You’ve tried everything for period pain. Ibuprofen, contraceptive pill, heat… Nothing helps. But have you tested theelectrotherapy ? Non-drug therapy with no adverse side effects, the TENS (the term comes from the English transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation) makes it possible to treat chronic pain of all kinds, whether muscular, visceral or articular, and this in a non-invasive way.
TENS is a technology that “via a low-intensity electric current transmitted to the skin by electrodes will interfere with pain perception to reduce it“, according to Amélie Levesque, an algologist specializing in chronic pelvic-perineal pain. It works thanks to two main mechanisms: the “gate control” – or “the door effect” – and the stimulation of endorphins. When we stimulate the touch of a painful area, the message of the touch arrives first at the spinal cord, and thus blocks the passage of the pain (this is the door effect). The use of electrotherapy will also allow the body to secrete endorphins, which will provide a rapid feeling of well-being.
In practice, what does it look like?
The TENS device comes in the form of a electrical box connected by wires to electrodes, which are placed on the skin. These electrodes will generate the electric current which will have an impact on the pain. This small device is easy to use, portable, battery operated and, depending on the model you choose, it costs between 25 and 450 euros.
This device can be prescribed by a doctor and is generally used by 30 minute sessions : there is an immediate effect felt during the session, then several hours after its use. A first test session is carried out beforehand with a doctor or a nurse, in order to explain how the device works. Thereafter, the patient can use the device independently at home, and adapt the practice according to her pain.
How effective is it on menstrual pain?
According to one study published in 2020 in L’International Journal of Women’s Health, the TENS method would have a certain effectiveness on menstrual pain. “Primary dysmenorrhea negatively affects almost every facet of a woman’s life for a few days each month over a period of years“, says the study. “Reported results from previous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of TENS in reducing pain and associated symptoms, improving quality of life, and decreasing additional pain medication.“, she continues. An effectiveness confirmed at high frequency (100hz) by this study.
In addition to relieving menstrual pain, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation also had a positive impact in the endometriosis pain treatmentaccording to one another study conducted in 2015 including 22 women with deep endometriosis. “Our results showed that electrotherapy can be considered as a complementary intervention option to relieve symptoms of pelvic pain combined with medical treatment, improving quality of life.“, details the study. It also showed an improvement in pain during intercourse.
According to Amélie Levesque, the device was effective in 60% of patients who used it.
Are there any health risks?
No serious side effects has been identified in studies of TENS. Possible allergies to the electrodes can be observed, via temporary redness. Be careful not to confuse them with the redness linked to the electrical stimulation itself, which will increase blood flow to the area concerned.
Note: it is not recommended to use a TENS device if you have a pacemaker or if you suffer from a skin disease.
Sources:
- “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Primary Dysmenorrhea: An Overview”, International Journal of Women’s HealthJanuary 2020
- “Effectiveness of complementary pain treatment for women with deep endometriosis through Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): randomized controlled trial”, EEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive BiologyAugust 2015
- Electrotherapy & painful periodsInfo-Endometriosis Association, December 2021
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- Masturbation during menstruation: a real way to fight against pain
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