© 2001 Evidence-Based Nursing
Treatment
Continuous topical heat was as effective as ibuprofen for dysmenorrhoea
Akin MD, Weingand KW, Hengehold DA, et al. Continuous low-level topical heat in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.Obstet Gynecol 2001 Mar;97:343–9[Medline]
QUESTION: Is continuous, low level, topical heat as effective as oral ibuprofen for dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain)?
Randomised {allocation concealed}*, blinded {patients, clinicians, and outcome assessors}*, controlled, 2 x 2 factorial trial with follow up over 2 days of treatment.
Texas, USA.
84 non-pregnant women who were 
18 years (age range 21–50 y) and who predictably had moderate or greater menstrual pain (4 of previous 6 cycles), a history and physical examination consistent with primary dysmenorrhoea, regular menstrual cycles, pain relief from over the counter analgesics, and were using reliable contraception. Exclusion criteria were cutaneous lesions involving the abdominal wall, microvascular disease (including diabetes), known or suspected drug or alcohol abuse, known or suspected contraindication to oral ibuprofen, and recent pregnancy. 79 women (94%) were included in the efficacy analysis.
Women were allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups, each of which comprised a combination of a heated or unheated patch and ibuprofen or placebo. Women were asked to wear a kidney bean shaped, ultra thin,
University of Tampa Tampa, Florida, USA
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