Menstrual cramps are a natural but painful part of life for a woman. There are a number of ways to alleviate cramps and some methods work better than others for each woman. Experiment with several methods to find the best way to have a less painful period.What Are Menstrual Cramps?Menstrual cramps occur during a woman's period and cause pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. During the month, the lining of a woman's uterus builds up in preparation for a pregnancy. If a pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining is no longer needed and the uterus contracts to shed this layer. The uterine contractions may cause painful menstrual cramps. While some women experience mild cramping with little to no pain, up to fifty percent of adult women experience painful menstrual cramps. Cramps also tend to be worse in adolescence and up to ninety percent of teenage girls are affected my menstrual cramps.How Can I Relieve Menstrual Cramp Pain?There are several things you can do to both prevent and alleviate menstrual cramps. First, it helps to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Studies have shown that exercise and getting enough sleep can aid in cramping. Even gentle exercises like walking or light yoga can make a big difference. Sexual activity that leads to orgasm is another way to relieve menstrual cramps. Also, over-the-counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen provide fast pain relief.Is There Anything I Can Do For Severe Cramps?If menstrual cramps are affecting your daily life, you may have a doctor prescribe you a Birth Control pill for lighter periods and less painful cramps. An IUD is another form of birth control that reduces menstrual cramps by about fifty percent. Other surgical procedures are offered, but only in very severe cases. A dilation and curettage, or D&C, is the removal of part of the uterine lining. There is another similar procedure that uses heat to eliminate the uterine lining and is often used in patients with endometriosis.