PREVENTION OF POSTPARTUM URINARY RETENTION WITH PEPPERMINT OIL VAPOR

Abstract

Urinary retention in the postpartum period (PPUR) is one of the health problems commonly handled using catheterization and antibiotic prophylaxis. This study aimed to look at the influence of peppermint oil on PPUR prevention. This quasi-experimental study with a control group design included 60 postpartum subjects (29 in the control group and 31 in the intervention group) with vaginal delivery (ages 17-50 years). The intervention group obtained treatment by giving 2 mL of peppermint oil, while the controlled group used mineral water in the closet before subjects sat on it for 5-10 minutes and voided. The bladder condition was further checked subjectively and manually by palpation before and after the exposure to peppermint oil (distention or no distention). The relationships between variables were analyzed using the Fisher Exact statistical test, obtaining no significant effect of peppermint oil administration variables on PPUR prevention (p = 0.495, CI 95%). PPUR is related to oxidative stress, tissue inflammation, and nerve impulse blocks. Peppermint oil is estimated to be one of the modalities in preventing health problems through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects. Further research is needed to validate the effect of peppermint oil on PPUR prevention. In addition, support of screening information on the condition of the bladder objectively using a bladder scanner is also needed to measure the post-void residual volume (PVRV). This study showed that peppermint oil on PPUR prevention has no significant effect and may require further investigation