What women say about their dysmenorrhea: a qualitative thematic analysis

Abstract

BackgroundDysmenorrhea is highly prevalent and is the leading cause of absence from school and work among women of reproductive age. Evidence suggests that dysmenorrhea may also be a risk factor for other chronic pain conditions. Limited research has examined women’s experience with dysmenorrhea using qualitative data. Research is warranted to address issues and needs that are important from women’s own perspectives. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe women’s salient thoughts about their experiences of dysmenorrhea.MethodsWe analyzed data collected from an open-ended question within a cross-sectional survey study conducted in the United States. Using qualitative thematic analysis, free text responses to a question asking women to share their experience with dysmenorrhea were analyzed.ResultsThe sample consisted of 225 women who provided valid responses to the open-ended question. Six themes were identified: (1) The dysmenorrhea symptom experience varied among women; (2) The dysmenorrhea symptom experience varied across time, (3) A variety of factors influenced the dysmenorrhea symptom experience, (4) Dysmenorrhea symptoms could have a negative impact on the women’s daily lives, (5) Dysmenorrhea was not seen as a legitimate health issue by the women, health care providers, or society, and (6) Treatment for women with dysmenorrhea varied in acceptability and effectiveness.ConclusionsThe findings of this study have important implications for dysmenorrhea symptom assessment and the development of personalized interventions to support dysmenorrhea management.

Interference and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on the Life of Spanish Nursing Students

“…Some participants expressed the belief that other people would not consider menstrual pain to be a “good enough” reason to be absent; one replied that men would not understand. These results, drawn from an analysis of the responses to the open question, are in line with the findings of other studies which indicate that menstrual pain is normalized, both socially and within families [ 31 , 32 ]. A number of studies have revealed the educational deficiencies and limitations in addressing sensitive issues, such as the subject of menstruation in our society [ 1 , 26 , 40 ].…”

“…Among the participants, there were no significant differences in rates of absenteeism, indicating the impact on the daily life of university students with both secondary dysmenorrhea and primary dysmenorrhea, for which there is no identified organic cause. This latter form of dysmenorrhea is most often normalized given there is no objective clinical test for diagnosis and it is often shared by several members of the same family, leading to normalization within the family context [ 31 , 32 ]. These results are a further demonstration of the need for greater community awareness of menstrual health in general and the problem of dysmenorrhea among young women [ 33 ].…”

Perception of Menstrual Normality and Abnormality in Spanish Female Nursing Students

“…In addition, other menstrual disorders, such as hypermenorrhea, menstrual irregularity, and other menstrual symptoms are less explored, both internationally and in Spain [ 11 , 12 ]. The aims of the published studies are very heterogeneous, although most focus on the prevalence, risk, protective factors, and impacts on their lives [ 4 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“Tomorrow, I’ll Be Fine”: Impacts and coping mechanisms in adolescents and young adults with primary dysmenorrhoea

“…Qualitative research in the context of PD is, therefore, especially important in destigmatizing the experiences of girls and women who suffer from the condition, as it places an emphasis on participants' own words and responses. Qualitative studies have previously been used to explore general experiences (Chen, Draucker, & Carpenter, 2018) and self-care strategies (Wong, Ip, & Lam, 2016) of women with dysmenorrhoea.…”