The Comparative Effect of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Mefenamic Acid on Sexual Function of Copper IUD Users

Objectives: Intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most common methods of pregnancy prevention that is widely used in the world. Bleeding is one of the key reasons of stopping the use of IUD. Vaginal bleeding can be occurred due to the reduction of adequate motivation and functioning of neuroendocrine system and subsequent hormones (oxytocin, serotonin); and accordingly sexual functioning would be decreased. Therefore, the hemostatic impact of Capsella bursa-pastoris through several mechanisms can play a leading role in increasing the orgasm and sexual responses. The aim of current study was to determine the impact of C. bursa-pastoris on sexual functioning of females having copper IUD. Materials and Methods: This triple blind clinical trial was done in 2014 on 90 females visiting healthcare centers of Ardebil city, Iran. Women were complaining about excessive menstrual bleeding which occurred at least 3 months after placing IUDs. The first group received C. bursa-pastoris (700 mg) and the second group received mefenamic acid (500 mg) from first day of menstruation till bleeding completion, one every 8 hours. The questionnaire of sexual functioning was completed by the participants prior and 3 months after the treatment. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test was used for comparing sexual functioning after the intervention among the studied groups with some adjustments on baseline scores. Results: Mean (standard deviation) score of sexual functioning in mefenamic acid group was 23.39 (4.18) before the intervention which was increased to 24.24 +/- 3.45 after applying intervention. In C. bursa-pastoris group, mean (standard deviation) score of sexual functioning was 21.40 (4.70) before the intervention which was increased to 24.85 +/- 3.81 after applying intervention. According to the findings of study, mefenamic acid and C. bursa-pastoris were effective in improving the sexual functioning, but increase of sexual functioning score after the intervention was significant in the C. bursa-pastoris group (the justified mean difference: 0.60, 95% CI [-0.91-2.13], P = 0.01). Conclusions: Capsella bursa-pastoris can be more effective compared to chemical drugs including mefenamic acid in increasing the sexual functioning of females with IUD.