3 things that can cause painful periods

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Chen X. Chen |

TED-Ed

• February 2026

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. [Directed by Caitlin McCarthy, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Cem Misirlioglu].