If you’re among the many women who experience ongoing period pain or discomfort linked to endometriosis, chances are you’ve explored a range of pain relief options, from hot water bottles to over-the-counter medication and even hormone-based therapies. For those seeking a gentle, drug-free option to help manage symptoms, TENS machines are gaining interest.

TENS - short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, involves applying mild electrical pulses to the skin to help alleviate discomfort. While traditionally used for musculoskeletal conditions, it's increasingly being used as part of a pain management approach for menstrual cramps and endometriosis.

Let’s dive into how TENS therapy works, what research suggests, and how people are integrating it into their wellness routines.

Understanding Endometriosis and Period Pain

Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, affects a significant number of women. While cramping is common during periods, some individuals experience much more intense, persistent pain, especially when conditions like endometriosis are involved. In endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in areas outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scarring, and often severe discomfort.

While conventional approaches such as anti-inflammatory medication or hormonal treatments may provide relief for some, others are turning to alternative pain management methods, like TENS therapy.

How TENS Machines Work to Support Pain Management

TENS therapy works by delivering controlled electrical pulses through electrode pads placed on the skin. These pulses can help:

• Reduce the intensity of discomfort signals sent to the brain
  
• Encourage the release of endorphins, which are associated with improved pain tolerance
  
  

Depending on the placement of the electrodes, users can target common pain areas like the lower abdomen, lower back, or pelvic region.

Some TENS devices provide very gentle stimulation, so mild that some users may not even feel it. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more subtle sensation during use.

Want to learn more about how this works? Explore our Pain Relief Unit information hub.

TENS vs. EMS: What’s the Difference?

While TENS is primarily used for nerve stimulation and pain modulation, EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) targets muscles to assist with strengthening and recovery.

Most of our devices include both TENS and EMS modes, however the PainPod M is a little different as it uses Microcurrent which is imperceptible, but it also uses a unique combination booster mode that provides muscle support and TENS relief without strong muscle contractions. This is ideal for users looking for a more comfortable experience while still benefiting from the underlying technology.

By choosing a device like the PainPod 3, users gain access to both TENS and EMS capabilities in a single unit, eliminating the need to purchase separate devices for different applications.

What the Research Says About TENS for Menstrual Discomfort

Clinical studies have explored the role of TENS in managing both primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea, with promising findings. Participants reported reduced discomfort levels, lower reliance on oral pain relief, and better ability to maintain daily routines.

TENS may work by interfering with pain signal transmission and relaxing uterine muscles, potentially easing the severity of cramps.

Explore more about how TENS therapy fits into pain wellness routines.

Reasons People Are Choosing TENS for Menstrual Relief

TENS therapy offers a number of benefits when included as part of a broader wellness plan:

• Compact, wearable design for use at home or on the move
  
• Does not rely on medications
  
• Intensity can be adjusted to suit comfort levels
  
• Can complement other pain relief approaches
  
• No ongoing prescriptions or refills required
  
  

TENS can also be used to support recovery from other types of discomfort. Visit our Types of Pain Recovery section to learn more.

Things to Consider Before Trying TENS

If you're thinking about using a TENS machine for menstrual or endometriosis-related discomfort, keep the following in mind:

• Check with a healthcare provider before use, particularly if you're pregnant or have existing medical conditions
  
• Read the user guide carefully to ensure proper pad placement and usage duration
  
• Choose devices from reputable providers that are designed for personal and therapeutic use
  
  

Need help choosing the right device? Our team is here to assist, contact us! 

Looking Ahead: The Role of TENS in Women’s Health

As more individuals look for complementary wellness tools, TENS therapy continues to gain attention. With innovations in design, comfort, and functionality, wearable options like the PainPod range offer flexibility and ease of use.

While TENS isn’t a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis, it’s increasingly being used as part of a broader approach to menstrual wellness.

Taking Charge of Your Cycle with TENS Therapy

Living with endometriosis or chronic menstrual discomfort can be challenging, but tools like PainPod TENS devices offer a promising path for those looking to manage symptoms in a non-pharmaceutical way. With their gentle stimulation and adaptable features, a PainPod device may become a valued addition to your monthly wellness toolkit.

Explore our full range of PainPod devices and discover how TENS therapy could support your journey to feeling more in control of your cycle.

References:

• Perez Delgado SO, et al. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Control in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;7:CD013331. Found that both high- and low-frequency TENS may reduce menstrual pain compared to placebo or no treatment, though the quality of evidence was low AAFP.
  
  
• Cochrane Review Summary. TENS for dysmenorrhea may reduce pain and analgesic use; evidence limited by study quality.
  
  
• Elboim-Gabyzon M, Kalichman L. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Primary Dysmenorrhea: An Overview. Int J Womens Health. 2020;12:1–10. A noninvasive, affordable, self-administered method with overall positive effects on pain, medication use, and quality of life.
  
  
• Igwea SE, et al. TENS and Heat Therapy for Pain Relief and Quality of Life Improvement in Individuals With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:86–91. Findings indicate favorable outcomes for combined TENS and heat therapy.
  
  
• Rodrigues JC, Avila MA, Driusso P. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial and Economic Evaluation. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(5):e0250111. Describes a planned RCT evaluating effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of TENS PLOS.