A randomized controlled study will be conducted, with two arms. Postpartum women experiencing urinary retention will be randomized into one of the two following arms: * Arm 1: Subjects will be exposed to vapor of peppermint oil * Arm 2: Subjects will be exposed to vapor of placebo (mineral oil) Outcome variables include resolution of urinary retention, time to spontaneous urination, volume of spontaneous urination, frequency of urinary catheterization, and patient satisfaction.
The purpose of the study is to determine if the use of peppermint oil among postpartum women experiencing urinary retention will increase spontaneous urination and decrease the need for catheterization. A randomized controlled study will be conducted, with two arms. Subjects will be randomized into one of the two following arms: * Arm 1: Subjects will be exposed to vapor of peppermint oil * Arm 2: Subjects will be exposed to vapor of placebo (mineral oil) Outcome variables include resolution of urinary retention, time to spontaneous urination, volume of spontaneous urination, frequency of urinary catheterization, and patient satisfaction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
17
Subjects will be exposed to vapor of peppermint oil
Subjects will be exposed to vapor of placebo (mineral oil)
Bethesda North Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Percent of Patients With Urinary Retention Resolved
Urinary retention defined as: * More than 6 hours after delivery or foley catheter removal without being able to spontaneously void * Symptomatic urinary retention without being able to spontaneously void * Change in fundal height or position without being able to spontaneously void More than 6 hours after delivery or foley catheter removal without voiding spontaneously; symptomatic urinary retention without being able to spontaneously void; or change in fundal height or position without being able to spontaneously void Resolution of urinary retention will be achieved if patient spontaneously voids within 10 minutes after exposure to oil
Time frame: 10 minutes
Time to Spontaneous Urination
Minutes until participant spontaneously voids
Time frame: 1 hour
Volume of Spontaneous Urination
Volume of urine when participant spontaneously voids
Time frame: 1 hour
Incidence of Urinary Catheterization
Whether participant requires urinary catheterization or not
Time frame: 1 hour
Patient Satisfaction
Patient rated satisfaction
Time frame: 1 hour
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