While emotional or psychological factors don't cause the pain, they can worsen it or cause some women to be less responsive to treatment. Family history of dysmenorrhea. Preventive Measures Take female hormones that prevent ovulation, such as oral contraceptives. Treatment of the underlying cause. Expected Outcome Symptoms can be controlled with treatment.
Symptoms improve with age and with childbirth.
Symptoms are rare in postmenopausal women. Possible Complications Severe pain that regularly interferes with normal activity. Infertility from underlying cause. Initial treatment aims are to relieve pain. Long term goals of treatment involve treating any underlying cause with medication, counseling or possibly surgery.