Effects of Breathing Exercises on Women With Primary Dysmenorhea

Effects of Breathing Exercises on Women With Primary Dysmenorhea

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of breathing exercises in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common gynecological disorder and constitutes a serious health and economic problem. PD is defined as painful menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen during or a few days before the menstrual period with no detectable organic disease. Breathing exercises are an effective method for pain relief. However, breathing exercises need to be examined in PD management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having PD symptoms according to the Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus criteria,
• Having menstrual pain intensity of 4 or higher according to the Visual Analog Scale in the last 6 months,
• Having a regular menstrual cycle (28±7 days)
• Volunteering to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being pregnant or suspected of pregnancy,
• Using oral contraceptives or antidepressants in the last 6 months,
• Using intrauterine devices,
• Having a history of other gynecological diseases
• Having pulmonary, neurological and/or systemic disease,
• Having undergone abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery within the last year.