OBJECTIVE: This guideline reviews the investigation and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. INTENDED USERS: Health care providers. TARGET POPULATION: Women and adolescents experiencing menstrual pain for which no underlying cause has been identified. EVIDENCE: Published clinical trials, population studies, and review articles cited in PubMed or the Cochrane database from January 2005 to March 2016. VALIDATION METHODS: Seven clinical questions were generated by the authors and reviewed by the SOGC Clinical Practice-Gynaecology Committee. The available literature was searched. Guideline No. 169 was reviewed and rewritten in order to incorporate current evidence. Recommendations addressing the identified clinical questions were formulated and evaluated using the ranking of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Primary dysmenorrhea is common and frequently undertreated. Effective therapy is widely available at minimal cost. Treatment has the potential to improve quality of life and to decrease time lost from school or work. GUIDELINE UPDATE: This guideline is a revision and update of No. 169, December 2005. SPONSORS: SOGC. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.
OBJECTIVE: This guideline reviews the investigation and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. INTENDED USERS: Health care providers. TARGET POPULATION: Women and adolescents experiencing menstrual pain for which no underlying cause has been identified. EVIDENCE: Published clinical trials, population studies, and review articles cited in PubMed or the Cochrane database from January 2005 to March 2016. VALIDATION METHODS: Seven clinical questions were generated by the authors and reviewed by the SOGC Clinical Practice-Gynaecology Committee. The available literature was searched. Guideline No. 169 was reviewed and rewritten in order to incorporate current evidence. Recommendations addressing the identified clinical questions were formulated and evaluated using the ranking of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Primary dysmenorrhea is common and frequently undertreated. Effective therapy is widely available at minimal cost. Treatment has the potential to improve quality of life and to decrease time lost from school or work. GUIDELINE UPDATE: This guideline is a revision and update of No. 169, December 2005. SPONSORS: SOGC. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.