title: Treatment of dysmenorrhoea with a new TENS device (OVA).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital of Vestfold, Tønsberg, Norway. hjalmar.schiotz@siv.no
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Schiøtz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jettestad
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Al-Heeti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome