The Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Dysmenorrhea

This study determined the efficacy of two modes of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a nonmedicinal means of pain control in dysmenorrhea. Twenty-seven subjects (nine per group) were randomly assigned to either conventional TENS (Group 1), strong low rate acupuncture-like TENS (group 2), or a control group (Group 3). Each group received similar instructions, used the same TENS units and electrodes and also completed a posttreatment questionnaire. A mean decrease in pain of 72.2%, 51.3%, and 26.1% was observed for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean decrease in pain and duration of pain relief between the conventional and control group was statistically significant. This study indicated that TENS can provide a safe and effective nonmedicinal means of pain relief for dysmenorrhea.