Who is the Ova Plus suitable for?
The Ova Plus is ideal as an entry-level trial of TENS. If you’ve so far relied on medication (ibuprofen, naproxen) and want to try a drug-free alternative, the Plus lets you gain experience at a low cost. Many find that 1–2 cycles are enough to decide whether TENS works for them. If it does, you can later upgrade to the Ova 3 with heat therapy.
Endometriosis is a chronic, progressive condition. Ova Plus’s TENS approach is suitable for symptomatic pain reduction – NOT a curative treatment. It is an adjunct to existing gynaecological therapy (hormonal treatment, possibly surgery). You can find more information in the Pain relief for endometriosis article. Regular gynaecological monitoring (US/MRI) remains necessary – TENS does not replace treatment of the underlying disease.
Primary dysmenorrhoea is especially common in adolescent girls (14–25 years). The Ova Plus’s low price makes it a good starter option for trying drug-free pain management. Its discreet belt-clip design also allows use during school or activities. For children under 12–14 years, consultation with a paediatric gynaecologist/paediatrician is required. Primary dysmenorrhoea usually does not need special investigation, but if pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms (bleeding, fever, irregular periods), gynaecological assessment is necessary.
Long-term use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) can cause stomach, kidney and bleeding risks. Some women are hormonally sensitive or cannot take certain contraceptives because of side effects. Ova Plus is a drug-free pain relief option. TENS stimulation does not produce drug tolerance, so its effectiveness can remain over the long term. You can use it monthly or less often, without drug-related side effects.
The Ova Plus’s belt clip lets you work, study and stay active during your period. Worn on the waistband, it doesn’t interfere with movement and hides under clothing, operating silently. You can take it on long trips, flights or important meetings and exams. Your activity need not be limited by pain.
More gynaecologists now recommend TENS as an adjunct to classic pharmacotherapy. If NSAIDs are contraindicated (stomach issues, bleeding disorders) or hormonal treatment is not possible, TENS can be a real alternative. Ova Plus, as TensCare’s entry-level device, is an affordable first step to try TENS. Use it according to specialist advice.
Clinical trials show that TENS produces meaningful relief in about 60–70% of women with primary menstrual pain. Some people see no clear benefit. Ova Plus is a clinically documented, well-designed device – BUT not a miracle cure. A realistic approach: decide after experience across 1–2 cycles. Keep a symptom diary: which intensity/duration helped most. If there is no clear improvement after 2–3 cycles, consult a gynaecologist and consider other options.
How does the Ova Plus work?
The Ova Plus uses classic TENS technology – the same principle as general TENS pain relievers, but programs are optimised for female pelvic pain.
The gate theory (1965, Melzack and Wall) proposes a "pain gate" in the spinal cord: pain-carrying nerve impulses pass through it en route to the brain. TENS stimulation "closes" the gate, so pain signals do not reach the brain.
Ova Plus is designed to block menstrual pain fibres via this mechanism. A detailed explanation is available in the TENS treatment article.
Low-frequency "endorphin TENS" works differently: it triggers release of the central nervous system’s natural opioids. Endorphins provide longer-lasting, internal pain relief without dependence or side effects. Endorphin release can sustain analgesia after treatment for 1–2 hours.
Combining the two TENS modes (high-frequency + low-frequency) can produce more effective pain relief. Ova Plus programs are tuned to pelvic pain types.
The Ova 3 has built-in heat therapy alongside TENS – a controlled form of the classic "hot-water-bottle" approach. Ova Plus DOES NOT include heat – it is TENS only.
What this means in practice:
- Home use: if you already use a hot-water bottle or heating pad at home, you can combine them manually with TENS.
- Work/travel use: where a hot-water bottle isn’t practical, Ova 3’s combined TENS/heat function may be more valuable.
- Price: Ova Plus is cheaper because it lacks the heat feature.
Tip: start with Ova Plus, and if TENS proves effective, upgrade later to Ova 3 for the heat combination.
Using Ova Plus DOES NOT exclude classic drug therapy:
- With NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): can be used concurrently. They act by different mechanisms and do not conflict. Many women find they can use lower NSAID doses alongside Ova Plus.
- With hormonal contraceptives: can be used concurrently.
- With endometriosis treatments (GnRH agonists, progestins, hormonal IUD): can be used alongside, but consult your treating physician.
Ova Plus is designed for symptomatic pain relief. It DOES NOT treat the underlying disease:
- It does not stop endometriosis progression – the disease still needs MRI/US monitoring and gynaecological protocol-based treatment.
- It does not reduce fibroid size – size monitoring by ultrasound and decisions about surgery or hormonal therapy remain gynaecological tasks.
- It may relieve chronic pelvic pain at the symptom level, but determining the cause (infection, nerve injury, myofascial dysfunction) is a specialist task.
Ova Plus can be a useful adjunct, but NEVER rely on it as the sole approach for severe, chronic or progressive pain.
Frequently asked questions
No. Ova Plus must NOT be used during pregnancy or if pregnancy is suspected. The effect of abdominal electrical stimulation on the fetus is not fully known. If you are unsure about possible pregnancy, STOP using the device immediately and take a pregnancy test. It should also be avoided in the postpartum period unless advised by a gynaecologist.
No. A pacemaker, implanted defibrillator (ICD) or any implanted electronic device is an absolute contraindication. An implanted intrauterine device (IUD/coil) is NOT a contraindication since it is not electronic – BUT consult your gynaecologist about correct positioning before use.
There are two differences:
- Heat therapy: Ova 3 has built-in heat in addition to TENS (a controlled hot-water-bottle effect); Ova Plus DOES NOT include heat. Ova Plus is TENS only.
- Price: Ova Plus is significantly cheaper. It’s the entry-level option.
Both are developed for the same indications (menstrual pain, endometriosis, fibroids). The TENS technology is the same. If you already use a hot-water bottle/heating pad at home, Ova Plus is a perfect choice. If you want a single device that provides both TENS and heat everywhere, choose Ova 3.
Yes, Ova Plus is specifically designed for this purpose – it can be used DURING menstruation to relieve pain. Many start TENS at the first signs of pain (sometimes a few hours before bleeding) and use it regularly on the first days of the period. Tampons or other intimate hygiene products are not affected.
General guidance:
- One treatment: 30–60 minutes; depending on need it can be up to 1–2 hours.
- Number of daily sessions: NOT limited. You may use TENS as often as required.
Never use while driving or during tasks requiring full attention. If you experience new or unusually severe pain, stop and see a gynaecologist.
Two options:
- Together: apply the TENS pads, and place the hot-water bottle close to but NOT directly over the pads. This combines the two effects.
- Alternating: 30 minutes of TENS, then 20–30 minutes of hot-water-bottle on the abdomen. You can keep the TENS pads on during the breaks.
IMPORTANT: do not use water so hot that it could burn the skin – especially over TENS pads. Moderate, comfortable warmth is ideal.
TENS effect is typically felt within 15–30 minutes. Due to endorphin release, analgesia can persist after the session for a while (up to 1–2 hours). You can decide whether Ova Plus helps you based on experience over one cycle. Clinical studies report meaningful relief in about 60–70% of women with primary dysmenorrhoea.
How to use it step by step
1
Charge the battery (USB cable)
Before first use, fully charge the device. You can charge it from any standard USB charger. If your period is approaching, charge it in advance.
2
Prepare the skin
Clean the lower abdominal skin – there should be no cream, oil residue or sweat. Wiping with a skin disinfectant wipe (e.g. Clinell) improves adhesion. This helps prevent skin irritation and prolongs electrode life. DO NOT use on broken or irritated skin.
3
Attach the self-adhesive electrode pads
Place the two self-adhesive electrodes on the lower abdomen – the area below the navel, around the centre of pain. The two electrodes must NOT touch each other. Connect them to the stimulation lead. Clip the Ova Plus to your waistband with the belt clip, or keep it in the carrying case in your hand or pocket.
4
Select program + set intensity
Turn on the device and choose the appropriate program (menstrual/endometriosis-specific setting). Start at low intensity and gradually increase. The correct level is a noticeable tingling but NOT painful. Many women find a 5–15 intensity range effective, but needs vary and you may require a higher setting.
5
Treatment duration
Initial treatments typically last 30–60 minutes. The program has an automatic timer. Multiple sessions per day are possible – tolerance does not develop. Many start at the first signs of pain (a few hours before bleeding) and use it regularly during the first days of menstruation.
6
Tip: combine with a hot-water bottle
If you are at home and can rest during treatment, consider using a hot-water bottle or heating pad on the lower abdomen for combined effect. Place the hot-water bottle near the TENS pads (but not directly over them), or use it between TENS sessions.
What’s in the box?
The Ova Plus is a complete entry-level kit – everything needed for immediate use.
- 1 pc Ova Plus menstrual pain relief TENS device
- 1 pc stimulation lead
- 2 pcs self-adhesive electrode pads (reusable)
- 1 pc USB charging cable
- 1 pc belt clip (for waistband attachment)
- 1 pc carrying case
- 1 pc user manual in Hungarian
Self-adhesive electrodes are reusable – their lifespan depends on skin type and frequency of use. Tips:
- Clean the skin before each use: wipe the lower abdomen with a Clinell disinfectant wipe to prolong electrode life.
- Storage: after use, place them back on the original protective film and keep in a cool place.
- Replacement time: after 15–30 uses, or when adhesion noticeably declines.
- Spare pads: available to order separately in the online shop.
Detailed instructions in the TENS electrode maintenance article.
Ova Plus can be complemented with extra accessories:
- Spare self-adhesive electrodes: sold in 4‑piece packs.
- Clinell disinfectant wipes: for skin preparation – they extend pad life.
- Replacement stimulation lead: if contact issues occur.
- Replacement USB cable: if the original is lost or damaged.
Technical specifications – detailed
| Specification | Value | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Type | TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) | Entry-level, specifically for menstrual pain |
| Heat therapy | None (available in Ova 3) | TENS only – can be combined manually with a hot-water bottle at home |
| Channel | 1 (two self-adhesive pads) | Simple, targeted pain relief |
| Indications | Menstrual pain, endometriosis, fibroids, chronic pelvic pain | Optimised for female pelvic indications |
| Placement | Lower abdomen (area below the navel, above the uterus) | 2 self-adhesive electrode pads placed around the pain centre |
| Belt clip | Included | Attach to waistband – discreet to wear |
| Pack electrodes | 2 self-adhesive pads + 1 stimulation lead | Everything you need to start |
| Power supply | Lithium-ion battery, USB rechargeable | No battery replacement, portable |
| Carrying case | Included | Discreet storage and portability |
| Tolerance | Does not develop (TENS technology) | Effective over the long term |
| Certification | Class II medical device; MDR; ISO 13485 | European conformity, quality assurance |
| Manufacturer | TensCare Ltd (United Kingdom) | Manufactured to UK quality standards |
When NOT to use the Ova Plus
Ova Plus is a TENS device intended for application to the lower abdomen. In certain conditions its use should be avoided. If any of the following apply to you, do not start using the device without gynaecological or treating physician consultation.
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (absolute contraindication)
- Pacemaker, implanted defibrillator (ICD) or any implanted electronic device
- Undiagnosed lower abdominal pain (medical evaluation REQUIRED first)
- Severe, sudden onset or fever-associated lower abdominal pain (emergency care required)
- Active or suspected cancer in the pelvic region
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders (consult treating physician)
- Severe cardiovascular disease (uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent myocardial infarction)
- Acute skin inflammation, injury or fresh surgical scar in the lower abdomen/uterine area
- Active pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or undiagnosed pelvic infection
- Use of Ova Plus outside the pelvic area (it is designed specifically for the pelvic zone)
- Bleeding disorders or coagulation abnormalities without treating physician’s permission
- Skin sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation in the treatment area)
- Children under 12–14 years without permission from a gynaecologist/paediatrician
Not sure? Always consult your gynaecologist before use – especially if you have endometriosis, fibroids or another diagnosed pelvic condition. For new, unusual or undiagnosed lower abdominal symptoms ALWAYS seek medical evaluation before using Ova Plus – symptomatic treatment should not be started without identifying the cause. You can find detailed information in Dr. Zátrok Zsolt’s article on electrotherapy contraindications.
Important information
Ova Plus is a CE-marked, Class II medical device (manufactured under MDR and ISO 13485 quality management). It is intended for home, self-administered use. Its use does not replace medical diagnosis, gynaecological protocols or prescribed medical treatment. The device is a SYMPTOMATIC pain-relief adjunct to comprehensive gynaecological therapy.
Ova Plus IS NOT a curative treatment. For endometriosis, fibroids or other pelvic underlying conditions it only relieves symptoms – it does not stop disease progression. Regular gynaecological follow-up (at least annual pelvic ultrasound, MRI if indicated) is ESSENTIAL.
In case of new, unusually severe, rapidly worsening or fever-associated lower abdominal symptoms, NEVER use Ova Plus to mask symptoms – SEEK emergency gynaecological care IMMEDIATELY. Sudden severe pain may indicate ectopic pregnancy, uterine rupture, ruptured cyst or other urgent condition.
If pregnancy is suspected STOP IMMEDIATELY – the effect of abdominal TENS stimulation on a developing fetus is not fully known. If uncertain, take a pregnancy test before continuing use.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery during or immediately after use. Proper pad storage, regular skin cleaning and timely pad replacement reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Use only genuine accessories. Keep the device out of reach of children.
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your treating physician about your specific symptoms.
