What Is Retrograde Menstruation?

Retrograde menstruation is when a woman’s menstrual flow moves in the wrong direction. Most women experience this to some extent, but if it’s severe, it can cause pain and may lead to endometriosis. If you are having abnormal bleeding or any other gynecological problems or concerns, it's important to get them checked out. 

Dr. Daniel Kushner is a compassionate and highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologist with offices in White Plains and Queens, New York. He understands that it can be confusing and scary when things are going wrong with your body, and he takes the time to thoroughly listen to your concerns and orders thorough testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Kushner offers a wide range of gynecological and obstetric services, including Pap smears, birth control, and sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment. If you think you might have retrograde menstruation, or if you’re experiencing anything abnormal, make an appointment with Dr. Kushner.

Understanding retrograde menstruation

In normal menstruation, a woman’s body sheds the lining of the uterus about once a month. The lining is composed of menstrual blood and uterine tissue and normally flows through your cervix and exits out of your vagina.

In retrograde menstruation, the opposite process happens: The blood and tissue flows up through your vagina into your fallopian tubes, exiting through your peritoneum. This can cause pain and can also be a sign, or possibly a cause, of other serious issues.

Symptoms of retrograde menstruation

Retrograde menstruation doesn’t typically have a lot of symptoms. Some women experience pain but may mistake it for common menstrual cramps. Retrograde menstruation is not typically diagnosed as a condition on its own but as a symptom of a condition such as endometriosis. 

If you’re experiencing especially severe period pain, see an OB/GYN to get it checked out. Although some pain during your period is normal, the pain shouldn’t be debilitating.

About endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of your uterus, such as in your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and abdomen. This can cause inflammation, pain, and scarring. It can easily be mistaken for other conditions, so it’s important to see an OB/GYN for proper testing and diagnosis if you have abnormal periods. 

Endometriosis treatments

A number of treatments are available for endometriosis, including prescription medications, hormone injections, and, in some severe cases, surgery. After fully examining you and ordering any necessary tests, Dr. Kushner can find the treatment option that is right for you.

If you’re experiencing especially severe pain during your period, get it checked out. Retrograde menstruation doesn’t have a lot of symptoms, but can lead to endometriosis, which can be very painful and debilitating. 

To set up an appointment, call either one of our offices and talk to our friendly staff, or use our convenient online request tool to schedule a date and time that works best for you.