TENS Unit For Endometriosis: Is It Strong Enough For Long-Term Relief?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects the reproductive system, where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and discomfort. Almost half of the female population throughout the world experience endometriosis in some form. Women with endometriosis often experience chronic pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life. One potential treatment option for managing endometriosis-related pain is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. TENS therapy involves the use of a small, battery-operated device that sends low-level electrical currents through the skin to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain.

While some people with endometriosis have reported relief from TENS therapy, it may not be effective enough to fully manage endometriosis-related pain and while TENS therapy can help reduce pain during menstrual periods, it may not be effective in reducing chronic pelvic pain or improving overall quality of life for an extended period of time.

Endometriosis And TENS Therapy

TENS therapy is a relatively popular treatment option for managing endometriosis-related pain. However, it’s important to note that self-reported use of TENS therapy does not necessarily indicate its effectiveness in relieving pain. Additionally, TENS therapy may not be widely available or accessible to all individuals with endometriosis, depending on factors such as treatment cost, patient education, and availability of TENS devices.

Benefits Of Using A Tens For Endometriosis Pain

TENS therapy can offer several potential benefits for individuals with endometriosis who are seeking pain relief. First, TENS therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free option for managing pain, which may be appealing to individuals who are looking to avoid the side effects and risks associated with medication or surgery. Second, TENS therapy is a relatively safe and easy-to-use treatment option, which can be self-administered at home with the guidance of a healthcare provider. Third, TENS therapy can provide targeted pain relief to specific areas of the body, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals with endometriosis who experience localized pain in the pelvic region. Fourth, TENS therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. This can help to reduce pain and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. 

However, it’s important to note that the efficacy of TENS therapy for endometriosis-related pain may vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience significant relief of their symptoms with this treatment. Additionally, TENS therapy should be used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, which may include other treatments and strategies such as medication, physical therapy, or counseling.

How A TENS Unit Work In Managing Endometriosis Pain

TENS therapy works by delivering low-level electrical impulses to the body via electrodes placed on the skin. These electrical impulses stimulate the nerve fibers in the affected area, which can help to interrupt the pain signals that are being sent to the brain.

Specifically, TENS therapy is thought to work by two primary mechanisms: the gate control theory and the release of endorphins. The gate control theory suggests that the electrical impulses produced by the TENS device can stimulate larger nerve fibers, which can help to block the transmission of pain signals from the smaller nerve fibers. The release of endorphins is the body’s natural pain relief mechanism. TENS therapy is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins in the body, which can help to reduce pain and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Is An At-Home TENS Unit Strong Enough To Relieve Endometriosis Pain?

There are several reasons why TENS therapy may not be effective enough to fully manage endometriosis-related pain. For one, the underlying causes of endometriosis are not fully understood, which can make it challenging for those suffering from endometriosis pain to understand how to use the unit effectively. Additionally, endometriosis-related pain can be complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of inflammatory, hormonal, and neurogenic factors. TENS therapy may be effective at reducing pain related to nerve stimulation, but it may not address the other factors that contribute to endometriosis-related pain.

Finally, it is worth noting that TENS therapy is just one of many potential treatment options. Other options may include medication, hormone therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. The best course of treatment will depend on the individual’s specific symptoms and needs, and healthcare professionals should work closely with their patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that is most effective and appropriate for them. Often, these personalized treatment plans do not include TENS therapy and it is typically due to its lacking efficacy.

Required Current And Wavelength To Achieve Relief

For effective treatment, the higher the pulse an electric stimulation treatment delivers, the more pain it will relieve– as long as it is safe, of course. When compared to other electric pulse stimulation therapies for pain relief, TENS treatment does not administer the lowest current available, but it is nowhere near the highest. Therefore, TENS treatment is not the most effective in providing lasting pain relief.

Insurance Coverage

Because a TENS unit does not provide adequate electrical stimulation for pain relief, it is not covered by insurance, particularly if it is an at-home device. Ultimately, the decision to use TENS therapy should be based on the individual’s needs, medical history, and financial situation, and should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. However, because it is not covered by health insurance and doesn’t typically provide adequate or lasting pain relief, many seeking endometriosis pain relief will turn to alternative options.

Risks of TENS Units for Endometriosis Pain Management

TENS Units for Endometriosis pain management come with some potential risks and side effects. Some of the most common side effects of TENS therapy include discomfort in the abdominal area, skin irritation, irritation of the endometrial tissue, and allergic reactions.

Discomfort in the Abdominal Area

Discomfort in the abdominal area is one of the most common side effects of TENS therapy for endometriosis. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may feel like a cramping or pulling sensation in the pelvic region. While this discomfort is usually temporary and will subside after the TENS therapy is stopped, it can be unpleasant and may interfere with daily activities.

Skin Irritation and Endometrial Tissue Irritation

Skin irritation is another potential side effect of TENS therapy. This can occur when the electrodes used in the therapy are not placed properly or are left in place for too long. Skin irritation can manifest as redness, itching, or a rash at the site of the electrodes. In some cases, this irritation can be severe enough to require medical treatment.

Irritation of the endometrial tissue is another potential risk associated with TENS therapy for endometriosis. This can occur when the electrodes are placed over the areas of the body where endometrial tissue is present. This irritation can cause the tissue to become inflamed and can exacerbate pain and discomfort in the pelvic region.

Allergic Reactions

Finally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in TENS therapy, such as the electrodes or the adhesive used to hold them in place. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may include itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Individuals with a history of allergies or skin sensitivities should discuss their risks with their healthcare provider before using a TENS unit for endometriosis pain management.

Who Should Avoid Using TENS Unit For Endometriosis?

Pregnant women and women with implanted medical devices should avoid using TENS therapy for endometriosis pain management. The electrical stimulation could cause harm to the developing fetus, and the device could interfere with the function of implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators. Additionally, individuals with epilepsy or a history of seizures should use TENS therapy with caution as it may trigger a seizure. 

It is also important to note that TENS therapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical care for endometriosis. While it may provide temporary relief of pain, it does not address the underlying condition and should be used in conjunction with other medical treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional. Women who experience severe or persistent pain should seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and management of their endometriosis.

Why Traditional Pain Management Approaches May Not Be Enough

Traditional pain management strategies, such as TENS therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can provide temporary relief. However, they may not be enough for long-term pain management due to their limitations and potential risks.

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly used to manage pain. However, prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Moreover, not all women respond to NSAIDs, and some may require stronger pain medications, such as opioids, which have their own risks and limitations.

Partnering TENS therapy with NSAIDs is not enough for long-term pain management for endometriosis. Instead, a comprehensive approach to pain management should be taken, which includes lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques. Women with endometriosis may also benefit from alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy but these are no guarantee for long-term pain relief.

A Better Non-Surgical And Non-Invasive Treatment For Endo Pain

Relatyv leads the way with its whole-person approach to pain management and relief. With Electroanalgesia patients feel lasting relief from endometriosis pain. Accompanying Electroanalgesia, patients can also expect to be treated to a specialized nutritional hydration therapy to assist the body in its natural healing process. Finally, patients will be treated with a suite of lifestyle counseling and patient education that ensures they will have the opportunity to and confidence to tackle aspects of their endometriosis pain on their own.

Electroanalgesia

Relatyv offers the most effective form of electrical stimulation and pain relief through electroanalgesia. Not only is it safe and effective at treating endometriosis pain, its efficacy outweighs that of a TENS unit. Its efficacy, when compared to a TENS unit, is directly related to its high-pulse stimulation which is 1,000 times higher than that of a TENS unit. Electroanalgesia, with its high pulse electrical stimulation, creates a depolarization effect on the pain neurons, while also stimulating tissue regeneration that repairs damaged nerves and damaged microvascular tissues.

Specialized Nutritional Hydration Therapy

Relatyv’s specialized nutritional hydration therapy of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional necessities assists the body’s ability to relieve pain and works in conjunction with Electroanalgesia’s ability to relieve pain.

Lifestyle Counseling And Patient Education

Patients seeking the most effective form of relief from endometriosis pain will find it with our treatment program and attain the ability to maintain their pain in the interim by participating in our educational and lifestyle counseling. These programs ensure patients will have the ability and confidence to do all they can to mitigate the often debilitating endometriosis pain.

Get A Long-Term Endometriosis Pain Relief With Relatyv

At Relatyv, we understand that pain from endometriosis can be life-limiting and preclude many from living the full-fledged life they had imagined. At the same time, we know and have confidence that pain relief will come through our electroanalgesia, IV therapy, and educational programs. At Relatyv, our mission is to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify quality of life while operating as a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-chiropractic pain treatment provider. Our vision is to be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain relief.