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Clinical Evidence: TENS for Menstrual Pain Relief

by | May 8, 2025

The Science Behind TENS for Menstrual Pain Relief

A Review of Key Publications Supporting the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Managing Dysmenorrhea

At Rosicare, we are committed to providing evidence-based, drug-free solutions for menstrual pain management. Rosi is a wearable device that uses TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)—a non-invasive, non-pharmacological technology with substantial clinical support for pain relief.

This article presents a curated list of peer-reviewed scientific papers, systematic reviews, and clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy and safety of TENS for primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain without underlying pathology). It is intended for clinicians, distributors, and partners seeking a deeper understanding of the science behind Rosi and its core technology.

 

Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses (High-Level Evidence)

  1. Cochrane Review (2024)
    TENS for Dysmenorrhoea – Cochrane Library
    → A comprehensive review of 20 RCTs involving 585 women. It concludes that both high- and low-frequency TENS may reduce pain more effectively than placebo, though study quality varied.
  2. Systematic Review – Pain Management Nursing (2023)
    The Effectiveness of TENS for Primary Dysmenorrhea – ScienceDirect
    → Meta-analysis indicating significant pain reduction from TENS in multiple clinical trials.
  3. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020)
    TENS as a Non-Drug Intervention for Menstrual Pain – PubMed
    → Concludes that TENS is a safe, well-tolerated method for alleviating primary dysmenorrhea and improving quality of life.

 

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

  1. Comparative RCT – TENS vs. Placebo vs. Ibuprofen (2022)
    ScienceDirect
    → A triple-arm RCT showing TENS is as effective as NSAIDs like ibuprofen for reducing menstrual pain.
  2. RCT on Adolescents with Dysmenorrhea (2007)
    Pain Medicine Journal – Oxford University Press
    → Demonstrates significant improvements in pain severity and functional ability in adolescent users.
  3. RCT Protocol – Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness (2021)
    PLOS ONE
    → Study protocol assessing both clinical effectiveness and economic value of TENS in treating dysmenorrhea.

 

Mechanisms of Action & Neurological Insights

  1. Neurophysiological Effects of TENS
    IEEE Xplore
    → Explores how TENS modulates pain pathways through gate control, endogenous opioid release, and spinal cord neuromodulation.
  2. IASP Pain Research Forum
    IASP
    → Highlights the scientific mechanisms of TENS and its applications in menstrual and chronic pain.

 

Clinical Resources & Foundational Studies

  1. NIH Open Access Study (2020)
    Primary Dysmenorrhea and TENS – PMC
    → Real-world evidence of high patient satisfaction and pain reduction with TENS use.
  2. Legacy Study – Citation Classic (1996)
    The Efficacy of TENS in Dysmenorrhea – ResearchGate
    → One of the earliest clinical validations of TENS for menstrual pain relief.
  3. Clinical Commentary – Contemporary OB/GYN (2022)
    Contemporary OB/GYN
    → A concise review for physicians interested in non-pharmacological menstrual pain therapies.

 

Japan-Based Clinical Research

  1. Japanese Study – Journal of Physical Therapy (JPTA)
    J-STAGE
    → A localized clinical investigation into the use of TENS for menstrual pain in young women in Japan. Relevant for clinics and practitioners operating under Japanese guidelines.

 

Final Thoughts

As period pain continues to impact the lives of women globally—especially adolescents and working-age adults—safe, effective, and drug-free options like TENS are becoming more essential than ever. Rosi is built on this scientific foundation, offering women autonomy, comfort, and everyday relief without medication or invasive treatment.

We invite medical professionals, wellness partners, and distributors to explore this research and consider how TENS—and Rosi—can support the evolving needs of modern women.

 

Disclaimer

Rosi is a certified Class II medical device in Japan, approved for pain management. This article references global research on the application of TENS for menstrual pain. Please consult a medical professional before using Rosi for any condition-specific purpose.