WBS - Period Pain

During their lifetime most women will experience the discomfort of period pain. The discomfort is usually felt as a painful muscle cramp in the lower abdomen which can occasionally spread to your back and thighs. Often it will appear as a constant dull ache but it can also come as painful intense spasms. The pain usually occurs when your bleeding begins and normally lasts between 12-24 hours.

Period pain is extremely common and it is suggested that around three quarters of young women and a quarter of adult women will experience pain and discomfort during their period. Whilst this pain is usually no more than a discomfort, one in five women experience the pain so severe that it can prevent them carrying out daily activities.