AIM: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints of women and is also the most common gynecological problem worldwide. The cramps of dysmenorrhea are recurrent and 90% of adolescent girls and about 50% of women suffer from it. This study was aimed to determine which is more effective in alleviating primary dysmenorrhea: pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) or diclofenac drugs. MATERIAL(S) AND METHOD(S): Fifty adult females with regular menstrual cycle 21 to 35 days lasting 3 to 7 days and having the same ordinary daily living activities participated in this study. They were recruited from the students of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt, and the study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy. Group A received PEMF applied on the pelvic region, 3 times per cycle for 3 consecutive cycles, 20 minutes per day. Group B received diclofenac tablets, 50 mg, only with onset of menstrual pain for 3 consecutive cycles. All subjects in both groups were assessed through measuring the progesterone level in the blood, pain using the visual analogue scale, and physical as well as psychological symptoms using a menstrual symptom questionnaire. RESULT(S): The present study revealed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in pain, physical, and psychological symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea and progesterone blood level in group A compared to group B. DISCUSSION(S): PEMF was more effective than diclofenac drugs in relieving pain and associated symptoms with dysmenorrhea.

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