Comparing the analgesic effect of heat patch containing iron chip and ibuprofen for primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial

In this randomized (IRCT201107187038N2) controlled trial, 147 students (18–30？years old) with the diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled considering the CONSORT guideline. Screening for primary dysmenorrhea was done by a two-question screening tool. The participants were randomly assigned into one of the intervention groups (heat Patch and ibuprofen). Data regarding the severity and emotional impact of the pain were recorded by a shortened version of McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Student's？t test was used for statistical analysis.The maximum and minimum pain severities were observed at 2 and 24？hours in both groups. The severity of sensual pain at 8, 12, and 24？hours was non-significantly less in the heat Patch group. There was also no significant difference between the groups regarding the emotional impact of pain at the first 2, 4, 8, 12 and 12？hours of menstruation.Heat patch containing Iron chip has comparable analgesic effects to ibuprofen and can possibly be used for primary dysmenorrhea.IRCT201107187038N2Primary dysmenorrhea is a common and sometimes disabling condition among women of childbearing age [1] The prevalence of dysmenorrhea worldwide is, with rates ranging from 15.8-89.5%, with higher prevalence rates reported in adolescent populations [2] The prevalence is estimated to be 72% among menstruating women in Iran [3]. Dysmenorrhea is caused by excessive uterine contraction, interruption of blood supply, and production of prostaglandins. During the first 24？hours of menstruation, endometrial vessels contract, and blood supply to the endometrial tissues is reduced, which eventually leads to necrosis of the endometrial layer [4]. Pain and lower abdominal cramps are among the most common causes of gynaecological referrals [5-7]. Dysmenorrhea is sometimes associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache [6,8,9], back pain, and dizziness [1].Factors contributing to dysmenorrhea include the age of early menarche, increased