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Fertility Glossary

Dysmenorrhoea

Painful periods, which can be a normal variant or a sign of an underlying condition such as endometriosis.

Female fertility

Dysmenorrhoea is pain with menstrual periods, ranging from mild cramping to severe pain that limits daily activities. Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs without an underlying pelvic condition, while secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by an identifiable condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. Severe or worsening period pain, particularly with a fertility history, is a reason to seek clinical evaluation rather than assuming it is normal, since some underlying causes of secondary dysmenorrhoea are also linked to infertility.

Also known as: painful periods, menstrual cramps

Sources

  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
  • Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pain and sometimes infertility.

Adenomyosis

A condition where endometrial-type tissue grows within the muscular wall of the uterus, causing pain and heavy bleeding.

Uterine fibroid

A common non-cancerous growth of the uterine muscle wall, which may or may not affect fertility depending on location.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly hormonal cycle that prepares the body for pregnancy.

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