Perception and Practice Of Self Medication In Primary Dysmenorrhea And Its Associated Adverse Effects Among Women In General Population

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea, defined as painful menstruation in the absence of pelvic pathology, is a common gynaecological problem affecting women of reproductive age. It significantly impairs academic performance, daily activities, and quality of life. The easy availability of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, combined with cultural stigma and limited awareness, has led many women to practice self-medication for relief. While self-medication may offer convenience and immediate pain control, inappropriate and unsupervised use of analgesics and NSAIDs can result in drug-related problems including adverse effects, tolerance, and masking of underlying conditions. Understanding the perception, practice, and consequences of self-medication in primary dysmenorrhea is essential for designing targeted interventions. AIM: To evaluate the perception and practice of self-medication for primary dysmenorrhea and to assess its associated adverse effects among women in the general population. METHODOLOGY: A Community-based, Cross-sectional Observational study was conducted among 200 women aged 15–45 years in Mysore district, Karnataka. Participants were recruited from colleges, community centres, and health outreach camps. Data were collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics, menstrual history, self-medication practices, reasons for use ,perceived effectiveness, and adverse effects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 25), with both descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to the study. RESULTS: Out of 200 participants, 158 (79%) reported experiencing dysmenorrhea, of which 70 (35%) used medications for pain relief and 66 (33%) engaged in self-medication without prescription. The majority were students (81%) and unmarried (88%), with a mean age at menarche of 14.2 years. Cramping was the most common pain type (75%), predominantly affecting the lower abdomen (49.5%), with 60 (30%) participants experiencing severe pain. Self-medication was mainly with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (40%) and mefenamic acid (34.3%), followed by paracetamol (12.9%). Common adverse effects reported included gastritis, nausea, and headache. Reasons for self-medication included easy access (43.4%), previous experience (14%), privacy concerns (13.2%), and lack of time (11%). About 61.6% of participants perceived herbal remedies as safer alternatives, while 62.8% recognized the risks of unsupervised drug use. Despite awareness, adherence was poor, as only 44% completed a full course of medication. A statistically significant association (p < 0.001) was found between dysmenorrhea and interference with daily activities, with 64.4% reporting disruption of routine. CONCLUSION: Self-medication for primary dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among young women, particularly students, with NSAIDs being the most commonly used drugs. Although effective for short-term relief, poor adherence, misconceptions regarding safety, and unsupervised use contribute to adverse outcomes. Awareness about safe medication practices, pharmacist counseling, and health education programs are necessary to minimize risks and encourage appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior. Early differentiation between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea is vital to prevent delayed diagnosis and long-term complications.