The pain only women endure

Q: Why do contractions hurt so severely during labour ?

Krishna: Labour contractions hurt because the large muscles of the uterus tighten intensely, squeezing blood vessels and reducing oxygen to the muscle tissue. This process also forcefully stretches the cervix and puts heavy pressure on the pelvis, the birth canal, and nearby organs to help push the baby out.

Labour pain is unique in the human experience because it is one of the only times the body generates severe pain that signals a physiological process is working correctly, rather than a symptom of injury or disease. The primary source of this pain comes down to a perfect storm of intense muscle work, temporary oxygen deprivation, and the rapid stretching of nerve-rich tissues.

Q: Why does menstruation bleeding cause pain in some women?

Krishna: During menstruation, the uterus contracts to push out its lining. Chemicals called prostaglandins trigger these muscle squeezes. High levels of these chemicals cause strong contractions that press on nearby blood vessels, temporarily cutting off oxygen and leading to painful cramps. 

The scientific term: Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps) “Dysmenorrhea” is the medical term for painful menstrual periods. It happens because your uterus contracts to shed its lining. The pain typically begins just before your period and subsides after a few days. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain with no identifiable cause. Secondary dysmenorrhea results from conditions like endometriosis.
In addition to cramping, you might have other symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. It’s most common to have menstrual cramps the day before or the day you start your period. For most people, symptoms subside after about two or three days.

Mild to moderate menstrual cramping is normal. But some people have such severe pain during their period that it interferes with their day-to-day life and prevents them from doing things they enjoy. Medication and other treatments can help with painful periods.
Women/girls may feel pain ranging from mild to severe in your lower abdomen, back or thighs.
About 60% of people with a uterus have mild cramps during their period. About 5% to 15% of people report period pain that’s so severe that it affects their daily activities. However, this number is likely higher, as healthcare providers believe many people don’t report menstrual pain.

In most cases, painful periods become less painful as you get older. They may also improve after giving birth.