3 things that can cause painful periods - Chen X. Chen

By TED-Ed

Community Score: 50% | 148.6K views | 1mo

0 community ratings: null thumbs up, null thumbs down

Dig into the science of what makes period cramps so painful, and find out what we still don’t know about this common experience. -- Period pain affects hundreds of millions of people. Anywhere from 50 to 90% of people who menstruate deal with painful abdominal or pelvic cramps during their period. Individual experiences can vary, from mild discomfort, to throbbing aches, to contraction-like cramps that rival the pain of labor. So, why do menstrual cramps hurt so much? Chen X. Chen explains this surprisingly common experience. Lesson by Chen X. Chen, directed by Caitlin McCarthy. Support Our Non-Profit Mission ---------------------------------------------- Support us on Patreon: http://bit.ly/TEDEdPatreon Check out our merch: http://bit.ly/TEDEDShop ---------------------------------------------- Connect With Us ---------------------------------------------- Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletter Follow us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/TEDEdFacebook Find us on Twitte

Tags: periods, period cramps, menstruation, menstrual cramps, painful cramps, menstrual pain, period pain, uterus, uterine lining, endometriosis, fibroids, uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhea, prostaglandins, menstrual fluid, contraction, blood vessels, pain receptor, period taboo, period stigma

More from TED-Ed

  • The best way to become good at something might surprise you - David Epstein — Score: 50%
  • The machine that changed our understanding of human history - Max G. Levy — Score: 50%
  • What is vaginal discharge, and what does it say about your health? - Elizabeth Micks — Score: 50%
  • Introducing TED Summer School! — Score: 50%
  • 5 myths about Vikings that everyone believes - Stephanie H. Smith — Score: 50%
  • What causes herpes, and how can you treat it? - Christine Johnston — Score: 50%