Dysmenorrhea painful periods Dysmenorrhea can cause many women to experience discomfort during their menstrual cycle. This pain can begin a few days before the period starts and then reduces as menstrual bleeding finishes. For a small percentage of women, the pain is severe and interferes with carrying out normal everyday tasks. There are two main types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. In the first, the pain occurs within healthy women and is not related to any specific problem within the uterus or other pelvic organs. However, in the latter, the menstrual pain is linked to an underlying disease or structural abnormality within or outside the uterus, such as endometriosis, fibroid tumours and ovarian cysts, or from the use of an intrauterine device for birth control.

The vulva is the outer part of the genitalia in people with a vagina. It includes the outer labia labia majora and inner labia labia minora. The mound made by the pubic bone, the clitoris, and the openings of the urethra and vagina are also part of the vulvar area. Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain, burning, or other irritation that lasts at least three months. Symptoms can be unprovoked or provoked by touch. Cyclic vulvodynia, or cyclic vulvitis, tends to change according to where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Healthy sexual and reproductive organs are vital to a woman's sexual health. Learning about the functions of each organ and how these organs work together allows you to be aware of your body and of any changes that might indicate a problem. This information can also help you choose a method of birth control or determine when is the best time to try and get pregnant. Learning about a woman's sexual responses may also make you more comfortable with your body. If you understand what happens to your body when you are sexually excited, you may be able to improve your sexual experiences.

My clitoris started hurting right when i started my period which was yesterday aug It feels hard too. I tried looking at it in the shower today and the tip looks sorta white? I have a feelings its swollen too. I am sorta desperate for answers, if anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated!!!