Skip to main content

TED-Ed

3 things that can cause painful periods - Chen X. Chen

284,463 Views

415 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Period pain affects hundreds of millions of people. Anywhere from 50 to 90% of people who menstruate deal with painful abdominal or pelvic cramps during their period. Individual experiences can vary, from mild discomfort, to throbbing aches, to contraction-like cramps that rival the pain of labor. So, why do menstrual cramps hurt so much? Chen X. Chen explains this surprisingly common experience.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Want to Learn More About Dysmenorrhea?

What do women say about their experiences with dysmenorrhea?

Why do many people not seek healthcare for dysmenorrhea?

Barriers include normalization of pain, lack of awareness, stigma and social cultural taboos, lack of quality education on menstruation, and limited access to care.

What do medical experts say about dysmenorrhea?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides answers to frequently asked questions, including causes and treatments.Toolkit for endometriosis developed by the Society of Women’s Health Research

Tips to normalize conversation about period pain:

Be open and honest: Talking about menstruation without shame fosters empathy, education, and support.

Use clear language: Say “period,” “menstruation,” and “cramps” instead of euphemisms to reduce stigma.

Debunk myths: Challenge misconceptions like “severe pain is normal” or “it’s all in your head” with facts.

Include everyone: Inclusive conversations—among those who menstruate and those—who don’t foster empathy and collective understanding.

Create safe spaces: Encourage environments—at work, school, and home—where people feel comfortable discussing menstrual pain and asking for accommodations without embarrassment.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Chen X. Chen
Director
Caitlin McCarthy
Narrator
Alexandra Panzer
Composer
Cem Misirlioglu
Sound Designer
Amghy Chacon, Cem Misirlioglu
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Produced by
Sazia Afrin
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Editorial Producer
Shannon Odell
Script Editor
Emma Bryce
Fact-Checker
Charles Wallace

More from Getting Under Our Skin