Comparison of the effects of acupressure and electroacupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is a frequently observed fertility and femininity abnormality in women of childbearing age. Dysmenorrhea is treated by medical, complementary or surgical treatments. The aim of the present randomized clinical trial (RCT) study was to compare the effectiveness of electroacupuncture and acupressure treatment methods in reducing symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded RCT, 64 female students who met the criteria were assigned into 2 groups (Intervention group: electroacupuncture and Control group: acupressure) using random allocation software (RAS). Pain according to visual analogue scale (VAS), menstrual distress severity according to Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ) and the frequency of drug use during menstruation were measured 3 times before and after treatment cycle and follow up cycle. Electroacupuncture and acupressure were done by applying electrical stimulation (ES) to needles or pressure at SP6 and SP4 points for 10 minutes on each side. Results: The MMDQ (P = 0.000) and VAS (P = 0.000) showed a significant decrease in both groups but the rate of decline was higher in the electroacupuncture group. Conclusions: According to the results, it was revealed that treatment with electroacupuncture can also be suggested as a treatment in complementary medicine for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea which has no reported side effects.