What are common causes of secondary dysmenorrhea?

Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that is caused by an underlying medical condition rather than the typical cramping associated with primary dysmenorrhea, which is primarily hormonal and uterine in origin. Among the listed options, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a well-known factor that can lead to secondary dysmenorrhea.

PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often stemming from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, or other bacterial infections. This condition can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesion formation within the pelvic cavity, leading to significant pain during menstruation. The pain associated with PID typically presents as a more chronic and severe discomfort compared to the cramps of primary dysmenorrhea. Recognizing PID as a source of secondary dysmenorrhea is crucial for effective diagnosis and management since addressing the underlying infection can alleviate the menstrual pain.

The other options may contribute to menstrual symptoms in various ways but are not directly linked as primary causes of secondary dysmenorrhea. Hormonal imbalances can cause irregularities in menstrual cycles and may influence pain, obesity impacts overall health and may contribute to hormonal changes, and pregnancy can cause various aches and pains but is not a direct cause of secondary dysmenorrhea