Mefenamic Acid for Dysmenorrhea in Patients With Intrauterine Devices

Telephone interviews with 12 patients (11 had Progestasert IUDs; 1 had copper 7 IUD), who were suffering from dysmenorrhea, were conducted to determine the effects of mefenamic acid in dysmenorrheic patients using IUD. Average duration of IUD use was 16 months (range, 6-30 months). 9 patients suffered from menstrual cramps before IUD insertion; 3 suffered from cramps after insertion. 5 started using mefenamic acid for menstrual cramps before IUD insertion, while the other 7 started after insertion. Average duration of use of mefenamic acid for menstrual cramps was 9 months (range, 1-24 months), with doses ranging from 2 to 12 capsules/menstrual cycle. Of 10 patients previously taking analgesics for menstrual cramps, 9 reported mefenamic acid as better. None reported any change in amount of menstrual flow. All patients reported complete or nearly complete relief of cramps after taking mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid was also found to be effective in relieving other menstrual symptoms such as leg pain, backache, nausea, and increased bowel movement. Mefenamic acid is effective because it not only inhibits formation of contraction-causing prostaglandins and its synthetase, but also blocks contraction of the uterine muscle to remaining prostaglandin intermediates. Scientifically controlled studies should be done to substantiate these findings.