Ear pellets may ease breast pain after C-Section
NCT ID NCT07561099
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether ear acupressure (small pellets on specific ear points) plus basic breast care can reduce pain and blocked milk ducts in women after cesarean delivery. 72 new mothers with blocked ducts received either real ear acupressure or a sham version for 3 days, along with standard care. The goal was to see if the ear treatment adds extra relief beyond basic care alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- auricular acupressure (ear pellets)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to relieve breast pain and blocked ducts after cesarean delivery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 72 participants, so results may not apply widely. The sham control helps, but benefits could be due to placebo.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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72 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2026
- Finished
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Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must meet all of the following criteria: * Postpartum women aged 18-40 years who have undergone cesarean delivery and are hospitalized in the obstetrics department. * At least 24 hours after cesarean delivery. * Diagnosed with uncomplicated blocked milk ducts based on clinical signs, including localized breast pain and engorgement, a palpable localized firm mass, and reduced or interrupted milk flow. * Absence of systemic signs of infection (e.g., fever ≥38.5°C, chills, or severe fatigue) and no evidence of breast abscess. * Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥ 4. * Gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, with a healthy newborn without abnormalities. * Willing and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Participants meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded: * Clinical signs of mastitis, breast abscess, or breast infection. * Underlying medical conditions that may affect lactation, such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, or chronic liver or kidney disease. * Known allergy or hypersensitivity to materials used in auricular acupressure or components of basic breast care. * Severe psychiatric or cognitive conditions that may impair the ability to follow study procedures. * Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Obstetrics, Le Van Thinh Hospital
Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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