The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history to determine whether or not the painful periods are due to a medical condition.
Younger females who have not become sexually active may require a pelvic examination (performed through the rectum rather than through the vagina).
References:
Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1065-1070.
Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:325.
Review Date: 5/10/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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