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.

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