Painful periods
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How common are painful periods?

We don't know exactly how many women have period pain but it is very common.

Somewhere between half and nearly all of women in the United States and other Western countries get painful periods.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Zondervan KT, Yudkin PL, Vessey MP, et al.
The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in the United Kingdom: a systematic review.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998; 105: 93-99.
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Coco AS.
Primary dysmenorrhea.
American Family Physician. 1999; 60: 489-497.
 
 
 
 
 
2

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Zondervan KT, Yudkin PL, Vessey MP, et al.The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in the United Kingdom: a systematic review.British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998; 105: 93-99.
  2. Coco AS.Primary dysmenorrhea.American Family Physician. 1999; 60: 489-497.
This information was last updated on May 08, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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