Incidence of dysmenorrhoea associated with high stress scores among the undergraduate Nepalese medical students

Abstract

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhoea is one of the major problems associated with menstruation among the young undergraduate medical students which affect their daily routine. Among various causes, mental stress is one of the major causes of primary dysmenorrhoea. This study aims to assess the relationship between the degree of stress and incidence of dysmenorrhoea amongst the young Nepalese medical students.

“Effect of aerobic exercises on primary dysmenorrhoea in college students”

“…It is clear that there are many health benefits for women who exercise regularly and in moderation. Exercise improves cardiovascular status, increased bone mineral content; improve dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome symptoms 5.9,15 .Considering the side effects of drug treatments and surgery, non-drug treatments, particularly physical activity, has attracted the attention of professionals and women 8 . 6 Also, it helps in reducing pain, relieving stress, elevating mood and improving health.…”

“…The idea that exercise might help to relieve menstrual pain is not new; in 1943 Billing proposed that women with dysmenorrhea had contracted ligamentous bands in the abdomen and subsequently developed a series of stretching exercises for which he claimed a high rate of symptom relief 7,8,15 . The belief that exercise was effective seems to have prevailed and led to anecdotal beliefs among health agencies, clinicians, and women that exercise is beneficial However, a combination of organic, psychological, and sociocultural factors may be responsible 15 .…”

“…Health care providers suggest some form of aerobic exercise such as pelvic tilting, walking, bicycling and swimming, may improve blood flow, relax abdominal muscles, reduce pelvic pain and relieve pressure on nerve centers, pelvic organs and the alimentary canal. 1,7 Exercise increases the release of several neurotransmitters including natural endorphins (the brain natural painkillers), estrogen, dopamine and endogenous opiate peptides, as well as altering the reproduction of hormone secretion, suppressing prostaglandin from being released and raising the estrone-estradiol ratio which acts to decrease endometrial proliferation and shunts blood flow away from the uterus 8,9 .Exercise may act as a distraction from intrusive thoughts and promote positive thoughts, decreasing short-term depression. Exercise may increase concentration and improve mood and behavior 10 .Primary dysmenorrhea (PD )is a very common and serious problem that can often directly affect the quality of life for women, interfering in activities such as working or studying 3 .…”

Presenting complaints in Gynecology Outpatient Department (OPD) and Prevalence and Assessment of Dysmenorrhea

“…Emotional and behavioral problems like anxiety, s t r e s s , a n d d e p r e s s i o n m a y e x a c e r b a t e dysmenorrhea. 3,11 Though dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological problem, enough hospital-based studies have not been done in Nepal to know the true extent of this problem. The aim of this study is to describe the presenting complaints in the Gynecological OPD in a tertiary hospital of Kathmandu and to describe the prevalence and assess the extent of dysmenorrhea and its impact on daily activities in the women visiting the OPD.…”

“…10 A study conducted among medical students in Nepal found the prevalence of dysmenorrhea to be 48%. 11 Dysmenorrhea is common in daughters of dysmenorrheic women. Various factors like low body mass index (BMI), smoking, early menarche, pelvic infections, psychological disturbances, genetic influence, and sexual assault have influence on the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea.…”