Little time? At the end of the text there is a summary.
Since I was twelve, I have problems almost every month. Pain in the stomach, in the lower back, hunger attacks, digestive problems, spasms - in short: menstrual cramps. A destiny that I share with many women. The proportion of menstruating who have already experienced complaints, according to research is about 80 percent. About 10-20 percent are so badly affected that everyday activities are limited or impossible.
A device designed to shut down menstrual pain at the touch of a button sounded like a promise to me: I tried one, 5x5 centimeters small, developed in 2015.
Electric impulses block pain signals
The system behind this is the so-called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, Tens for short. Inside the device, electrical impulses are generated that are directed into the body via electrodes attached to the painful area. The current irritates the nerves, which send the signals to the spinal cord and block the transmission of the pain signals there. As a result, the pain impulses no longer or with less intensity in the brain.
Tens devices have been used in pain therapy for decades and are sometimes reimbursed by the health insurance companies. However, the study situation is not uniform. Some studies found no benefit of Tens over placebo, others did. A meta-analysis of the use of tens in chronic lower back pain has recently shown that the symptoms can be reduced with Tens.
The gynecologist Doris Scharrel, 2nd chairman of the professional association of gynecologists says: "They have proven to be effective as a remedy for menstrual cramps and are available from about € 20. Many devices from medical device manufacturers different modes and frequencies are programmed."
For my small device, I apparently pay the colorful, hip design, I spent 125 euros for the starter kit. Included are the device, a pair of electrodes and gel pads.
Cycle 1: Jet lag and other symptoms Shortly before a vacation trip, the device arrives at my place. The first period begins in Bogotá, Colombia. As the bleeding and spasms begin, I attach the device to the side of my panties, glue the gel pads on the lower abdomen and press the button. The intensity of the impulses can be adjusted - I try around and leave it at level 2.
At first I feel as bad as always. Whether jet lag and mountain air play a role? Above all, in my euphoria about the new device, I had hidden something essential: the series of menstrual pains that I feel apart from cramps. I am tired, have problems with digestion. I put on tea water, put the rest in a hot water bottle and get a painkiller.
Three hours later, I realized that I have no need for ibuprofen replenishment, which is otherwise needed up to three times on strong days. The pain is palpable, but bearable.
The assessment of the gynecologist: Scharrel comments: "Tens devices block the transmission of the pain signal to the brain, which does not mean that the pain has disappeared, a cause of the pain is the release of the so-called prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammatory, swelling This does not affect the Tens device, it only prevents communication to some extent with the pain centers in the brain. "
My realization: I have to try out, where I best set the electrodes and in which frequency I switch them. The spasms in the lower abdomen and lower back, I can weaken, diarrhea, circulatory disorders and fatigue remain.
Cycle 2: Low battery, low cycle
The second test cycle starts on a hot summer sunday. I tolerate heat rather badly during the period. Will my new companion change that? At least the device fits easily under my dress. The gel pads on the skin do not bother me despite the heat. Optimistic, I walk towards the park - and do not get far. The cramps are weak, but my circulation as well.
The next day I have to go to the office. The start at the desk succeeds painless. But after almost two hours, the battery is empty, I have not complied with the long charging time of the device. Fortunately, daytime pain relief is largely maintained. An accident? After a very painful first day of the cycle, the second day is sometimes no longer associated with severe discomfort. Or does the effect still take "a while" after the device has been switched off, as mentioned in the manufacturer's manual?
The assessment of the gynecologist : Doris Scharrel is skeptical. "No, I do not think so, because the pain impulses are regular, the Tens devices are programmed with appropriate frequencies, so you should stimulate durably during cramping to block the pain impulses, it is more likely that the second day bleeding is already on The first 48 hours are usually the most difficult of the period. "
Cycle 3-6: Routine and additional costs
A few cycles later, the Tens device has become routine. For safety, I charge it overnight when the period is approaching. During the day I carry it until the battery is empty after eight to twelve hours. The longer I use it during the period, the less convulsions I have.
The stimulation level I set a little higher each cycle. Has my body become so used to stimulation that more and more impulses are needed? Or have the gel pads already worn out? After about four days of use, I throw it away and replace it with a new pack, even if in the manual of about 15 uses is mentioned. A pack of six pads costs 25 euros - additional costs, which is worth the pain reduction.
The assessment of the gynecologist: "How often you should change the pads, it is best to assess yourself," says Scharrel. "Of course you can and should also try different frequency strengths, but it would make more sense, with the help of medical professionals to determine which frequencies are best - because that depends on individual factors such as the position and inclination of the uterus Help a doctor or specialist working with manufacturers of medical Tens devices. "
After several cycles with the small apparatus, I ask myself one thing above all: why has my doctor never recommended me tens devices as a remedy for menstrual cramps? Of course, I still can not turn off my pain, and I'll barely bob along the beach at the start of my spell and hold my stomach in the sun like the model in the commercial for the device being tested. But I consume less painkillers, work more concentrated and feel a lot better.
MORE ON THE SUBJECT
However, my self-experiment raises another issue: Tens devices only relieve one symptom, namely convulsions. Working at the root of the problem requires different strategies, says Scharrel. What about hormone balance? Are there mineral or nutrient deficiencies? "If you notice something at these points, you can, among other things with diet change, supplementation and medicinal plants achieve lasting improvement," said the gynecologist.
In summary , Tens devices produce light electrical impulses designed to block the transmission of pain in the spinal cord. The study situation is inconsistent. In self-experiment, our author tests a device for six months. Her conclusion: The pain decreases, she needs less painkillers and can work more concentrated.
