Primary dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual pain that occurs in the absence of any other underlying disease. It is generally more common in younger individuals and tends to taper off with age. Menstrual cramps affect roughly two-thirds of young women worldwide.[1][2]
What are menstrual cramps?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Menstrual cramps, known medically as primary dysmenorrhea, refer to menstrual pain that occurs without any underlying disease and is more prevalent in younger individuals. Approximately two-thirds of young women worldwide experience these cramps, which typically decrease with age.