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Lifestyle

TENS Machine

Also known as: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS unit

A portable device that delivers low-voltage electrical impulses through electrode pads placed on the skin. Used for pain management including dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and endometriosis-related pain. Available over the counter in the UK without a prescription.

This page contains self-reported experiences from the Narrated community — not clinical data. Outcomes are subjective. Always consult your doctor or specialist before starting, stopping, or changing any approach.

Regulatory status does not mean an approach is safe or unsafe. Laws vary by country — check your local regulations.

Community Experiences

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Research Context

Research context compiled from published sources

How does TENS Machine work?

Electrical impulses stimulate large-diameter sensory nerve fibres, which inhibit pain signal transmission in the spinal cord (gate control theory). Also stimulates endorphin release at higher intensities and frequencies. Provides a non-pharmacological method of pain control that can be self-administered.

Research Depth

Unknown

Long-Term Evidence

Unknown

Reported Contraindicated Populations
Cardiac pacemaker or defibrillatorEpilepsy (avoid use on neck/head)Pregnancy (avoid use on abdomen/lower back)Over areas of skin irritation or broken skin
Published Dose Ranges
1560 minutes/sessiontranscutaneous · as needed, typically 2–4 sessions per day during pain episodes
NICE/product guidance

Dose ranges from published research. Individual dosing should be determined with your healthcare provider based on your specific circumstances.

Factual research context from published sources — not a safety assessment or recommendation. Research classifications may change as new data emerges.

Related Approaches

Other Lifestyle tracked on Narrated.

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