I tried the Aussie-made device that helps period, endometriosis and back pain

"Like many women, sometimes we just suck it up and pretend like it's not happening."

At 27 years old, I've been getting my period for over a decade now but somehow, I'm still surprised every time it inevitably rolls around each month. 

I never have any tampons or pads at the ready. It's like I buy them as if I'm never going to get my period again, maybe two or three packs max. 

I also never seem to have a game plan for pain relief either and just end up winging it every time.

My Iboprofen supply never seems to be stocked (I don't stock it, it's me) and it's always a late-night scramble to find my heat pack when I desperately need it.

You'd think I'd be more organised about one of the most consistent things that happens to me and will continue to happen to me. 

But I still haven't nailed it in terms of figuring out my go-to period and pain relief strategy.

Each month, I deceive myself and vow to get on top of it.

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Image: Supplied

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I've tried lots of different things

But of course, the following month rolls around and I chaotically try and find the magic cure all over again. And trust me, I've tried everything; wheat packs, weighted blankets, period relief tea, pain meds and my personal fave: asking my partner to just put his hand on my uterus and leave it there until I tell him not to.

Sometimes, it all becomes too exhausting and I just end up doing nothing. 

Like many women, sometimes we just suck it up and pretend like it's not happening. Our pain is so often dismissed, even by us, and we internalise this myth that we need to just get on with our lives even through our discomfort.

I even dismissed pain relief devices as I thought they were too much fuss and I didn't want to properly acknowledge my pain by using a dedicated ~contraption~.

It's ridiculous, I know, that I was in denial about a pain that 80% of women experience. 

To make matters worse, I also have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD which means my period symptoms are like... extra bad. Love that for me.

So when I got offered to trial a period pain relief device, I knew this was a blessing in disguise. 

Well, it wasn't even disguised - it was a glaringly obvious sign that said GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER AND TAKE YOUR PAIN SERIOUSLY PLS.

And so I took the sign and f**k, I wish I did it sooner.

I'm a sucker for packaging. Image: Supplied

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The Ovira pain relief device

The device is called the Ovira Period Pain Relief Device and it's $189. The website says it's like an "off-switch for period pain."

When researching the technology behind the device, I learnt that it's actually been used for decades. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) technology helps reduce pain caused by a range of different things, like pregnancy, endometriosis, knee and joint pain and back pain. 

The Aussie-made company was even founded by a woman who suffered years of debilitating period pain with her endometriosis. 

The device works by using pulse therapy to overload your nervous system and stop pain signals from travelling to the brain, giving you instant relief from cramps.

Basically, no signal = no pain. 

You just whack on the sticky pads, choose your desired setting and clip the device to your clothes. It's wearable and portable too. 

I loved how discreet it was under clothes. Image: Supplied

The first trial: initial thoughts

I was so excited to begin my trial, which I decided to do over two cycles (just to really put it to the test!)

The box said: 'Welcome to a new period' which honestly represented how I felt at this point. Hopeful and excited that maybe this would be the thing that changed how I managed my periods moving forward.

The kit comes with a device to control the settings, two 'love handles' and plenty of sticky gels which you stick to the love handles. 

The set-up was really simple and overall the product looked really minimal and discreet.

I loved that it could sit under my clothes and no one could tell I was even wearing it, which was great while I was at my desk.

I popped the love handles just above my hips, where I get the most pain.

At first, it was a bit of trial and error when it came to adjusting the power of the vibrations.

I could barely feel the first few settings, but then I found the sweet spot, somewhere in the middle.

Initially, I didn't know how to feel about the sensation. The pulses feel a little like pins and needles and are a bit uncomfortable at first. It was almost as though it was replacing one pain with another.

But you have to trust the process. After a few minutes, it started to do its thing and my period pain was significantly reduced by the subtle sensations.

I think it just takes some time to get used to, but it ended up helping my pain a lot. At times, I even forgot that the device (and hence, my pain) was even there! 

Of course, after a while of wearing it, I got curious about what the higher settings felt like.

So I pumped it up and almost gave myself an electric shock! I do not recommend experimenting once you've found a setting that works (I know you still will, but consider yourself warned!)

I used the device for the first two days of my period (the most painful) and overall I would say it was a success.

Round two. Image: Supplied

The second trial: I LOVE IT!

When my next cycle came around, I felt like a seasoned pro already.

I just clipped the device onto my shorts, turned it up to level four and got on with my day as normal.

While it might not be a miracle cure for everyone, it definitely was a game-changer for me.

I no longer feel confused or helpless every time I'm on my period, but rather, I have a great first line of defence for hitting my pain head-on. 

The only downside is that my partner feels shunted by his demotion from Chief Pain Relief Officer!

Originally published as I tried the Aussie-made device that helps period, endometriosis and back pain