Levator Syndrome – Levator syndrome describes rectal pain that comes and goes due to spasms of the levator ani muscle, which forms a large part of the pelvic floor, Types of levator syndrome include proctalgia fugax and coccydynia. Proctalgia fugax causes fleeting pain in your rectum, whereas coccydynia causes pain in the region of your tailbone.

Rest in a warm bath: This can “definitely help,” said Dr. Wider. That’s because it relaxes the muscles in your anus and rectum to help prevent cramping. Use a heating pad, blanket, or water bottle: Like a warm bath, heat compresses can also help relax your muscles. Take an NSAID: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help tamp down on butt inflammation, cramps, and pain, said Dr. Greves, just as they can help tame abdominal cramps. That’s because NSAIDs reduce the amount of pain-causing prostaglandins.

If you have butt cramps during your period that become so severe that you cannot participate in daily activities (like going to work or school), consult your healthcare provider to determine whether your symptoms indicate an underlying condition. While most people think of abdominal cramps during menstrual bleeding, some people experience butt cramps during their periods.

1. The cramping happens due to your tissues breaking down and releasing hormones known as prostaglandins, which make the uterus contract.
2. Those contractions cause abdominal cramps and butt cramps, as well as changes in bowel movements.
3. There are numerous ways to lessen the symptoms if you experience butt cramps during your period.

However, if you experience any bleeding from your rectum, or the pain makes daily activities unbearable, you should see a healthcare provider.

Is it normal to have buttock pain during period?

Causes of period butt pain – Muscle tension Cramps, uterine swelling, and bloating are common period symptoms. Unfortunately, they can also put pressure on your gluteal muscles—the ones that make up the buttocks. When enough tension builds, the muscles might spasm, causing pain in the lower back, pelvis, and butt.

• This could also make you feel like you have to pee, Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., clinical assistant professor of urology at Weil Cornell Medical College and director of urogynecology at Lenox Hill Hospital, tells SELF.
• Butt pain during period days may be especially common if your uterus tilts toward your back, says Christine Herde, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., vice chair of ob-gyn at CareMount Medical in New York.

Neighboring body parts’ nerves are interconnected, so pain that stems from one place might be felt in another. Most people’s uteruses tilt toward the front, so they feel uterus cramping in their abdomens. But if yours tilts in the reverse direction, which is less common but normal, you might feel cramps in the back or butt.

• Severe pain in the gluteal muscles could also point toward endometriosis,
• This condition is primarily thought to happen when the endometrial (uterine) lining starts to grow on other organs outside of the uterus, says Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Some schools of thought believe it’s not this exact tissue, but a slightly different type, that is the culprit behind endometriosis, Either way, these lesions can bleed and cause terrible pain both during and outside of a person’s period. If this wayward tissue is growing near a nerve connected to the butt, such as the sciatic nerve, you could feel pain in your butt muscles.

Another possible issue underlying butt muscle pain is having an enlarged uterus due to fibroids 3, Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can develop during a person’s childbearing years. Fibroids could cause the uterus to push against the back or butt. Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms.

But sometimes they can make life very difficult from day to day. When symptomatic, fibroids can cause unusually heavy bleeding (during or outside of your period), abdominal pain, pain during sex, trouble urinating, constipation, infertility issues, and more.

• Anal issues Anal pain could also potentially point toward endometriosis, says ob-gyn Aimee D.
• Eyvazzadeh, M.D.
• A reproductive endocrinologist and fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
• Endometriosis lesions sometimes sit on the pudendal nerve, which extends all over the pelvis.

When irritated, this nerve can send shooting pain to the skin around the anus that intensifies during your period.

Where do you rub to get rid of period cramps?

Massage the abdomen Getting a massage or performing self-massage over the abdomen can also relax the pelvic muscles and alleviate cramping. People can gently rub a massage oil, body lotion, or coconut oil into their skin to help this process.

Why do I get sharp shooting pains up my bum?

Summary – There are many potential causes of rectal pain including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation from IBD, infection, and trauma. Cancer is also a potential cause, but it’s much less common. Rectal pain is often easily diagnosed and managed. At-home treatments may be all that are needed, but be sure to follow the advice of your healthcare practitioner.

What is shooting pains up the bum?

Just as spasms of neck muscles cause headaches, spasms of the pelvic muscles causes proctalgia. Proctalgia is pain due to a spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles of the anal sphincter, or the muscles of the rectum. This causes severe stabbing pain like a knife sticking into the rectum.

What drink is good for cramps?

Chamomile Tea – Chamomile tea is believed to relieve menstrual pain. Chamomile tea contains hippurate and glycine compounds that can help relieve muscle spasms and can relax the uterus. Like ginger, chamomile tea also has anti-inflammatory that can help reduce cramps in the lower abdomen.

Boil water in a pot Add a teaspoon of chamomile, cook until it boils Remove the chamomile tea stew from the heat Let stand for 5 minutes, chamomile tea is ready to be served

What makes period cramps worse?

If you have severe menstrual cramps that disrupt your daily life, regular exercise, heating pads, and some supplements could make a difference. For severe pain, a healthcare professional may be able to recommend strategies for lasting relief. Menstrual cramps can range from a mild nuisance lasting a day or two to several days of unbearable pain that interferes with everyday activities.

• They’re one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and many experience them just before and during their period.
• The pain is caused by uterine contractions that happen just before or during the onset of your period.
• But what makes the pain more severe for some people? Read on to learn more about the potential causes of severe cramps and how to manage the pain.

Menstrual cramps feel like a throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen. You may also feel pressure or a continuous dull ache in the area. The pain may radiate to your lower back and inner thighs. Cramps usually begin a day or two before your period, peaking around 24 hours after your period starts.

nausea fatigue loose stools headache dizziness

Typical menstrual cramps are painful, but they usually respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, including ibuprofen. Severe cramps, however, tend to begin earlier in the menstrual cycle and last longer than typical cramps do. signs of severe cramps Not sure if your cramps are typical or severe? Generally, severe menstrual cramps:

don’t improve when you take OTC pain medicationinterfere with your daily activitiesare often accompanied by heavy bleeding or clotting

During your period, your uterus contracts to help shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. Some people tend to have more severe menstrual cramps without any clear cause. For others, severe menstrual cramps may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Why are my cramps so bad this month?

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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. During your menstrual period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions.

Endometriosis. Tissue that acts similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your pelvis. Uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can cause pain. Adenomyosis. The tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease. This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. Cervical stenosis. In some women, the opening of the cervix is small enough to impede menstrual flow, causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus.

You might be at risk of menstrual cramps if:

You’re younger than age 30 You started puberty early, at age 11 or younger You bleed heavily during periods (menorrhagia) You have irregular menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) You have a family history of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) You smoke

Menstrual cramps don’t cause other medical complications, but they can interfere with school, work and social activities. Certain conditions associated with menstrual cramps can have complications, though. For example, endometriosis can cause fertility problems.

Why do periods hurt so much on the first day?

Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. As bleeding continues and the lining of the uterus is shed, the level goes down. This is why pain tends to lessen after the first few days of a period.

Why does my period pain feel like Labour?

During menstruation, chemicals called ‘prostaglandins’ form in the lining of the uterus. They cause muscle contractions in the uterus, which can trigger pain and decrease blood flow and oxygen to the uterus. Similar to labor pains, these contractions can cause significant pain and discomfort.

What foods should be avoided during periods?

Foods to avoid during your period Canned foods, heavily processed meat, and other items made with chemicals and preservatives can make bloating and water retention worse. High levels of sodium are unhealthy at any time of the month, but they do even more damage during your period.

Is pain in the buttocks serious?

Pain in the buttocks can be caused by many conditions, which range in terms of severity. If the pain doesn’t go away over time, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to talk to a doctor. Is this cause for concern? You might not have paid much attention to your buttocks, given that they’re behind you.

But you will notice if they start to hurt. Your buttocks are mainly composed of fat and gluteal muscle, but they can be prone to injury and disease. A number of conditions can cause pain in the buttocks, from minor muscle strains to infections. Most of these conditions aren’t serious, but some warrant a visit to your doctor.

Call for an appointment if the pain doesn’t go away, it gets worse, or you also have symptoms like these:

numbness or weakness in your legtrouble controlling your bowels or bladdera sore that doesn’t healsharp or shooting paina fever of 104°F (40°C) or higherpain that only happens when you’re walking and limits your movement

Here are some of the conditions that can cause pain in your buttocks, as well as tips to help you figure out which one you might have. Sciatica isn’t a condition, but a symptom. It’s a sharp or burning pain that radiates down your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg.

1. You can also have numbness or tingling in the affected leg.
2. These stretches may help you find relief.
3. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disk or narrowing of parts of the spine that then presses on the sciatic nerve.
4. You’re more likely to get sciatica in your 40s and 50s, because the conditions that cause it become more common with age.

Although studies vary on how many people get the condition, some researchers estimate that as many as 40 percent of people have experienced sciatica. Bursitis is a common condition in which the fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones become inflamed.

pain when you sit or lie downpain that radiates down the back of your thighswelling and redness

You can develop bursitis in the ischial bursa if you injure the bursa or sit for a long time on hard surfaces. This type of bursitis is sometimes called “weaver’s bottom” or “tailor’s seat” after the professions that commonly cause it. These exercises may help ease your symptoms.

1. Each of the bones in your spine is separated and cushioned by small pads filled with a jelly-like material.
2. These are called disks.
3. A disk can become herniated if its outer layer tears, letting some of the inner material slip out.
4. A herniated disk can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

If the affected disk is in your lower back (lumbar spine), you’ll likely feel the pain in your buttocks. The pain can also radiate down your leg. Other symptoms include:

numbnesstinglingweakness

You’re more likely to get a herniated disk as you get older, because disks degenerate with age. Other risks include obesity and working in a job where you lift or pull heavy objects. As you get older, the disks in your back can wear down. As the disks shrink, you lose the cushioning that keeps the bones of your spine from rubbing against each other.

1. Degeneration of disks in the lower back can cause pain in the buttocks and thighs.
2. The pain may get worse when you sit, bend, or lift something.
3. Walking or other movement can relieve it.
4. You might also have numbness and tingling in your legs.
5. The piriformis is a muscle that runs down your lower back to the top of your thigh.

You also have a nerve that runs from your lower spine through your buttocks to the back of your thigh, called the sciatic nerve. Injuries or overuse can inflame the piriformis muscle to the point where it presses on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can cause a type of pain called sciatica that runs from your buttocks down the back of your leg.

The pain may get worse when you walk upstairs, run, or sit. You might also have numbness or tingling. The piriformis stretch may help relieve these symptoms. Piriformis syndrome is often misdiagnosed as other types of back pain. About 6 percent of people who are diagnosed with low back pain actually have piriformis syndrome.

A cyst is a hollow sac that can form in different parts of your body. Cysts often contain fluid, but a pilonidal cyst contains tiny pieces of hair and skin. These cysts form at the cleft between the buttocks. You can get one of these cysts if a hair grows into your skin (ingrown hair).

reddened skinpus or blood draining from the openinga foul smell

Pilonidal cysts are more common in men than women, and in people who sit for long periods of time. You can also get them from friction — for example, while riding a bike. A perirectal abscess (also called a perianal abscess) is a pus-filled cavity that forms in a gland near the anus, the opening through which stool leaves your body.

• The abscess is caused by a bacterial infection.
• This type of abscess is common in babies,
• Adults are more likely to get an infection if they have diarrhea, constipation, or another problem with bowel movements.
• Some people have an abnormal connection between the inside of their anus and their skin.
• This is called a fistula.

Bacteria can get trapped in this connection and cause an abscess to form. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the fistula. Your sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum — the triangular bone at the base of your spine — to your pelvic bone. When this joint becomes inflamed, it can cause pain in your lower back that may radiate down your buttock to your upper leg.

• Activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs can aggravate the pain, but there are options for relief.
• Physical therapy can help improve strength and maintain flexibility in the joint.
• Sacroiliac joint pain is often misdiagnosed as another type of low back pain.
• About 10 to 25 percent of people with low back pain have a problem with their sacroiliac joint.

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and stiffness in your joints. There are about 100 different types of arthritis, which together affect more than 54 million Americans. Some types are caused by a gradual wearing down of the joints with age and activity.

Others are due to an immune system attack on the joints. Arthritis in the hip joint can cause pain that radiates to the buttocks. The pain and stiffness may be worse in the morning, and gradually improve as you move the joint. Medication and physical therapy can help with pain management. The aorta is the main blood vessel from the heart.

It splits into two smaller vessels called the iliac arteries that then continue to get smaller and bring blood to the legs. A blockage in these blood vessels from atherosclerosis can cause buttock pain. The pain occurs when walking and can be achy in nature.

1. It may force you to stop walking, after which the pain goes away.
2. There can also be weakness and hair loss in the lower legs.
3. To treat pain in your buttocks, you should see your primary care provider, a rheumatologist, or an orthopedic specialist.
4. Your doctor will tailor your treatment to the cause of your pain.

Your doctor may recommend:

corticosteroid injections to bring down inflammationphysical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around the injury and improve range of motion in the affected areaa procedure to drain a cyst or abscesssurgery to repair a damaged disk or replace a worn-down joint

Home remedies can help relieve your symptoms until a treatment plan is in place. If the pain hasn’t improved in a few days or it’s getting worse, see your doctor. They’ll perform a physical exam and possibly take imaging tests, such as X-rays, to look for the cause of the pain.

Does Coke help with period cramps?

Side Effects of Drinking Soda During Menstruation – Caffeine has vasoconstrictor properties which can constrict blood vessels, including those in the uterus, thereby increasing the intensity of stomach cramps during menstruation. In addition, caffeine can also trigger feelings of anxiety and breast pain during menstruation.

Meanwhile, soft drinks that are high in sugar content are also not good for consumption during menstruation. Sugar has inflammatory properties that can exacerbate stomach cramps during menstruation if blood sugar levels are unstable. In addition, sugar consumption can affect the balance of the immune system, which can cause fatigue and a lack of energy.Drinking soda during your period can also cause some side effects.

Some of them are:

Worsening Menstrual Symptoms The caffeine in soda can trigger contractions of the uterine muscles which can increase pain during menstruation. In addition, the sugar in soda can also trigger insulin spikes in the body, which can affect the menstrual cycle. Dehydration The caffeine in soda can cause dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms like headaches and period cramps. Indigestion The sugar in soda can cause digestive upset, which can exacerbate symptoms like diarrhea and period bloating. Mood Swings The caffeine and sugar in soda can affect mood and emotions, which can exacerbate PMS symptoms such as irritability and sadness during menstruation.

Do bananas stop cramps?

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on March 06, 2022 Muscle cramps happen when your muscles tense up and you can’t relax them. While painful, usually you can treat them yourself. Exercise, dehydration, and menstruation are common causes. One way to stop cramps is to stretch or massage your muscles and to eat enough of these key nutrients: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they’ll also give you magnesium and calcium, That’s three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief. Like bananas, sweet potatoes give you potassium, calcium, and magnesium, Sweet potatoes get the win because they have about six times as much calcium as bananas. And it’s not just sweet potatoes: Regular potatoes and even pumpkins are good sources of all three nutrients. Plus, potatoes and pumpkins naturally have a lot of water in them, so they can help keep you hydrated, too. One creamy, green berry (yes, it’s really a berry!) has about 975 milligrams of potassium, twice as much as a sweet potato or banana. Potassium is important because it helps your muscles work and keeps your heart healthy. So swap out mayo on a sandwich with mashed avocado, or slice one onto your salad to help keep muscle cramps away. They have a lot of fat and calories, so keep that in mind. Legumes like beans and lentils are packed with magnesium. One cup of cooked lentils has about 71 milligrams of magnesium, and a cup of cooked black beans has almost double that with 120 milligrams. Plus, they’re high in fiber, and studies show that high-fiber foods can help ease menstrual cramps as well as help control your blood sugar and lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, These fruits have it all: loads of potassium, a good amount of magnesium and calcium, a little sodium, and a lot of water. Sodium and water are key because as you exercise, your body flushes sodium out with your sweat. If you lose too much water, you’ll get dehydrated, and muscle cramps may happen. Eating a cup of cubed cantaloupe after a workout can help. They’re about 90% water, so when you need foods that hydrate, a cup of watermelon will do it. Since it’s a melon, it’s also high in potassium, but not quite as high as others. It’s a natural source of electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and sodium. It’s good for hydration. And it’s packed with protein, which helps repair muscle tissue after workouts. All of the above can help protect against muscle cramps. Some athletes swear by pickle juice as a fast way to stop a muscle cramp. They believe it’s effective because of the high water and sodium content. But that might not be the case. While pickle juice may help relieve muscle cramps quickly, it isn’t because you’re dehydrated or low on sodium. They’re rich in calcium and magnesium. So adding kale, spinach, or broccoli to your plate may help prevent muscle cramps. Eating leafy greens also may help with menstruation cramps, as studies show eating foods high in calcium can help relieve pain from periods. One cup of refreshing OJ has plenty of water for hydration. It’s also a potassium star with nearly 500 milligrams per cup. Orange juice has 27 milligrams of calcium and magnesium. Choose a calcium-fortified brand for an extra boost. Like beans and lentils, nuts and seeds are a great source of magnesium. For example, 1 ounce of toasted sunflower seeds has about 37 milligrams of magnesium. And 1 ounce of roasted, salted almonds has double that. Many types of nuts and seeds have calcium and magnesium as well. Sometimes muscle cramps are the result of poor blood flow. Eating oily fish like salmon can help improve it. Plus, a 3-ounce portion of cooked salmon has about 326 milligrams of potassium and 52 milligrams of sodium to help with muscle cramps. Not a salmon fan? You also could try trout or sardines. Tomatoes are high in potassium and water content. So if you gulp down 1 cup of tomato juice, you’ll get about 15% of your daily value of potassium. You’ll also give your body hydration to prevent muscle cramps from starting. Generally, women need about 11.5 cups of water a day, and men 15.5 cups. But this doesn’t mean you should chug water. The water you get from other beverages, plus fruits and vegetables, counts, too. Before you reach for a sports drink, know this: You only need these sugary electrolyte beverages if you’re doing high-intensity exercise for an hour or more.

Is it normal to have sciatic pain during period?

Summary – Sciatic endometriosis refers to a condition in which endometrial cells grow outside of the uterine lining and compress the sciatic nerve that runs up and down each leg. This leads to leg pain, especially before and during each menstrual cycle,

• Like all forms of endometriosis, sciatic endometriosis can also cause pain during sex, bowel movements, and urination, as well as painful periods, fatigue, irregular vaginal bleeding, and infertility.
• Treatment for sciatic endometriosis typically involves taking medication or undergoing physical therapy for pain relief.

For severe and/or persistent pain, you may require surgery, including laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial implants or a complete hysterectomy. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Endometriosis,
2. Saar TD, Pacquée S, Conrad DH, Sarofim M, Rosnay P, Rosen D, Cario G, Chou D. Endometriosis involving the sciatic nerve: a case report of isolated endometriosis of the sciatic nerve and review of the literature, Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther,2018;7(2):81-85. doi:10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_24_18
3. World Health Organization. Endometriosis,
4. Yahaya A, Chauhan G, Idowu A, Sumathi V, Botchu R, Evans S. Carcinoma arising within sciatic nerve endometriosis: a case report, J Surg Case Rep,2021;2021(12):rjab512. doi:10.1093/jscr/rjab512
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sciatica,
6. Yanchun L, Yunhe Z, Meng X, Shuqin C, Qingtang Z, Shuzhong Y. Removal of an endometrioma passing through the left greater sciatic foramen using a concomitant laparoscopic and transgluteal approach: case report, BMC Womens Health,2019;19(1):95. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0796-0
7. MedlinePlus. Sciatica,
8. MedlinePlus. Endometriosis,
9. Center for Endometriosis Care. Sciatic endometriosis,
10. Chen S, Xie W, Strong JA, Jiang J, Zhang JM. Sciatic endometriosis induces mechanical hypersensitivity, segmental nerve damage, and robust local inflammation in rats, Eur J Pain,2016;20(7):1044-57. doi:10.1002/ejp.827
11. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Evaluating infertility,

By Laura Dorwart Laura Dorwart is a health journalist with a focus on mental health, pregnancy-related conditions, and disability rights. Her writing has been published in VICE, SELF, The New York Times, The Guardian, and many more. Thanks for your feedback!

Why do my hips hurt on my period?

Summary – While it’s common to assume that hip pain comes from an injury, arthritis, or bursitis, it can also result from multiple gynecologic conditions, including endometriosis. When endometrial lesions entrap, irritate, or inflame pelvic nerves, pain can radiate to the hip, buttocks, and legs.

• Hip pain due to endometriosis can vary based on your menstrual cycle.
• Many note it gets worse before their period but starts to ease up after the bleeding is over.
• In addition to chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis has been connected to fibromyalgia, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, asthma, some cancers, and more.

Treatment for endometriosis depends on the severity of your symptoms.

Why do I have sharp pains on one side of my period?

Frequently asked questions – How do you stop period pains? Period pains can be reduced by taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or by taking prescription painkillers, such as codeine and naproxen. However, you should not take aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen if you have asthma or kidney, liver or stomach problems, and you should not take aspirin if you are aged under 16.

1. Some women find using a TENS (transcutaneous electrical stimulation) machine is helpful.
2. You can also try exercise, lightly massaging your lower abdomen, relaxation techniques, and warm baths or showers.
3. Stopping smoking can help too.
4. Certain birth control options are known to help — these include the combined contraceptive pill, contraceptive implants or injections, and the intrauterine system (IUS).

If your period pain does not improve with these techniques, see your GP. Why is my period so painful? Periods can be painful for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is the waves of contractions that your womb goes through to shed your womb lining.

The contractions are triggered by hormones called prostaglandins. When your womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels that line it and temporarily stops the flow of blood and oxygen to your womb, which causes more prostaglandins to be released. This triggers further contractions and increases your pain.

Periods can also be painful due to an underlying medical condition, which is more common in women aged 30–45. Conditions include adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease. If you’re concerned about your period pain or have noticed it has become more severe, see your GP.

Is it normal to have cramps while on your period? Around four in every five women have period pain, which often includes cramps, at some time in their life. Muscle cramps are usually due to your womb contracting to shed your womb lining, which can be painful. Do period pains get worse with age? Period pains that are not caused by an underlying medical condition usually get better with age.

However, period pains caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis, may get worse with age. If you’re concerned about your period pain or have noticed it has become more severe, see your GP. Are painful periods a sign of good fertility? Painful periods are not a sign of good fertility.

Period pain that is not caused by an underlying medical condition doesn’t affect your fertility. In contrast, period pain that is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, can reduce your fertility by causing scarring and a build-up of tissue in your fallopian tubes — this makes it more difficult for sperm to reach your eggs.

Why do I only get period pain on one side? You may only get period pain on one side of your body if it is caused by an underlying medical condition eg endometriosis. Endometriosis can cause lesions to develop in and around your womb; if they are located on one side, you may only experience period pain on this side.