Non-prescription medications for the treatment of pelvic pain
Non-prescription medications may effectively control chronic pelvic pain. They also reduce menstrual cramping caused by endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, reduce menstrual cramps and relieve pain by reducing swelling (inflammation) and lowering the level of the hormone prostaglandin within the uterus. High levels of prostaglandin have been found in the menstrual blood of women with painful periods.1
- Start taking the recommended dose of pain medication as soon as your discomfort begins or one day before your menstrual period is scheduled to start.
- Take the medication in regularly scheduled doses to keep the pain under control. Pain medication is more effective if you take it at regularly scheduled intervals around the clock. You may wish to take your pain medication in the morning, at lunch, before dinner, and when you go to bed. Taking the medication only when your pain is “really bad” is not an effective method for pain control.
- Try acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, if NSAIDs do not relieve your pain.
Before you take any non-prescription medications for the first time, be sure to carefully read the information on the package. It is important to understand how much of the medication you should take and when you should take it, as well as reasons not to take the medication. As with all medications:
- Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose.
- If you have been told to avoid these medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), call your health professional before taking them.
- If you are or could be pregnant, call your health professional before using any medication.
- Do not give ASA to anyone younger than age 20 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin
- Initial dose: 400 mg
- Following doses: 200 mg every 4 hours or 400 mg every 8 hours
Side effects with NSAIDs are usually mild. Stomach upset or discomfort is the most common side effect. Taking the medication with food may help.
Reasons not to use NSAIDs (contraindications)
- Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant
- Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Nasal polyps
- Allergic reactions to ASA or related drugs
- Kidney or liver disease
- Anemia
- Blood-clotting disorders
Do not take NSAIDs if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as heparin or warfarin
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone
- Lithium
- Oral antidiabetic medication
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: March 30, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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