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Primary dysmenorrhoea — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyGynaecologyPrimary dysmenorrhoeaDRCOG

A 19-year-old woman has cramping lower abdominal pain starting just before periods and improving after 48 hours. She is not sexually active, has no abnormal bleeding and examination is not indicated. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Offer NSAIDs and discuss hormonal contraception if needed

Primary dysmenorrhoea is common in adolescents and young adults and is usually treated first with NSAIDs and hormonal contraception if suitable. There are no red flags for urgent surgery. Long-term opioids are inappropriate first-line therapy. Infection testing is guided by sexual history and symptoms, which are absent here.

Reference: NICE CKS dysmenorrhoea; BNF