Treatment of dysmenorrhoea with a new TENS device (OVA)

Summary

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an established method for pain relief in dysmenorrhoea, which does not involve the use of medication. This prospective study evaluated the clinical utility of a new, very small and light, high frequency TENS device in 21 menstruating women during four menstrual cycles. The efficacy measures were pain relief evaluated on a VAS scale and reduction in use of analgesic tablets. All the participants subjectively found the device useful. There was a statistically significant drop in mean pain score from 6.73 to 5.18 points (p = 0.0009). Concurrent use of analgesic tablets was also significantly reduced (p = 0.03) and seven women stopped taking analgesics while using the device (p = 0.02). There were no adverse events. On follow-up 6 – 8 months post study, 14 of the women were still using the device regularly. This TENS device appears to be a useful treatment alternative for dysmenorrhoea.

Keywords:

• Dysmenorrhoea
• TENS
• treatment