Could menstrual cramps become a thing of the past?

Period pain relief devices are soaring onto the scene with the promise of eliminating cramps in a very discreet and progressive way.

Several innovative devices for controlling and managing the pain of menstrual cramps have hit the market in recent years. The products use pulse therapy to stop pain signals travelling to the brain, giving instant relief to the user.

The two leading brands who are saving us from the dreaded pain that comes with that time of the month are Ovira and Myoovie. Although both brands have a very different approach to the appearance of the machine, they both work in the same way, following a simple three step method: 1. Stick on 2. Switch on 3. Feel the relief.

The device from both companies uses medically proven transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), technology that has been used to treat pain for decades. The device sends pulses to your nerves, blocking the pain receptors in your brain from receiving pain signals. Fewer pain signals = less pain.

The device can be placed anywhere that menstrual pain is experienced, such as the stomach and back. As it is small and discrete, it can be worn throughout the day, hidden under your clothes, allowing you to go about your day pain-free.

Ovira has Nutritionist and Women’s Health Expert Jessica Giljam backing their corner, claiming: “I recommend Ovira's period pain relief device to my clients with painful periods and endometriosis. Drug-free pain relief options are few and far between, so I think this little device is pretty magical.”

Are these devices worth the money?

The devices are not cheap, ranging from £69.99 to £119. So are they really all that they are made out to be?

Kirsty Strange, a Canadian Master’s graduate from the University of Stirling, purchased the ‘Ovira’ machine after struggling with endometriosis and debilitating period pain for years. She claims the machine (along with her other pain medication) has helped her avoid taking sick days from work, just like she used to.

“My period pain, during days 1-2, was usually between an 8-10 without the device and without medication, with medication probably 7-9,” said Kirsty. “With the machine, this easily goes down to a 4-6 depending on other pain relief techniques used and medication.

“I know the machine makes all the difference because when it runs out of charge (after I've worn it for 6-8 hours straight), I can immediately tell when it's died because the pain returns instantly,” Kirsty says.

The company advertises the product as ‘safe and silent’, which is why Kirsty chose Ovira over the other companies. She especially wanted something discreet and with short cords and “importantly had movable pads to be able to adjust the positioning to specially target pain areas.”

Kirsty explained to me that the only downside of the device is that there isn’t a screen to indicate what level of pain moderation you’re at, although this may be due to how discreet and silent the company wants the device to be.