smelling, unusual, or increased vaginal discharge, if your period is more than a week late, or if your pain occurs at times other than menstruation. Call your doctor if you recently got an IUD or if you pass blood clots or have other symptoms along with the pain.

Women are more likely to experience menstrual cramps or prolonged pain if they have heavy periods, smoke, or drink alcohol. They're also more likely to experience them if they started their first period at an early age (younger than 11), or if their menstrual periods last five days or longer.

The menstrual period begins when the uterus sheds its lining, and this is when most menstrual pain occurs.

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, acupressure and acupuncture may help relieve menstrual pain, but they cannot prevent it.

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, thiamine (vitamin B1) may help ease menstrual pain, though it cannot prevent it. Thiamine can be found in cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. Vitamin B6 and calcium and magnesium supplements may also be helpful.

Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation and stress-reducing techniques can help ease menstrual pain. Exercise and getting enough sleep also can be helpful.

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available over the counter for menstrual pain. They work best if you begin taking them as soon as symptoms appear or your period starts for the first few days of your period. Some people should not take NSAIDs. For example, you should not take NSAIDs if you have a bleeding disorder, ulcers, or kidney or liver damage. NSAIDs may also interact with other drugs you may be taking. Your health care provider can advise you on the safety of over-the-counter or prescription NSAID use.

Birth control pills and other methods of hormonal contraception help control the growth of the lining of the uterus so less prostaglandin is produced; less prostaglandin means fewer contractions and less pain.

Many women have less painful periods after childbirth, or as they get older.