Over-the-Counter Pain Medication Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are the most effective over-the-counter medications for uterine pain. NSAIDs increase bleeding elsewhere in the body but actually decrease menstrual bleeding. In fact, NSAIDs are almost as effective as birth control methods in lightening uterine bleeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also improve pain but usually to a lesser extent than NSAIDs, and it does not have the same beneficial impact on bleeding.
