Gynecology › Painful Periods
Painful periods: getting help in Busan
Some cramping during a period is normal, but pain that keeps you from work, school or sleep, or that is getting worse over time, deserves attention. Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) are very treatable, and sometimes they point to a condition such as endometriosis or adenomyosis. A Busan OB/GYN can help.
Primary and secondary period pain
Primary dysmenorrhea is cramping caused by natural chemicals (prostaglandins) that make the uterus contract. It usually starts in the teens, begins just before or at the start of bleeding, and lasts one to three days. Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by an underlying condition. It often starts later in life, gets worse over time, or lasts beyond the bleeding days.
Possible underlying causes
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts , such as endometriomas
- Pelvic inflammatory disease from untreated infections
- A copper IUD, which can make cramps heavier in some people
When to see a doctor
Book a visit if over-the-counter painkillers do not help, pain makes you miss activities, pain is new or getting worse, or it comes with heavy bleeding, pain during sex, or pain with bowel movements or urination.
What the visit involves
The doctor will ask about the timing and severity of pain, your bleeding pattern, and other symptoms. A pelvic exam and transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound look for fibroids, adenomyosis and cysts. Swabs for infection may be taken. A normal scan does not completely rule out endometriosis, so your doctor may suggest a trial of treatment.
Treatment options
- NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), ideally started at the first sign of a period
- Heat and gentle exercise
- Hormonal treatment: combined pills, progestin-only methods, or the hormonal IUD , which often reduce pain substantially
- Treating the cause , such as endometriosis medicine or surgery for fibroids
Cost and insurance
For people enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI), consultations and diagnostic ultrasound are partly covered, as are many medicines prescribed for a diagnosis. Contraceptive pills prescribed only for birth control may be self-pay. Without NHI you pay the full fee. Ask for an estimate; see our cost guides .
Tips for foreigners
A simple pain diary over one or two cycles is very helpful. Bring your ARC or passport and a list of painkillers you have tried. See our international patients guide .
Related
Elsewhere in Korea
When to get help sooner
Go to an ER for sudden severe pain unlike your usual cramps, pain with fever or vomiting, fainting, or pain with a positive pregnancy test.
OB/GYN clinics in Busan for period pain
Any general OB/GYN clinic can assess painful periods. These clinics are spread across the city; tap a name for the full listing. Features are shown only where a public listing confirms them.
| Clinic | Area | Phone | Listed features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaen OB/GYN Clinic | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | 051-804-3000 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Centum Eroom Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-758-8275 | Sat, Fertility |
| Eve & Adam Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-743-7585 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Ms For You Women's Clinic | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-636-7975 | Sat, Evenings |
| Dongnae Bom OB/GYN Clinic | Oncheon-dong | 051-711-2060 | Sat, Evenings |
| Seoul Samsung OB/GYN Clinic | Yeonsan-dong | 051-714-3500 | Sat |
| Jini OB/GYN Clinic | Jangjeon-dong (Pusan Natl Univ) | 051-582-8275 | Sat, Evenings |
| Mari Women's Clinic | Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) | 051-626-1009 | Sat, STD tests |
| She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic | Suyeong / Millak area | Not listed | Sat, STD tests |
| Rose Women's Clinic | Nampo-dong | 051-245-7911 | Sat, Evenings |
| L Women's Clinic | Hadan-dong | 051-207-2727 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
Painful period questions
How much period pain is normal?
Mild to moderate cramps that respond to painkillers and do not stop you from daily activities are common. Pain that disrupts your life, is getting worse, or needs more and more medicine should be checked.
Which painkillers work best for cramps?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are usually more effective than acetaminophen for cramps because they reduce prostaglandins. Check with a pharmacist or doctor if you have stomach, kidney or asthma problems.
Can birth control help period pain?
Yes. Combined pills, progestin-only methods and the hormonal IUD often reduce period pain considerably, and some can stop periods altogether.
Is it endometriosis?
Possibly, especially if pain is severe, worsening, or comes with pain during sex or bowel movements. A doctor can assess symptoms, do an ultrasound and discuss treatment.