Abstract

Purpose. Primary dysmenorrhea is a cramping aching pain in the lower abdominal that affects nearby 90% of adolescent females. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the shock wave therapy on primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods. Fifty females with primary dysmenorrhea aged 18 –25 years were randomly allotted into two equivalent groups, study group (A) or a control group (B). Group (A) received shock wave about 5000 shock/session for three sessions for the first three days of the menstrual period in addition to the in addition to the dietary modifications for three successive menstrual period. The control group (B) received dietary modifications for 3 months. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and prostaglandin F2α level were used to evaluate females before and after intervention.

Results. Within- and between-group analysis revealed a significant difference in all variables after the intervention in favor of group A, as p-value ˂ 0.05.

Conclusion. Shock wave therapy is an effective method for alleviating primary dysmenorrhea pain.

Key words:

primary dysmenorrhea, prostaglandin f2α, shock wave, dietary modifications, numerical rating scale