The effect of aromatherapy with rose oil on primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common gynecologic complaint. This complaint can cause problems such as lower quality of life, and sickness absenteeism from both classes and work. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy with rose oil massage on primary dysmenorrhea. This study is a randomized controlled trial. Subjects were 75 students from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Three dormitories were selected randomly among dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and students in each dormitory were also divided into three groups randomly; Rose oil massage, unscented Almond oil massage, and massage only group. The severity of pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after intervention. All three groups received massage in their first day of menstruation in two subsequent cycles. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. All three groups were matched in demographic characteristics. In the first cycle, pain was reduced. There was a significant difference between rose oil and only massage groups (p=0.01), although this reduction was not significantly different in Rose oil and Almond groups (p=0.581). In the second cycle, pain was reduced significantly in the three groups; Rose oil and Almond oil groups with p<0.05, and Rose oil and massage only groups with p=0.001. Massage with rose oil can reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. So this method regarding its cost-effectiveness can be used in primary dysmenorrhea. However, this method needs additional research.