Analgesia by sacral surface electrical stimulation for primary dysmenorrhoea

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of analgesia by sacral surface electrical stimulation on lower abdominal pain in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. Design: Explorative study. Participants: Eleven female university students, who regularly experience difficulty in their university work due to menstrual pain, or who use analgesics for more than one day each month, were recruited. Methods: Sacral surface electrical stimulation, 5 Hz for 15 min, was performed after the onset of menstruation. Electrodes were placed on the skin, directly above the second and fourth sacral foramina. Visual analogue scale and degree of pain (calculated by using a low current to assess pain) were determined before and after electrical stimulation. Results: Visual analogue scale score and degree of pain decreased significantly immediately after electrical stimulation (p < 0.001). A correlation was observed between visual analogue scale score and degree of pain before and after electrical stimulation (r=0.516, p < 0.001). No side-effects were observed in any participant. Conclusion: Sacral surface electrical stimulation may provide immediate pain relief in women with dysmenorrhoea and lower abdominal pain.