Abstract
BackgroundLactation has a negative effect on female sexual function. Hormonal changes during lactation cause changes which might lead to dyspareunia, lack of libido, and anorgasmia. There are various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to treat sexual dysfunction. While pharmacological treatment has multiple unwanted side effects, non-pharmacological therapies such as complementary medicine are a potential safer alternative. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ear acupressure on sexual function of lactating women.Methods/designThis is a randomized clinical trial with a parallel sham control group. In this study, 76 lactating women between 6 months and 1 year after childbirth were referred to health care centers in Qazvin City and would be invited to participate. Participants will be divided into intervention (n = 38) and control (n = 38) groups using simple block randomization. Both intervention and sham control groups will be visited over 10 sessions within a 4-day interval. At each visit, the adhesives containing Vaccaria seed will be adhered for the intervention group, while non-latex-based adhesives with no Vaccaria seeds will be placed on the same ear acupoints for the sham control group. Selected ear acupoints include genitalia (two ear points), pelvic point, master shoulder, and posterior pituitary gland. The women will be asked to hold the seeds on their ears for 3 days and press each ear point three times a day for 20 s. After 3 days, they will be asked to remove the seeds from their ears and rest for 1 day. Sexual function as primary outcome in both groups will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index before and immediately after 1 and 2 months after the intervention. Also, Sexual Quality of Life as secondary outcome will be assessed using Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) before and 2 months after intervention. Data will be analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA at the significant level of 0.05.DiscussionThis study is expected to support the impact of ear channel ear acupressure on sexual function in lactating women.Trial registrationIranian Clinical Trial Registration Center IRCT20190626044028N1. Registered on 16 August 2019
Highlights
Lactation has a negative effect on female sexual function
This study is expected to support the impact of ear channel ear acupressure on sexual function in lactating women
Primary outcome Primary outcome of this study is to investigate changes of sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
Summary
Lactation has a negative effect on female sexual function. Hormonal changes during lactation cause changes which might lead to dyspareunia, lack of libido, and anorgasmia. Insomnia, some stressors such as child care, and changes in the body image along with hormonal changes can reduce interest in sexual life and decrease the number of sexual intercourses during this period [1]. Endocrine function of lactation has a negative effect on sexual function, because prolactin decreases sexual hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This mechanism reduces sexual function because of vaginal dryness, vaginal epithelium atrophy, and dyspareunia [2]. About two thirds of women during lactating period experience at least one sexual problem, such as decreased libido, lack of sexual pleasure, dyspareunia, and vaginal dryness, which usually are resolved within 1 year after childbirth [3, 4]. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem during lactation that needs more attention from health care providers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
