Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition characterized by recurrent menstrual pain in the absence of pelvic pathology. It affects a large proportion of women of reproductive age and may significantly interfere with daily activities, academic performance, and quality of life. Although pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used to manage menstrual pain, some women experience insufficient relief or prefer non-pharmacological treatment options.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive electrotherapy technique widely used in pain management. TENS is thought to reduce pain through mechanisms including modulation of nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level and activation of endogenous analgesic pathways. Portable TENS devices may provide a convenient and accessible option for self-management of menstrual pain.
The aim of this randomized controlled pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable TENS device in reducing pain intensity in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving treatment with a portable TENS device or a control group receiving usual care.
The intervention consisted of the application of a portable TENS patch to the lower abdominal region during menstrual pain episodes. The device delivered alternating stimulation cycles combining high-frequency stimulation (85 Hz) and burst stimulation (2 Hz). Each treatment session lasted approximately 20 minutes and was applied during menstrual pain episodes.
Participants were followed for up to three menstrual cycles. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additional outcomes included quality of life assessed using the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), anxiety and depression measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), female sexual function evaluated with the Female Sexual Function questionnaire (FSM), and analgesic medication use recorded in a pain diary.
The results of this study aim to contribute to the evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for menstrual pain and to evaluate the potential role of portable TENS devices as a safe and accessible option for women with primary dysmenorrhea.