17th June 2021

A 24-year-old lady complains of severe lower abdominal pain associated with her periods

A 24-year-old lady complains of severe lower abdominal pain associated with her periods. The pain has been consistent since she was 16 years old, lasting up to three days each time and usually starting on the first day of her period. The pain is cramping in nature and is intermittent throughout the day. There is occasional radiation to the back, and she has come to seek help as it has resulted in excessive absenteeism from work meetings. She denies any dyspareunia or abdominal swelling, and has no history of gynaecological problems. Her mother has had a hysterectomy for fibroids. Her uterus was not palpable during the pelvic examination and no masses or tenderness was identified.

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