Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is defined as the presence of painful menstruation, and it
affects daily activities in different ways. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and
management of dysmenorrhea and to determine the impact of dysmenorrhea on the quality of life
of medical students. Material and methods: The study conducted was prospective, analytical and
observational and was performed between 7 November 2019 and 30 January 2020 in five university
centers from Romania. The data was collected using an original questionnaire regarding menstrual
cycles and dysmenorrhea. The information about relationships with family or friends, couples’
relationships and university activity helped to assess the effects of dysmenorrhea on quality of life.
The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study comprised 1720 students in total. The
prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 78.4%. During their menstrual period, most female students felt
more agitated or nervous (72.7%), more tired (66.9%), as if they had less energy for daily activities
(75.9%) and highly stressed (57.9%), with a normal diet being difficult to achieve (30.0%). University
courses (49.4%), social life (34.5%), couples’ relationships (29.6%), as well as relationships with family
(21.4%) and friends (15.4%) were also affected, depending on the duration and intensity of the pain.
Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence among medical students and could affect the
quality of life of students in several ways. During their menstrual period, most female students feel
as if they have less energy for daily activities and exhibit a higher level of stress. The intensity of
the symptoms varies considerably and, with it, the degree of discomfort it creates. Most student
use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to reduce pain (75.7%). University
courses, social life, couples’ relationships, as well as relationships with family and friends are affected,
depending on the duration and intensity of the pain