Dysmenorrhea has two types. Which statement correctly describes them?

• A. Primary dysmenorrhea is spasmodic with no pathologic cause and secondary dysmenorrhea has a pelvic or uterine cause.
• B. Both are always due to infections.
• C. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by endometriosis.
• D. Secondary dysmenorrhea has no identifiable cause.

Answer: (A)

Dysmenorrhea can be split into two forms: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual cramps that occur without any detectable pelvic pathology; the pain is tied to normal uterine contractions driven by prostaglandins. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, arises from a tangible pelvic or uterine problem such as endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, or inflammatory conditions. That distinction is why the statement describing primary as spasmodic with no pathologic cause and secondary as having a pelvic or uterine cause is correct. Infections aren’t the cause of both forms, primary dysmenorrhea isn’t due to endometriosis, and secondary dysmenorrhea typically has an identifiable underlying condition rather than no identifiable cause.