Hospital Practices and Research

A Systematic Review of Acupressure and Auriculotherapy for Improving Sexual Function and Related Health Outcomes in Primiparous Lactating Women

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors

Mahboubeh Valiani 1
Marjan Beigi 1
Zahra Allahvand 2

1 Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health, Research Centre, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10.30491/hpr.2025.554020.1521
Abstract
Background: Primiparous lactating women experience complex hormonal, physical, and psychological changes that often impair their sexual function. Non-pharmacological interventions like acupressure and auriculotherapy are promising complementary approaches to address these issues.
Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the effects of acupressure and auriculotherapy on sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and related health outcomes in primiparous lactating women.
Methods: Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. We searched for randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and pilot studies that investigated acupressure or auriculotherapy interventions. Outcomes of interest included sexual function, sexual quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and lactation performance. Findings were categorized by intervention type and outcomes.
Results: For this purpose, 13 studies published between 2015 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. The available evidence suggests that acupressure at specific points (e.g., SP6, CV4) can improve sexual function and increase breast milk volume. Auriculotherapy targeting specific ear points has been shown to improve sexual function, alleviate symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression, enhance sleep quality, and reduce perineal pain. Both interventions are reported as safe, non-invasive, and low-risk. However, the current body of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and limited long-term follow-up.
Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that acupressure and auriculotherapy represent promising complementary therapies for enhancing sexual function and overall well-being in primiparous lactating women. Further large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and establish standardized clinical protocols.

Keywords

Acupressure
Auriculotherapy
Sexual Dysfunction
Physiological
Lactation
Postpartum Period
Complementary Therapies
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