Painful menstruation is known as which term?

• A. Amenorrhea
• B. Dysmenorrhea
• C. Menorrhagia
• D. Leucorrhea

Answer: (B)

Painful menstruation is called dysmenorrhea. This term specifically denotes cramps and discomfort that occur with the menstrual period, focusing on the symptom of pain rather than the amount of bleeding. Primary dysmenorrhea is due to prostaglandin-driven uterine contractions and commonly starts in adolescence, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from an underlying condition such as endometriosis or fibroids. The other terms describe different problems: Amenorrhea is the absence of menses, menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and leucorrhea refers to vaginal discharge.