Effect of Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Symptoms in Primary Dysmenorrhea

The Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, Depression, and Anxiety in Young Adults With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial

This study aims to investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on menstrual pain, pain threshold, depression, anxiety, menstrual symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, and functional and emotional impact of dysmenorrhea in young adult women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition affecting young women and is associated with significant physical and psychological symptoms. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques such as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) have gained attention as potential therapeutic approaches.

In this randomized controlled study, women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea will be randomly assigned to either an active taVNS group or a sham stimulation group. The intervention will be applied during the luteal phase between two consecutive menstrual cycles, totaling 10 sessions.

Outcome measures will include pain intensity, pain threshold, depression, anxiety, menstrual symptoms, premenstrual syndrome severity, and functional and emotional impact of dysmenorrhea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female participants aged 18 years and older
• Diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea (PD)
• Having regular menstrual cycles within the last 6 months
• Reporting menstrual pain intensity of at least 40 mm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
• Willingness to participate in the study and providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Menstrual cycle length shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• History of pregnancy or childbirth, or current pregnancy
• Use of intrauterine device (IUD) or oral contraceptives
• Current use of sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or psychotropic medication
• History of pelvic surgery or presence of pelvic pathology
• Presence of chronic, systemic, cardiovascular, or neurological diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, bradycardia, hypotension, hypotonic disorders, etc.)
• Presence of ear implants, ear wounds, or ear infections
• Presence of implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers