The effect of ibuprofen and acupressure in primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea affects the quality of life in teenage girls. Various treatments have been employed for primary dysmenorrhea such as oral contraceptives, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and alternative treatments such as acupressure.

Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. We compared three groups of girls with primary dysmenorrhea (13 to 19 year-old). They received either ibuprofen, acupressure or placebo.

Results: Acupressure and ibuprofen were significantly more effective than placebo (P< 0/001).

Conclusion: Acupressure and ibuprofen were effective in treating primary dysmenorrhea. Since acupressure had no side effects, it is a preferable treatment option compared with ibuprofen.