Make sure the machine is switched off before you attach the pads to your skin. Position the pads either side of the painful area, at least 2.5cm (1 inch) apart. This is a general guide on how to use a TENS machine. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions. Some TENS machines are marketed for use in labour and childbirth as a drug-free alternative to pain relief, although there are limits to the pain relief that TENS can achieve in this situation. When should I not use a TENS machine?

TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including: The Beurer EM50 Menstrual Relax is a flexible and discreet, certified medical device that uses a combination of TENs electrostimulation and soothing warmth to relieve menstrual pain without the need for medication.There's not enough good-quality scientific evidence to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. More research is needed and clinical trials are ongoing. PRACTICAL: Powered by a rechargeable battery, the TENS and heat pad is suitable for use anywhere and can sustain 6 applications from a single charge. Switch the TENS machine off after you've finished using it and remove the electrodes from your skin. Are there any risks of side effects? Healthcare professionals have reported that it seems to help some people, although how well it works depends on the individual and the condition being treated. While pricey, the app itself is likely to be the main draw for the unit as it allows for a more specific reading of where the pain/discomfort is on a scale from 1-10; once set by the user, the app will automatically start a programme that’s suitable, effectively eliminating any guesswork while also being intuitive and straightforward.

However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments. Trying TENS To get the most benefit from TENS, it's important that the settings are adjusted correctly for you and your individual condition. With a chemical filling (often activated charcoal) and adhesive application, these have more of a deep, artificial heat feeling. That said, lots of buyers of these patches have attested to their effectiveness, so they're not to be overlooked. From cute animal-shaped stuffies to flaxseed, wheat or lavender filled bags, microwavable heating bags are reusable and ready-to-go in as little as one minute.Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may become red and irritated. Speak to your GP, physiotherapist or pharmacist if you have concerns. You may need to take a short break from using TENS. Special pads are available for people with allergies. Thanks to the use of soothing heat and the TENS treatment (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for pain relief, the new EM 50 Menstrual Relax offers an effective alternative that negates the need for medication. The product enables menstrual cramps and pain caused by endometriosis to be treated in a targeted manner. Whether at home or on the go, the EM 50 Menstrual Relax can be placed discreetly on the skin of your lower tummy underneath clothing. It is made from medical-grade silicone, and its extremely thin and flexible design means it adapts perfectly to the area to be treated. The TENS program itself has 15 intensity levels and a heat setting. After a recommended application period of 20 minutes, the device switches off automatically. You attach the pads directly to your skin. When the machine is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body, which you feel as a tingling sensation. Endometriosis: Where cells that normally line the womb grow in other places, such as in the fallopian tubes and ovaries; these cells can cause intense pain when they shed. Start on a low setting and gradually increase it until the sensation feels strong but comfortable. If the tingling sensation starts to feel painful or uncomfortable, reduce it slightly.

Turn on the TENS machine when the pads are attached in the correct places. You'll feel a slight tingling sensation pass through your skin.

What TENS is used for

You can use TENS throughout the day for as long as you like, although it should not be used while you're driving, operating machinery, or in the bath or shower. Positioning the pads Pelvic inflammatory disease: Where your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries become infected with bacteria, causing them to become severely inflamed. If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good idea to speak to a GP about a referral to a physiotherapist or pain clinic.