Painlessly surfing the red wave

Take a deep breath and go. Full of medication, I try to function despite my almost unbearable abdominal pain. Not really successfully, but what can you do? I have to go through this once a month, it’s especially bad on the heaviest days of my period. In my case, the pain gets worse with age. Instead of subsiding, I find myself reaching for high doses of painkillers more and more often. That can’t be healthy in the long run. That’s why a medication-free solution is needed. One like Beurer’s «Menstrual Relax EM 50,» a period pain pad that promises painkiller-free relief.

EMS + TENS device

EUR57,–

Beurer EM 50

248

EMS + TENS device

EUR57,–

Beurer EM 50

248

I immediately think of Livia. The electric gadget for period pain works in a similar way. The tester at the time, my colleague, Natalie Hemengül lent me her device back then. However, it wasn’t for me since the number of cables annoyed me and the device couldn’t relieve my pain. Still, I’m curious about Beurer’s Menstruation Pad. Since the comments are positive across the board and the gadget is relatively cheap, I don’t hesitate.

The technology of the Beurer Menstrual Relax EM 50

The electrotherapy gadget is based on a combination of heat and electric current, which provides pain relief without medication. The acronym TENS refers to «transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation». The electrodes attached to the device send stimulating impulses from the surface of the skin to the nerve cords and block the transmission of pain to the brain.

I can choose between 15 TENS intensity levels and a heat programme that can go up to 43 degrees Celsius –  a feature I missed with Livia. The heat and TENS functions can be used either together or separately. Beurer recommends an application time of 20 minutes. The automatic switch-off function ensures that this time isn’t exceeded. This way I don’t need to set a timer.

First impressions

In addition to the Menstrual Relax Pad, the package includes a USB cable and two self-adhesive gel pads. I attach these to the two electrodes before first use. I proceed with caution, as bumps on the gel-like film can cause skin irritation during application. To protect the gel pads from dust and dirt, I keep the blue protective films instead of throwing them away.

The wine red silicone menstruation pad has three LED buttons: a power button, with which I switch between the three possible modes, as well as a △ and ▽ button, which regulate the strength of the electrical impulses. After sticking it on my lower abdomen, I press the power button. The heat programme starts. I press the button a second time and the TENS function starts at the lowest level. With a third click on the start button, you can deactivate the heating programme if necessary. Up to this point, I don’t notice anything of the electrical impulses. Not even when I press the △ key a second or third time. Only at the fourth click do I notice a slight pulsation. I jump at the sensation because the nerve stimulation is unfamiliar to me. After a few seconds, it’s more of a pleasant throb and I click for more pressure.

According to the manufacturer, the intensity should be adjusted so that the treatment is a pleasant tingling sensation. I switch between the sixth and seventh level as needed. Out of curiosity, I would’ve liked a digital display to show me what level I find comfortable. Instead, I have to count along when I press the keys.
By the way, the gadget is programmed to start anew at the lowest TENS intensity level after each use.

Another plus is the wearing comfort. The silicone feels soft on the skin and bends around my lower abdomen. Several times I forgot to take off the menstruation pad after the timer expired. I hardly feel it when wearing and can even go for a walk without any problems. The gel pads ensure that the device, which weighs around 50 grams, sticks to my abdomen. The waistband gives additional support. With Livia, the cables bothered me, since I had to attach the device to the waistband myself and the two electrodes stuck separately to my abdomen. I had the constant feeling that the individual parts connected with cables would fall off if I wasn’t careful.

I can’t find any instructions on how often I should use the gadget throughout the day. Only the recommendation that I take a break of at least 30 minutes between each treatment. I follow the Community tip from marse10. She uses the device four times a day to relieve her pain. I follow this advice. My tip: on very painful days, I put in an additional one to three uses in between with just the heat programme, as it relieves my tension. The menstruation pad works, instead of the original two to three, I now only reach for one painkiller per day. I take it before I go to bed so I don’t wake up in the night from all the pain.

My only complaint is that the battery life is much too short. After four cycles – with or without TENS – it’s over. With my additional heat units, I have to charge the gadget twice a day. When I’m at home or in the office, I can easily do this via USB cable with my notebook. On the road, however, it gets difficult.

Verdict

First and foremost: the device isn’t a miracle cure. I don’t surf the red wave completely pain-free with it. My pain and cramps are less with it, though, and that’s something. Normally, I would describe my period pain as a ten on a scale of one to ten. With this gadget, I’m at about a four and can cut my medication dose in half. As soon as I feel a slight tug, I attach the device to my lower abdomen and «pulse» the pain away.

My personal favourite is the heat programme. Finally, instead of a bulky hot-water bottle, I have a portable and warming menstruation pad that I can use whenever I need it. The only downside is the fact that I have to replace the gel pads about every two to three months. This means additional costs are added to the one-time expenses and the sales price, which I described as «relatively inexpensive» at the beginning, equals itself out. Nonetheless, the device is cheaper than Livia.