Which condition is characterized by painful periods?

• A. Dysmenorrhea
• B. Menorrhagia
• C. Fibroids
• D. Endometriosis

Answer: (A)

Dysmenorrhea is characterized by painful periods, which can involve severe cramping and discomfort during menstruation. This condition can be classified into two types: primary dysmenorrhea, which is often due to increased levels of prostaglandins leading to greater uterine contractions, and secondary dysmenorrhea, which is typically related to underlying reproductive health issues.

Understanding that dysmenorrhea specifically refers to the pain associated with menstruation helps clarify why this choice is the correct answer. Other options, although related to menstrual and reproductive health, do not specifically denote painful periods. Menorrhagia refers to heavy menstrual bleeding; fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause a variety of symptoms, including heavy bleeding or pressure symptoms, but are not defined by pain during menstruation. Endometriosis is a condition that can cause painful periods due to the presence of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to dysmenorrhea, but it is a broader diagnosis than just the symptom of painful periods itself.