The Effectiveness of Auriculotherapy on Women's Sexual Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Masoumeh  Rashidi Ahmad Abadi; Mahboubeh  Valiani; Kourosh  Kabir; Zohre  Khalajinia; Mansoureh  Yazdkhasti

doi:10.18502/ijps.v17i3.9726

Masoumeh Rashidi Ahmad Abadi Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Mahboubeh Valiani Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Kourosh Kabir Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Zohre Khalajinia Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Mansoureh Yazdkhasti Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v17i3.9726

Keywords: Auriculotherapy; Breast Feeding; Sexual Activity; Women

Abstract

Objective: Majority of breastfeeding women experience changes in sexual function. The present study was designed to assess effectiveness of auriculotherapy on improving sexual function in breastfeeding women.

Method: In this randomized sham controlled trial, accomplished from January 2018 to May 2019 in a referral sexual health clinic in city of Qom, Iran, 60 eligible participants were assigned to either intervention and control groups via block randomization. In the intervention group, electrical stimulation was applied for 15 seconds on Shen Men, Zero, Thalamic, Master Cerebral, Libido, Relax, Excitement, Ovary, and Uterus points in 10 auriculotherapy sessions. Then, Vaccaria seeds were stuck on these points. The control group received the same procedure with the device off as a sham method. Data were gathered using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at three different time points.

Results: At baseline, mean scores of sexual function dimensions were not significantly different between the intervention and control groups except for orgasm. Post-intervention, the results showed significant differences in sexual desire (P = 0.002), sexual arousal (P = 0.008), lubrication (P = 0.001), sexual satisfaction (P = 0.001), and orgasm (P = 0.009). One month after the intervention, the results showed significant differences in sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, sexual satisfaction (P = 0.001), orgasm (P = 0.006), and dyspareunia (P = 0.015). Differences in mean score of sexual function in post-intervention and one-month follow-up were only significant in the intervention group (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on evidence from this study, auriculotherapy is an effective technique for improving sexual function in breastfeeding women.