Final answer:
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful or difficult menstruation, typically involving cramps and pelvic pain associated with the shedding of the uterine lining.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful or difficult menstruation. It is a common condition experienced by some women, where they may encounter cramping and pain before and during their menstrual period. This pain is caused by the shedding of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) if fertilization has not occurred during the menstrual cycle. Menstruation, or menses, is a normal physiological process that involves the loss of blood and endometrial tissue from the uterus. While the average blood loss during a period is about 35 mL, some women may experience severe cramps that can be highly uncomfortable and may interfere with daily activities.