5 Causes of stomach cramps in women, apart from menstruation & bull; hello healthy

Abdominal cramps in women are usually synonymous with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, of the 90 percent of women who experience PMS symptoms, as many as 20 percent of them experience stomach cramps that tend to be severe. But on the other hand, under certain conditions women can also experience stomach cramps outside of their menstrual cycle. Watch out, this should not be underestimated because it could be a sign of a serious problem with your health. So, what are the causes of stomach cramps apart from menstruation? Find out through the following reviews.

Various causes of stomach cramps apart from menstruation

Abdominal cramps due to menstruation usually occur 5 to 11 days before menstruation. If you have had stomach cramps outside this time, then you need to be vigilant.

According to Alyssa Dweck, an obstetrician and author The Complete A to Z for Your V , the cause of painful abdominal cramps outside the menstrual cycle may be due to other pelvic problems that need further examination.

The following are causes of stomach cramps that are not caused by menstruation and need to be watched out for, namely:

1. Endometriosis

One of the causes of stomach cramps that you need to be aware of is the possibility of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition when the tissue that should line the uterus (endometrium) grows and accumulates in other organs outside the uterus.

Normally, the endometrium will thicken near the time of ovulation to prepare itself so that the prospective fetus can attach to the uterus, if fertilization occurs. When fertilization does not occur, this endometrium will shed and come out with menstrual blood.

However, in women who have endometriosis, the tissue of the uterine wall that sheds does not come out through the vagina, but settles around the reproductive organs. Over time, these deposits will cause inflammation, cysts, or scarring. This is what causes stomach cramps even though you are not menstruating.

Stomach cramps due to endometriosis are similar to menstrual cramps but usually occur more frequently within a month. Usually, stomach cramps are felt in your lower back and below your belly button.

Although the exact cause is not known, taking birth control pills can help you deal with pain due to endometriosis. In addition, stomach cramps due to endometriosis can also be treated with injections to suppress hormones or by endometriosis surgery.

2. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. This disease can be one of the causes of stomach cramps outside the menstrual period.

Ovarian cysts generally go away on their own, but the other eight percent of women need medication or surgery because the cysts are quite severe.

Abdominal cramps due to cysts are not only felt when the cyst is still growing and persist in the ovary, but also when the cyst bursts.

When an ovarian cyst ruptures, you may feel sharper abdominal cramps on both sides of your lower abdomen, especially below your belly button. However, its location also depends on which ovary has the cyst.

3. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a condition when a benign tumor grows in the uterus. Some of the symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, pain during sex, and pressure in the urinary tract or intestines.

If you have fibroids that grow in your uterus, they will press on the uterine lining harder, especially just before your menstrual period. Towards the shedding of the uterine wall during menstruation, the uterine wall will push out the lining and make you feel cramps in the abdomen.

To determine the cause of abdominal cramps due to uterine fibroids, immediately consult a doctor for an ultrasound procedure.

4. The emergence of scar tissue or keloids

If you've had pelvic or abdominal surgery, then you are at risk of developing scar tissue (keloids) causing pain.

This scar tissue can cause the surrounding organs to feel stiff, which can lead to trauma to the uterus. This is usually caused by curettage, caesarean section, uterine infection, and other surgical procedures.

5. Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. The reason is, more than 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and the number continues to increase. Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain, bloating, stomach cramps, and irregular bleeding.

The feeling of stomach cramps due to ovarian cancer is often mistaken for heartburn due to constipation or flatulence. However, these abdominal cramps are more pronounced in the lower abdomen and last quite a long time.

To determine the cause of stomach cramps due to ovarian cancer, the doctor will usually perform a pelvic exam.