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Abstract

Dysmenorrhoea is pelvic pain associated with menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhoea is pain occurring in the absence of underlying pathology. Secondary causes for dysmenorrhoea, such as endometriosis, should be considered, as they can result in chronic pelvic pain and impact on fertility. This article considers the diagnosis and management of primary dysmenorrhoea, and the indications for, and process of, investigating for secondary causes. Endometriosis, the most common secondary cause of dysmenorrhoea, is considered in more detail.

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