Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and its role in menstrual pain relief

Menstrual pain (primary dysmenorrhea) affects up to 90% of menstruating individuals, and while electrical stimulation can notably reduce this pain, it is less effective than medication.

To compare the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for dysmenorrhea in women.

This randomized crossover trial involved 47 women out of which 34 completed the study. They underwent treatments across three consecutive menstrual cycles in a randomized sequence:

• Uno: Single-unit transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Duo: Dual-unit transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Controls: Use of NSAIDs

Women in the TENS groups applied the stimulation to their abdomen for at least 30 minutes with the onset of menstrual pain. The use of NSAIDs was limited to an ‘as-needed’ basis in the control group. Pain levels were assessed via surveys conducted before and after each therapy. The use of TENS was assumed to reduce self-reported pain levels and lower the consumption of NSAIDs during menstruation.

A statistically and clinically significant reduction in pain during the Control (−3.52 ± 1.9), Uno (−2.10 ± 1.6), and Duo (−2.19 ± 1.7) cycles (p < 0.001) was experienced by the participants. NSAID doses used during the controls substantially varied as compared with that of Uno (1.5 ± 3.0) or Duo (1.1 ± 2.6) (p = 0.004).

Using a commercial TENS unit significantly reduces pain, though it is less effective than NSAIDs. However, TENS has fewer side effects, making it a promising alternative for managing dysmenorrhea.