[Efficacy of acupuncture in control of primary dysmenorrhea related pain in 15-30 years old women at the gynecology clinic of Bouali Hospital between 2007 and 2008]

ABSTRACT

Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological disorder among adolescents. Acupuncture is a treatment that has been shown to be effective for pain relief in a variety of conditions. We evaluated the effect of acupuncture in control of primary dysmenorrhea related pain. In a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial study, 100 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomized to acupuncture [9 sessions over 3 months] or control group [placebo acupuncture]. All subjects were allowed to receive usual medical care. Pain was rated on a Numerical Pain Score [0-10] at three months. Patients' data were analyzed by t- test using SPSS software. This study showed significant effectiveness of acupuncture in control of primary dysmenorrhea pain after 3 months [p<0.0001]. No complications or side effects were reported due to acupuncture. Acupuncture was associated with relief of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrheal, and it is a safe and effective method in reduction of primary dysmenorrhea related pain