Comparison of the Effect of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris and Mefenamic acid on the Amount of Bleeding and Severity of Menstrual Pain in Copper IUD users: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: IUD is one of the most common contraceptive methods that is widely used in the world. Bleeding is one of the most common reasons of continuity interruption of its use. The present study was carried out with the aim of comparing the effect of Capsella bursa- pastoris and Mefenamic acid on the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding, severity of menstrual pain (initial outcomes) and sexual function (secondary outcomes). Materials and methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial has been done on 90 females visiting health-treatment centers in Ardebil that at least 3 months has passed from their IUD put and were complainant of excessive menstrual bleeding in 1393. The participants were assigned to two groups of 44 and 46 persons through the randomized blocking. The first group received Capsella bursa-pastoris 700 Mg capsule and the second group received Mefenamic acid 500 Mg capsule from the first day of menstruation until the end of bleeding one every 8 hours. Higham chart and the questionnaire of severity of menstrual pain were completed by the participants one month before intervention and then during three consecutive cycles during the intervention. Also, the questionnaire of sexual function was completed by the participants before and 3 months after the intervention. Results: There was no any sample drop in in Capsella bursa-pastoris and Mefenamic acid group. There was no any significant statistical difference between two groups in terms of the amount of bleeding, severity of menstrual pain and the score of sexual function in dimensions of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, pain and total score of sexual function before intervention (p>0.05) but two groups showed a significant statistical difference in terms of duration of bleeding and the score of sexual function in dimension of sexual desire. After intervention the duration of bleeding and average of the score of sexual function in dimension of pain was significantly decreased in both groups and increased significantly in dimensions of desire, sexual satisfaction and total score of sexual function. Also, the amount of bleeding and the severity of menstrual pain decreased and the average of score of sexual function increased in dimensions of arousal, lubrication and orgasm which were not statistically significant(p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the capsule of Capsella bursa-pastoris herb has been as effective as Mefenamic acid in reducing the amount and duration of bleeding, severity of menstrual pain and improving sexual function, thus it seems that it can be an appropriate alternative for Mefenamic acid due to its less side effects.