Any tips on lifting the curse (period pains) without drugs??

I get terrible cramps and am often sick on the first two days of my period. The doctors want me to take the Pill but I am reluctant as it might effect my ability to have a child later.

Any ideas?

Taking the pill is often a good way to relieve cramps. It's pretty rare that it effects your chances of having children later. However, exercise and warm bath may help. I know that exercise helps. I know that a warm bubble bath helps.

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I find that sitting back with my knees up and a pillow pressed against my stomach (the area where the pain is) can often help allivate it.

You might also try a heat or ice pack.
Lying on your stomach also seems to help as well.

Applying pressure to the lower abdominals seems a good way to ease the pain.

meadowsweet,
if you are not sexually active, i can 100% recommend that you look into Natual Family Planning, also called Fertility Awareness.
there is a book call "FERTILITY, CYCLES AND NUTRITION"
Author: Shannon, Marilyn M.
"Explains how many cycle irregularities can be either eliminated or alleviated through better nutrition or improved body balance"
you can find more information at www.ccli.org or www.ovusoft.com

Here is some excellent information about The Pill, as well as other contraceptive choices.
I have found that the Pill is excellent for me as far as contraception, as well as for regulating my cycle. The risks as far as future children really are minimal and rare. My sister-in-law was on the Pill for years and she has two children now. Your doctor will know what is best for you if children are your greatest concern.
I went on the Pill initially to regulate my cycle and alleviate my horrendous menstrual cramps. I used to have them throughout the entire time (two weeks!!) that I menstruated. Now that I am on the Pill, I only have them the first day that I begin to menstruate. It is such a relief! They can still be bad, but I have found the most natural cure of all: sex! While this may not be practical or possible for everyone, I have found that having sex on the day before I am due to get my period rids me of ALL cramps! Of course, you have to have a regular cycle to get this to work, and you must use protection to prevent pregnancy (and disease if that is an issue), but it works wonders for me.
Warm baths and heating pads are also helpful, and there are teas you can make, but none of those are nearly as much fun.

A couple of positions that help ease my cramps are...lie in bed on your back, bring both knees to your chest, and hold them with your hands, or get in bed, on your knees in a praying position, and then sit back on your legs as far as you can. A heating pad, turned on hot, will also help.

I know I'm the gentleman here, but being a practicing aromatherapist I have encountered this question a few times and have found some solutions.

Some essential oils can help, either diluted in a warm bath or rubbed directly onto the abdomen in a carrier oil when before and during cramps. Geranium, chamomile, clary sage, lavender and peppermint can all help - lavender and peppermint good for nausea too.

They wont cure the problem, but can help to manage the discomfort during the most painful times.

Good suggestions, MarkyB. I just want to add to that. Be careful of allergies! If you have sensitive skin, be careful with oils because they may be stronger than you are used to. You may want to test it by rubbing a dab on your leg or wrist to see if your skin reacts. Also, be careful before ingesting any herbal remedies: be sure you know what you are taking (a lot of people are allergic to chamomile, for one).