Which question should the nurse include in assessing dysmenorrhea?

• A. Do you ever experience bleeding after intercourse?
• B. Do you experience cramps or pain during your cycle?
• C. How long is your typical cycle?
• D. Did you have any sexually transmitted infections in early adulthood?

Answer: (A)

Assessing dysmenorrhea involves more than just identifying painful cramps; it requires a thorough gynecologic history to uncover red flags that point to other conditions. Asking whether you ever experience bleeding after intercourse helps screen for issues such as infections, cervical lesions, polyps, or other gynecologic problems that can accompany or mimic dysmenorrhea. Detecting postcoital bleeding early guides the clinician toward appropriate follow-up, testing, or referral, ensuring any underlying conditions are not overlooked. While questions about cramps during the cycle are directly related to dysmenorrhea, this red-flag question broadens the assessment to protect the patient’s overall pelvic health. In practice, combine this with inquiries about cycle length, pain severity, duration, and impact on daily activities to get a full picture.