Acupuncture for Primary Dysmenorrhea

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 64 women with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to an acupuncture group (AG; n = 30) or a control group (CG; n = 34). The AG received manual body acupuncture every other day for three menstrual cycles (five sessions per cycle, total of 15 sessions), starting 3-4 days before menstruation in each cycle. The CG received routine recommendations without additional intervention. Pain intensity, functional and emotional impact, and quality of life were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Functional and Emotional Dysmenorrhea Scale (FEDS), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Measurements were performed at baseline and on days 30, 60, and 90.

Inclusion criteria

• to be women aged 18-35 years with a confirmed diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea for at least one year
• regular menstrual cycles (28 ± 7 days)
• a VAS score ≥4 in the previous cycle

Exclusion criteria

• secondary dysmenorrhea
• currently pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding
• used oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices in the last 3 months,
• received acupuncture in the past 6 months, had open wounds at acupuncture points
• presented with severe psychiatric disorder or cognitive impairment