Most women go through some level of menstrual pain when they enter PMS and their period. The muscles naturally contract, which can create pain and stiffness as a side effect. However, for some women, it's downright debilitating. If you're suffering every month, you're doing so needlessly. Many women think that they're just not tough enough, but the reality is that every woman's menstrual pain is different, and some have it worse than others. If you're struggling with yours, here are your options for getting them under control.

Constant Birth Control

Many women experience some relief just by taking birth control pills normally. Birth control helps to lighten periods and reduce symptoms like cramping. But for women where birth control isn't enough, there's another option.

Many doctors now recommend taking birth control constantly. Instead of taking a week off of the pills to have your period, you instead take them year-round. This prevents you from having periods, which should eliminate your menstrual cramps.

Get Screened

If you're trying to conceive, if you have a heart condition, or if you just don't want to be on birth control constantly, you should consider being screened for conditions that can cause severe cramps.

For example, ovarian cysts and endometriosis are both conditions that can cause terrible cramps. They're benign, but both of these conditions involve the growth of tissues in the uterus, on the ovaries, and even the surrounding areas. If it turns out that you have one of these conditions, your doctor can treat you for it or perform surgery to remove the unwanted tissue, which will help your symptoms in the long run.

Hysterectomy

Last but not least, some women find it worthwhile to simply have their reproductive organs removed. This obviously isn't for everyone, but if you're not interested in having children or if you have already had children, this is a valid option. Removing the uterus and ovaries will eliminate cramps and monthly cycle symptoms entirely. 

More women go through intense menstrual pain than you might initially think. This is why it's so important to talk to a doctor about your symptoms. Unfortunately, excessive pain can also be a sign of bigger problems, like tumors, as well. If pain is getting in the way of your life, you don't have to suffer through it. Get in touch with an OBGYN for a physical, screening, and testing to find out what's behind your pain and to get rid of it once and for all.