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.1 2
Sources for the information on this page:
- 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. 9442169
- Coco AS. Primary dysmenorrhea. American Family Physician. 1999; 60: 489-497. Also available at http://www.aafp.org/afp/990800ap/489.html (accessed on 15 April 2008).
This information was last updated in Jul 25, 2008
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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 2008. All rights reserved. |
