If your doctor gives you a prescription for menstrual cramps, take it exactly as directed. Applying heat to your abdomen or back helps ease the pain. Do this for about 20 minutes once or twice a day. Use a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle, or take a warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. Stay as active as possible.
Exercise often helps relieve pain.
You don't need to stay in bed. Your pain is not controlled with medication or lasts more than 3 days. You have pain with urination or bowel movements, or pain that is located on one side only. The medicine you are taking is causing any problems. Your pain is so bad that you can't walk.