What may increase your risk for a problem from menstrual cramps?
Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.
Conditions
- Ages 12 to 20
- An intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Complications of pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a spontaneous or incomplete abortion
- A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Previous surgery or radiation treatments to the abdomen or pelvis
- Structural abnormalities of the pelvis present from birth (congenital)
Lifestyle choices
- Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
- Drug abuse or withdrawal
- Engaging in high-risk sexual behavior
- Having sex with someone who engages in high-risk sexual behavior
- Smoking or other tobacco use
Medications
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Medications used to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Medications used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy
Diseases
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Mental health problems, such as depression or an anxiety disorder
- Personal or family history of:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 11, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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