Coping strategies of women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea

Kateřina Staňková, Alena Hricová ^*
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Institute of Social and Special-paedagogical Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Korespondenční autor: Alena Hricová (ahricova@zsf.jcu.cz)

ISSN 1804-7181 (On-line)

Full verze:

Submitted:4. 1. 2024
Accepted: 14. 4. 2024
Published online: 30. 6. 2024

Summary

This article aims to describe the strategies that women suffering from dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) use to cope with the pain and other physical and psychological difficulties accompanying this disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen women with dysmenorrhea and processed using thematic analysis. The results pointed to a significant connection between psychological and physical aspects and showed several passive and active strategies that women use. Pharmacotherapy in the form of analgesics and thermotherapy was used as first aid. What helped were rest and relaxation, reduction of external stimuli, and withdrawal into oneself, as well as emotional and physical catharsis and authentic pain relief, diversion of attention from pain, and social and emotional support of the immediate environment. Active strategies included various techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises, while passive strategies mainly included drug therapy and rest. Psychological support from family and friends also played a vital role. The study showed that a combination of these strategies can significantly contribute to better pain management and psychological well-being in women suffering from dysmenorrhea.

Keywords: Chronic pain; Coping strategies; Dysmenorrhea; Emotional catharsis; Social support

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