A 16-year-old female reports dull, achy cramping pain in her lower abdomen lasting 2 or 3 hours that occurs between her menstrual periods each month. The adolescent is not sexually active. What is the treatment for this condition?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with dysmenorrhea, which is common in adolescent females. The treatment is usually to manage pain and discomfort with prostaglandin inhibitor analgesics (such as ibuprofen) and a heating pad. Ovarian cysts are a possibility, but an abdominal ultrasound would not be the initial diagnostic test. Oral contraceptives may be helpful in managing dysmenorrhea, but they are usually not the first line of treatment. Referral to a pediatric gynecologist may be considered if the symptoms are severe or do not respond to initial treatment.

A 16-Year-Old Female Reports Dull, Achy Cramping Pain in Her