Painkillers Safe During Menstruation, Experts Clarify

Kathmandu. Many women experience pain in the abdomen and waist during menstruation. While this pain is normal for some women, for others it becomes so severe that it is difficult to perform daily tasks.

In such a situation, many women take painkillers to get relief from the pain. However, various things are heard in society about these medicines.

Many believe that painkillers should not be taken during menstruation or that it causes infertility. Therefore, today let's learn about the opinion of experts on this topic and whether it is really safe to take painkillers during menstruation.

Why does pain occur during menstruation?

According to doctors, the pain during menstruation is caused by the process of uterine contractions. In fact, every month a layer forms inside the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.

When pregnancy does not occur, the uterus contracts to expel this layer. To activate this contraction process, the body produces chemicals called 'prostaglandins'.

The level of prostaglandins in the body increases just before the onset of menstruation. The higher the level of this chemical in a woman's body, the more severe the pain she experiences.

Another reason for menstrual pain is that when the uterus contracts, the oxygen supply is temporarily stopped or reduced. This lack of oxygen also causes the abdomen and waist to cramp and ache.

Is it safe to take painkillers during menstruation?

According to doctors, taking painkillers to get relief from menstrual pain is completely safe. These medicines do not cause any harm to the body.

The medicines used to reduce menstrual pain often contain 'ibuprofen' or 'mefenamic acid'.

These medicines reduce the production of prostaglandins in the body. When less prostaglandins are produced, the uterine contraction process also reduces, and immediate relief from pain is obtained. Besides, these medicines also help to reduce excessive bleeding during menstruation to some extent.

Myths associated with painkillers

Many people believe that taking painkillers damages the uterus or causes problems in becoming a mother in the future. But these are just myths. Painkillers taken during menstruation do not have any adverse effect on a woman's uterus or fertility.

These medicines only block the pain signals and swelling for a few hours. However, even though these medicines are safe, one should avoid taking them on an empty stomach.

It is always advisable to take the correct dosage under the advice of a doctor. If your pain is so severe that it is not relieved even after taking medicine, you should see a doctor, because such excessive pain is not normal.