‘I’ve used this TENS machine for five months and it’s the only thing that’s given me a slight glimpse of relief’
Unfortunately more than half of people reading this introduction will have or know someone who suffers from Endometriosis or severe period pain. I am one of them, and two operations down I’m often looking for painkiller-free ways to ease the pain.
According to Endometriosis UK more than 1.5million people suffer with it and taking an average of nine years to be diagnosed many are left awaiting answers with the debilitating symptoms. Cripling pelvic and lower back pain are the main symtoms that effect me.
Apart from laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue – which come with lengthy waiting lists – the main ‘treatments’ (relievers) are over the counter pain killers or hot water bottles…two things I’m sure many sufferers will turn their noses up at as they often come with little effect. So, for the last five months I’ve been trying out a TENS machine in a bid to get relief – I think it could be a solution for any endo, painful period, or bloating suffers out there.
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A tiny, discreet, device I now wear under my clothes – I’ve even worn it to a work meeting at the office before – it gives out tiny electrical impulses to help reduce the pain signals between the spinal cord and the brain…relieving the muscles that spasm so much during a flare up.
The wireless FLO-OVA machine is a top rated device at Amazon, a tiny TENS device which helps relieve pain with its six massage modes and 20 intensity levels.
I use the Myoovi Period Pain Reliever, which is currently on offer from £120 to £69.99 – but there are so many options on the market. Including the Buerer TENS Menstrual Relax EM50 which is now on sale at Argos for £50, reduced from the original £70 price.
Amazon is currently selling the FLO-OVA TENS for one of the cheapest price I’ve seen, now £39.99 for the stimulator at the Prime retailer. Boots also has its own version – the £49.99 Period Pain Reliever Wireless – which is a TENS with heat. No matter the brand you decide to go for all offer relief, with easily attached stick tabs to place in the area of most discomfort.
It takes some getting used too – with the pulses giving off a mild shock – over time this gets distracting from the period pain and I’d describe it like a buzzing with very mild discomfort but it’s certainly not an electric shock and not comparable to period or ovulation pain.
I love how easy it is to wear out and about, it fits under trousers and tops without anyone noticing, plus there’s no sound so no one has to know that you’re wearing one. The one thing I’d caution those looking to use one for the first time, is don’t wrack up the level on the first try.
Even five months on I stick to a medium level 5 when wearing it as I don’t want to get used or accustomed to the TENS – if so, this will defeat the distracting pain relief method.
I really rate the Myoovi device but as reviews show there are other pain-relieving options available. Like the Amazon Choice backed product, 69% of FLO-OVA reviews have been rated five stars. “It’s a great product! Leaves no sticky residue, it’s very quiet, small, and you don’t notice its there. very discreet. Will use it on my lower back pain too when not on my period as gets [me] through a work day with some painkillers for sure”, said one user.
While another FLO-OVA user got seemed to get a similar amount of relief as I do when using the Myoovi: “I never leave reviews but after being a long time endo sufferer, I felt like I was hitting rock bottom with pain again and this is just amazing. It really takes that unbearable edge off.
“Battery life is incredible, it lasts so long and is quick and easy to charge. The design is so much better than the other tenns type machines I have tried, and it’s very discreet under clothing. It comes with a little bag to store it all in, which is small enough to pop in your bag to have it on you at all times.”
Out of the reviews there are two one-star ratings, one which said the ‘sticky residue on the TENS caused irritation’.
