Is sex painful? It could be a sign your period cramps are abnormally bad

You experience pelvic pain even when you’re not on your period

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It’s normal to experience pain or discomfort around your pelvic region before and for the first few days of your period. But if the pain persists even when you’re not on your period, it’s time to visit a doctor.

Your period cramps last for a few days

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Most period cramps occur during the first three days of your period, and might even start the day before. However, it shouldn’t last throughout the duration of your period, which can last between two and seven days. Dr Kew wrote, “Period pains should not start days before your period, and certainly should NOT still be there after your period ends.”

You experience heavy and prolonged bleeding

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As mentioned, menstruation usually lasts between two and seven days. If you’ve been having a period that lasts for more than seven days, or have been experiencing extremely heavy flow (one that requires you to change your pad or tampon every hour), you gotta see a doctor. Dr Kew wrote, “Excessive bleeding can cause anaemia, or iron deficiency, and may signal an underlying medical condition.”

It prevents you from leading a normal life

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Sometimes, your period cramps are so bad that you have to call in sick – we get it, and have experienced it. But if it gets so bad that you find yourself going on medical leave every time it strikes, you need to consult a doctor.

Sex is painful

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Dr Kew wrote, “Another possible sign your cramps aren’t normal are if you experience pain during sex. Some causes of painful sex are also responsible for abnormally bad period cramps.”

You experience other symptoms

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If you also experience any these other symptoms in addition to period pain, be sure to consult your gynaecologist about them.

This article was first published in Cleo.