Question

A woman complains of severe abdominal and pelvic pain around the time of menstruation that has gotten worse over the last 5 years. She also complains of pain during intercourse and has tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for past 18 months. These symptoms are most likely related to:

A) Secondary dysmenorrhea.
B) PMS.
C) Endometriosis.
D) Primary dysmenorrhea.

Answer 1

The symptoms of severe abdominal and pelvic pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse, and infertility indicate the woman most likely has endometriosis, which causes endometrial tissue to grow outside the uterus leading to inflammation and scar tissue (C).

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described by the woman in the question, including severe abdominal and pelvic pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse, and infertility, suggest that she is most likely suffering from endometriosis. This is a condition where endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterus. Such growth can lead to inflammation, the formation of scar tissue, and the described symptoms.

Endometriosis is associated with secondary dysmenorrhea, which refers to painful menstruation that has an identifiable medical cause as opposed to primary dysmenorrhea, which is painful menstruation without an underlying medical issue. Additionally, endometriosis can compromise fertility and lead to chronic pelvic pain, which can intensify during menstruation.