Importance: Sexual dysfunction in individuals suffering from depression may be both a symptom of the disorder and a side effect of antidepressants. To date, and to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupressure on sexual function in women of reproductive age who take antidepressants.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on sexual function in women of reproductive age taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Methods: A randomized clinical trial with a control group. In total, 115 women taking antidepressants and suffering from sexual dysfunction were recruited from Shahid Rajaee Hospital in Yasuj, Iran. They were enrolled based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to either the acupressure (intervention) or control group. Pressure was applied to subjects in the intervention group at the PC6 and SP6 acupoints, and at placebo points P1 and P2 in the control group. Treatments were administered in a sitting position, twice weekly, for two months. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index at baseline and after the eight-week intervention period.
Results: The acupressure group showed significant improvements in desire, orgasm intensity, satisfaction, and total sexual function score compared with the control group (p< 0.05).
Conclusions and relevance: This study provides important evidence for supporting the use of acupressure at these specific points to improve sexual function in women taking SSRIs. Acupressure may be a practical and effective intervention for mitigating antidepressant-induced sexual function.
Keywords: Acupressure; Female sexual function; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.