Can you soak your feet if you have menstrual cramps?

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Soaking your feet can help with menstrual cramps, as long as the menstrual flow is not too heavy. You can add some Chinese herbal medicine to the footbath, or just use plain warm water. Soaking your feet helps to activate blood circulation and can relieve menstrual cramps, which are often caused by smooth muscle spasms related to being chilled. Getting chilled often leads to spasms and increased pain in smooth muscles. You can soak your feet for an extended period as long as the water temperature is not too hot. Additionally, applying a hot water bottle directly to the abdomen can also be quite effective. Generally, it's best to avoid using painkillers directly, as medications can be harsh on the stomach and have other side effects.

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Written by Tao Zhong E
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The principle of dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea generally refers to lower abdominal pain during menstruation. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea involves no substantive lesions; that is, no problems can be identified through examinations, yet menstrual pain occurs. This type is generally due to internal inflammatory factors and pain mediators, such as an increased secretion of prostaglandins, making the pain more pronounced. Secondary dysmenorrhea generally refers to organic lesions, such as adenomyosis or endometrial cysts. In these cases, noticeable menstruation pain also occurs due to organic lesions leading to an increased secretion of pain mediators.

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Can I drink milk tea if I have menstrual cramps?

It is generally not recommended to drink milk tea during menstrual cramps. This is because milk tea contains some caffeine, and drinking caffeine during menstrual cramps can easily induce anxiety and irritability in women, which aggravates the symptoms of menstrual pain. It also consumes some of the energy stored in the body and affects metabolism. Additionally, tea contains tannic acid, and during menstruation, when a woman's blood hemoglobin levels are low, drinking milk tea can hinder the absorption of iron from food, which can exacerbate anemia. Furthermore, some dairy products in milk tea, such as cream, cheese, and cultured milk, can disrupt the balance of trace elements in the body and are factors that aggravate menstrual cramps. Therefore, it is not advised to drink milk tea during menstrual cramps.

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Written by Li Li Jie
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How long does it take for ibuprofen to work for menstrual pain?

Dysmenorrhea refers to lower abdominal pain and a sense of heaviness around or during the menstrual period, accompanied by back pain or other discomforts. If dysmenorrhea occurs, taking ibuprofen can relieve the symptoms significantly within about 20 to 30 minutes. Drinking a bowl of hot brown sugar water during menstruation can also promote smoother menstrual flow and relieve pain. During menstruation, it is advisable to eat less spicy and stimulating food, as well as fewer cold fruits, vegetables, etc., and to maintain appropriate rest. Consume more warm foods and supplement with high-protein, high-calorie diets.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if menstrual cramps are very painful?

In cases of severe menstrual pain, it is crucial to strictly keep warm and to avoid eating or touching cold items. You can also opt for heat therapy, such as using a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen or soaking feet in hot water. This can quickly relieve contractions and spasms of the uterine smooth muscle, and swiftly ease the symptoms of painful menstruation. Some people’s menstrual pain is related to inflammation, and others might suffer from conditions such as adenomyosis or endometriosis. These cases require regular check-ups and treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does dysmenorrhea cause infertility?

The causes of dysmenorrhea are divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. In primary dysmenorrhea, women do not have organic pathological changes in the reproductive system, and it usually does not affect normal pregnancy. Secondary dysmenorrhea is often caused by organic pathological changes in the reproductive system, such as submucosal fibroids, adenomyosis, ovarian endometriomas, etc. These conditions can change the internal environment of the pelvic and uterine cavities, affecting various aspects such as the implantation of the fertilized egg, thus impacting normal pregnancy. Therefore, when a woman is diagnosed with secondary dysmenorrhea, it is important to identify the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment to avoid affecting future normal pregnancies.