Electrostimulation in pain control in primary dysmenorrhea

ABSTRACT Primary dysmenorrhea is a gynecological disorder characterized by a cyclic pain in the lower back and abdomen, with a high prevalence among young women, which contributes to absenteeism. This study aimed to assess the effects of low and medium frequency electrotherapy in 30 women, aged from 18 to 26 years, who suffer from primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were divided into groups that received the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation current (frequency of 100Hz and 100μs pulses), Aussie current (4kHz carrier frequency, modulated at 100Hz, and 4ms bursts), and placebo (electrodes placed with the machine turned off). All treated groups received electrical current at the sensory threshold and its intensity was adjusted every five minutes. The treatment lasted 30 minutes. For the evaluation, pain during the menstrual cycle (via VAS), pain interference in activities of daily living (ADL), and sleep quality (via VAS sleep quality) were collected. After statistical analysis, pain reduced significantly in all groups evaluated, with better outcomes for the currents than for the placebo. Although all groups showed significant difference regarding ADL, the Aussie group was the only one that improved pain in all days evaluated. Sleep quality changed little after treatment, thus, further studies are required to assess this variable.