Guide · Painful Periods
One in two women experiences pain during their period. Why does this pain occur, how can you recognize it, and what solutions are available—including non-medication options?.
Experiencing pain during your period is common, but that doesn't mean it's something you simply have to put up with. Menstrual pain has a medical name: dysmenorrhea, and it is governed by well-defined mechanisms.
This guide provides an overview: where the pain comes from, when it should be a cause for concern, and what approaches are available to relieve it on a daily basis.
During menstruation, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by substances called prostaglandins, produced by the uterine lining.
The higher the level of prostaglandins, the stronger the contractions. They can then briefly constrict the small blood vessels that supply the uterus, temporarily reducing the oxygen supply to the uterine muscle. It is this mechanism that causes pain, in a way quite similar to that of a cramp.
This also explains why the pain usually peaks on the first or second day, when prostaglandin levels are at their highest, and then subsides.
This is an important distinction, because it completely changes the course of action.
This is the most common form. The pain is caused by the uterine contractions themselves, with no underlying medical condition. It usually begins during adolescence, in the months or years following the first period, and follows a regular pattern from one cycle to the next.
In this case, the pain is a symptom of another condition, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. It often appears later in life or changes in nature after years of painless periods.
When to Seek Medical Attention. Pain that prevents you from going to work or class, that worsens with each menstrual cycle, that appears after years of relatively pain-free periods, and that is accompanied by pain during intercourse, very heavy bleeding, or significant digestive problems, should prompt you to see a doctor or midwifeEndometriosis is still often diagnosed with an average delay of several years, and this delay is frequently due to the fact that the pain has been trivialized.
There are several simple steps that are commonly recommended and can be combined.
When these measures are not sufficient, medication—particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—remains the standard of care. They should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional, especially if the patient has a history of gastrointestinal problems.
STIMCARE PERIODS is a Class I medical device intended for relief of pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea in women aged 12 and older.
It comes in the form of thin adhesive patches that are applied directly to the skin. The patch does not release any substances: it contains no medication, no active ingredients, and no hormones. Its adhesive is acrylic and latex-free.
The patch contains a layer rich in mineral oxides that are chemically stable and inert. This layer reflects the infrared radiation that the body naturally emits back toward the body, within a given wavelength range. The device is therefore entirely passive: it does not generate energy; it reflects the body's own energy.
The protocol involves applying three patches simultaneously to clean, dry skin.
A patch on the midline, above the pubic hairline.
Two patches on either side of the navel, about two fingers' width outward and downward.
A patch above the sacrum, in the space between the L5 and S1 vertebrae.
The patches should be worn continuously during the period of pain, usually 3 to 5 days. A box of 6 patches lasts for about two cycles.
We prefer to present our data as it is, with its strengths and limitations.
What these data don't tell us. The figure of 87 % comes from an observational and self-reported study: it reflects the experiences reported by practitioners, without a control group or blinding, and therefore does not have the same value as a controlled trial. As for the clinical investigation, it did not reach the threshold for statistical significance on its primary endpoint. We do not claim otherwise, and all of these findings are included in our clinical evaluation, which is available to the authorities.
At what age can it be used?
This product is intended for women 12 years of age and older. For those between the ages of 12 and 17, parental supervision is recommended.
Can it be combined with a treatment?
The patch does not release any substances and does not contain any active ingredients. If you are currently undergoing treatment or have any questions, consult your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist.
Does it contain latex?
No. The adhesive in PERIODS is acrylic and latex-free.
Are the patches reusable?
No, they're single-use.
Does this replace medical advice?
No. If you experience severe, debilitating pain or pain that changes in nature, it is still essential to see a doctor to rule out secondary dysmenorrhea.
Experiencing pain during your period is common, but the frequency of that pain isn't necessarily normal. Understanding the cause of this pain, knowing when it should be a cause for concern, and learning about the available options is already a step toward regaining control over your cycles.
Sources
Why Do We Experience Pain During Our Periods? The Causes of Dysmenorrhea, When to Seek Medical Attention, and Solutions for Relieving Pain in Daily Life.
Painful periods: the complete guide to natural cycle relief The essentials in 30 seconds. In France, 1 in 2 women suffer from painful periods,
