Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Young Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea (EDLMDP)

Camilo Jose Cela University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Dysmenorrhea Primary

Treatments: Other: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07378475

UCJCDLMDP

Details and patient eligibility

About

This pilot clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in reducing symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea in young women. Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition characterized by intense pelvic pain during menstruation, often accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances. Despite its high prevalence, it is frequently underestimated, negatively impacting quality of life and daily activities.

The intervention consists of three monthly sessions of MLD performed during the late luteal phase, prior to menstruation. Outcome measures include pain intensity, abdominal circumference, pressure pain threshold, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life.

Full description

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as menstrual pain of uterine origin occurring in the absence of pelvic pathology. It typically affects adolescents and young women with regular ovulatory cycles. The pathophysiology involves hormonal changes during the late luteal phase, leading to increased prostaglandin synthesis, uterine hypercontractility, ischemia, and heightened nociceptive sensitivity.

Non-pharmacological interventions such as physical therapy techniques have shown promising results in alleviating symptoms. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), based on the Vodder method, uses gentle, rhythmic maneuvers to stimulate lymphatic flow, reduce tissue congestion, and promote parasympathetic activation, potentially improving pain perception and associated symptoms.

This study will assess whether MLD reduces pain intensity, abdominal swelling, and improves sleep quality and overall quality of life in women with PD.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female participants aged 18-25 years
• Confirmed diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea
• Regular menstrual cycles
• Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Secondary dysmenorrhea
• Use of hormonal contraceptives
• Presence of pelvic pathology (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs within 12 hours prior to intervention
• Any therapy for dysmenorrhea in the previous month
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 1 patient group

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Group

Experimental group

Description:

All enrolled participants (N=20) will receive the intervention consisting of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) following the Vodder method. The treatment will be applied during the late luteal phase (5-7 days before menstruation) in three consecutive menstrual cycles. Each session will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will include preparatory maneuvers (terminus, solar plexus, inguinal chains) and abdominal drainage sequence. No control group is included in this pilot study.

Treatment:

Other: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)