When you need it, get online medical assistance for period cramps from a doctor or NP. With Optum Clinic, you can receive virtual treatment on your timetable from reputable telehealth providers at a fixed cost with no unexpected charges. Pay a fixed price; visits with insurance are not accepted. Fill your prescription at a chosen pharmacy if you are prescribed medication for dysmenorrhea, or period pain. Your health insurance may pay for the cost of your medicine.
Respond to a few health inquiries and make contact with a physician.
Any prescribed medication can be delivered or picked up at the pharmacy of your choice.
A fixed visitation fee is required; insurance is not accepted.
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Your clinician can suggest that you see a healthcare professional in person based on the information they have about your health. You won't be billed for your visit if that occurs. At present time, Optum Health Clinic is not intended for users of government payor programmes, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and does not accept insurance.
Why do menstruation cramps occur?
The uterus contracts painfully, resulting in menstrual cramps. Every month, as a result of these contractions, the uterine lining is released (a period). Prostaglandins send a signal to the uterus telling it when to begin contracting. Prostaglandins are substances that operate in the body similarly to hormones. Research indicates that increased prostaglandin levels are associated with increased pain, uterine cramping, and blood pressure; conversely, decreased prostaglandin levels are associated with decreased pain, uterine cramping, and blood pressure. The main goal of pharmacological methods for treating period pain is usually to reduce prostaglandin levels. Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) have the ability to bind to enzymes that are involved in the creation of prostaglandins. These medications work by reducing the activity of this enzyme, which lessens pain.
Your doctor can recommend a hormonal contraception or a specific NSAID to relieve menstruation discomfort. By preventing the prostaglandin effect, specialized NSAIDs such as diclofenac and mefenamic acid can help reduce period discomfort. When it comes to relieving menstrual cramps, they may work better than over-the-counter NSAIDs made from phenylpropionic acid, such as ibuprofen. Additionally, hormonal contraceptives, which can reduce prostaglandin levels, may be prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may recommend patches, subcutaneous injections (Depo-Provera), vaginal rings, or pills as birth control. Note that this information is meant merely as a general guide. Your virtual physician or nurse practitioner will assess your medical history and symptoms to decide which (if any) dysmenorrhea therapies are medically necessary.
When is pelvic pain a cause for concern?
Primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is the term used to describe pelvic pain that is only brought on by a menstrual cycle. Secondary dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe pelvic pain that has an additional underlying cause, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Primary dysmenorrhea
•Pain may start two to three days before your period or when you start bleeding.
•It may continue eight to seventy-two hours. As you age, pain may lessen.
•Pain cycles may start six to twelve months after your first menstrual period.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
• Pain may begin later in life (such as after age 25)
• Pain may be abnormally strong and worsen with time
• Pain may continue longer than two or three days
If after three to six months of NSAID or hormonal contraceptive medication you haven't received relief from period pain, clinicians typically advise you to see a healthcare professional in person, probably for a pelvic exam. In addition, they advise consulting a physician if you experience any other signs of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as atypical bleeding, pelvic pain unrelated to your menstrual cycle, or pain during sex.
Many of the same treatments used to treat period cramps can also be used to treat the symptoms of endometriosis, a persistent condition that affects one in ten women of reproductive age. If endometriosis has already been diagnosed in your case, Optum Clinic can help you find relief from your problems. Endometrium cells proliferate and create lesions outside the uterus (ectopically), which results in endometriosis. Intense pain, inflammation, and infertility are possible side effects of the illness. Make an appointment with a reputable medical professional, such as an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), if you exhibit symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea (see "Should I be worried about pelvic pain?"). This will help rule out endometriosis. Medical imaging (MRI or ultrasound) or a surgical biopsy can be used to identify endometriosis, however it typically takes women ten years on average to receive a diagnosis.
Exercising, applying heat (using hot water bottles or heating pads), acupuncture, acupressure, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have all been found to be beneficial for treating period discomfort.
At this time, Optum Clinic Clinic does not accept health insurance for visits. You can submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement, but we can’t guarantee they’ll reimburse you. If you typically pay for your prescription drugs with insurance, you can do the same with those that are prescribed by Optum Clinic. The cost of medication isn’t included in the cost of your visit.
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