This UBC-developed website educates youth on when period pain is too much

Researchers at the University of B.C. have created a new website and social media campaign they hope will empower young people to take the experience of period pain more seriously.

The website Period Pain is Real Pain, which was created with the input of youth partners, includes resources about period pain, related conditions like endometriosis, and pain relief.

It also features a free quiz that helps youth determine whether they should speak to a health-care provider about their pain. 

Period pain common: researcher

UBC PhD student and campaign developer Zeba Khan, who studies period pain care in Canada, said period pain is a very common experience, one that affects more than 60 per cent of females of reproductive age.

"Despite being so common, there is this narrative that period pain is normal and 'it's just part of being a woman,'" Khan said. "And that narrative is harmful because it makes it difficult to talk about period pain and get the right support."

Khan said period pain can be most intense during adolescence.

"We want young people to know that their pain is valid. So we hope that this tool, the website, the campaign will help young people recognize what the options are for them."

She added that young people should speak with their health-care providers if their pain is so severe that it stops them from participating in day-to-day activities like going to school or playing sports.

Dr. Paul Yong, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UBC, said untreated recurring period pain in adolescence could be a risk factor for chronic pain in the future.

"We really think that prevention is really key, in terms of chronic pain, so that's why we have such interest in the adolescence time … not only to help the lives right now of adolescents, but also to prevent that pain from worsening in the future."

Accessible information supports patients 

Endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, is one of the most common underlying causes of period pain, according to Yong.

It affects about one in 10 females of reproductive age.

Vancouver-based endometriosis advocate Lux Perry, CEO and founder of Somedays, a natural period-pain relief company, said a resource website like Period Pain is Real Pain can help people decipher their experiences in a tangible way.

"Any resource … is just so pivotal to someone's ability to be able to advocate for themselves and communicate with doctors."

Her experience as a young teen with endometriosis was "extremely painful." 

"I was unable to go to school; I was unable to participate in sports. It completely disrupted my ability to go about my normal life," Perry said.

Cally Wesson, president and CEO of B.C. Women's Health Foundation, which provided funding for the research project, praised the website.

She said women's pain experiences can often be dismissed by health-care professionals.

"So getting information out about period pain is really important because it validates the symptoms that women are going through."