Over 600,000,000 work hours a year is the estimated loss of productivity attributed to menstrual cramping! I seem to spend some of those hours discussing options with my patients on how they can find immediate relief from this monthly burden.
Both in my practice and as I recently discussed on News 12 Connecticut, I have received several inquiries on the recent reports that Viagra may help subside menstrual pain and cramping in women. For this reason, this was also the topic of discussion on today's "Give It To Me Straight" radio show. While the studies are new, the medicine behind it makes sense. Simply speaking, in a recent study, the active ingredient in Viagra was shown to subside moderate to severe menstrual pain as it dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the uterus which may help relieve the cramping. Finally, my patients have shared, a magic pill for us!
However, starting any new medicine should be done under a physician's care and this study is still in the early stages. For now Viagra is still being researched for this purpose and thus has not yet been released as a new treatment option for menstrual pain. Remember, your specific history, symptoms, side effects and frequency of need should all be taken into account as part of your evaluation of any options and most importantly to confirm that you are accurately diagnosed. For now, I would discourage women from reaching over to their husband's little blue pill to give it a try. Instead spend time with a medical professional to thoroughly consider the current options that would be best for you (including reviewing nutrition and exercise options). Giving it to you straight, one size does not fit all in medicine and pelvic pain can also be a symptom of other conditions.
Dr. Brian Sheets, D.O., Darien, CT
