Why Do I Have Cramps After My Period?

Cramping during periods or even just before your period starts are considered normal. But cramping after your period ends could be strange and cause you to worry especially if it happens to you for the first time.

A number of reasons could be responsible for cramps after your period. They include:

1. Hormonal Imbalance: 

If your hormones are not balanced and fluctuate erratically during your entire cycle, it may lead to cramping and irregular periods.

2. Uterine Incapacity:

Some women have this condition where all the menstrual blood is not expelled by the end of the period. The leftover blood is then expelled after the period and this may be accompanied by spotting and cramping. 

3. Ovarian Cysts:

Ovarian cysts form when an egg doesn't get released during ovulation. The unreleased egg forms fluid filled sacs which is called a cyst. 

They cause severe abdominal pain after periods and can also lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. 

4. Adenomyosis:

Adenomyosis is a medical condition in which the lining of the uterus breaks through the uterine walls.

This condition causes menstrual cramps and lower abdominal pelvic pain​ before and after periods.

It also causes heavy menstruation bleeding. 

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

PID is an infection of the female reproductive system that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or cervix. 

This infection may cause you to experience cramps after your period.

Other symptoms include fever, irregular menstruation, vaginal discharge, pain during sex. 

It can also cause tissue scarring and infertility.

6. Implantation:

Implantation is when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus. 

When this happens, the lining of the uterus can shed and cause light bleeding which lasts for one to two days. 

Sharp pain or cramps may accompany implantation. 

So if you have just had unprotected sex and are not on any form of birth control, then you should probably check to be sure you're not pregnant. 

Dealing with Cramps After Period

To relieve the discomfort of cramps before,  during or after your period, you can try any of the following:

• Take a warm shower
• Drink a warm beverage
• Use a heating pad e.g a hot water bottle at the source of pain
• Take an NSAID to relieve the pain 

Persistent and severe cramping after your period may signify a serious problem with your reproductive system. If the pain becomes too severe, you should see your doctor. 

Previous Posts 

Does Morning After Pill Destroy Sperm Cells?

Reasons You Shouldn't Douche Your Vagina

Why That Stomach Ulcer Is Not Healing