The doctor will perform a medical history and physical examination, including a pelvic exam, where he or she will look for any abnormalities, signs of infection, and possible causes of secondary dysmenorrheal.
It differs from primary dysmenorrheal in that the pain is caused by an abnormality or disease of the uterus, tubes, or ovaries.
The appropriate choice of therapy for most women with primary dysmenorrheal is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), which prevents the formation and release of prostaglandins.
Aspirin is not used for the treatment of dysmenorrheal because it is not potent enough in the usual dosage.
Birth control pills are 90 percent effective in easing the pain of dysmenorrheal.