Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps: Myths and Facts

Menstrual cramping is a common issue in women who are in their reproductively active age. As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 84.1% of women go through this problem every single month half of whom have severe issues while the rest have minor to moderate pain. Menstrual cramps keep women out of schools and workplaces. Therefore, taking proper measures to alleviate menstrual cramps as well as pain is necessitated. In this regard, the use of heating pads for menstrual cramps is preferred by many women.

This is because the heating pads are easy to use as well as budget-friendly and can be reused. In this article, let us dive into detail regarding the use of heating pads for menstrual cramps and evaluate how effective the practice is.

Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps: How Do They Work?

When we use heating pads for menstrual cramps, these products work by providing heat to the pelvic muscles, abdomen, and uterus. As a result, blood circulation increases in the tissues which helps relieve pain and discomfort. In addition, the use of heating pads for menstrual cramps has also been associated with lowered pain signaling and muscle relaxation.

Efficacy of Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps: Myth or Fact?

Despite being a popular practice among women all over the world, the use of heating pads for menstrual cramps has some limitations. This is because the use of heating pads for menstrual cramps is not a universal solution i.e. heating pads do not work for every woman.

These are highly effective for some while others do not feel a significant difference in their menstrual cramps with and without using heating pads. There may be several reasons behind this some of which have been listed below:

• Sensitivity to heat which may cause discomfort while using heating pads for menstrual cramps
• Preference for cold therapy instead of heat therapy
• Variation in the level of menstrual cramps and pain as heating pads cannot tackle severe cramping
• Presence of underlying conditions that increase the severity of cramping also limits the effect of heating pads for menstrual cramps

How to Use Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps?

If you are dealing with menstrual cramps and are interested in using a heating pad, take the following steps as a guide:

1.      Choose Suitable Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps

The first step is to choose a heating pad that is suitable for menstrual pain. In this regard, several options are available in the market. Some of the notable ones are:

• 1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pad
• Squishmallows Cam heating pad
• Sunbeam heating pads
• Menstruation Crustacean Lobster heating pad
• Beurer EM50 TENS heating pad

These and many more related products can be bought from Amazon at reasonable prices. The Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pad is also available at Health Supply 770 and has been linked below.

2.      Check the Type of your Heating Pad

Once you have your heating pad, check if it is a plug-in type of microwavable. In the first case, you need to plug the heating pad with an electric source. This will switch the product which will start heating. If the product has an auto shut-off button, the heating pad will automatically stop working after 2 hours. This way, the risk of overheating and skin burning can be avoided.

If your product is microwavable, put it in the microwave for 10 seconds and apply it to the lower abdomen. These products usually remain warm for 10 to 15 minutes after which there is a need to microwave them again.

3.      Set a Suitable Temperature

In case of electric heating pads for menstrual cramps, multiple heat setting options are provided. This gives the user the liberty to operate the device at a temperature which is most suited to their needs. Therefore, set a suitable temperature which can be low, moderate, or high.

4.      Position the Heating Pad on the Abdomen

The next step is to position the heating pad. You need to lie down and then place the heating pad on the lower abdomen. This will cover the uterine tissue and provide the needed warmth. You can also use these heating pads for menstrual cramps in the lower back.

If you feel the pad is too hot for you even at its lowest temperature, it is advised to place a towel or a thin cloth between your skin and the product. This will reduce the intensity of heat. Maintain this position for 10 to 15 minutes or until you start feeling better. Once you are done, turn off the heating pad and store it for next use.

Management of Menstrual Cramps: What are My Options?

If you are struggling with menstrual cramps, the following options can be adopted:

• Do light to moderate exercise
• Avoid taking caffeine or alcohol as these cause dehydration which can worsen the cramps
• Apply heat on the uterine area using heating pads for menstrual cramps
• Massage the area gently with essential oils i.e. ginger, peppermint, lavender, etc.
• Use dietary supplements which may include multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, etc.
• Drink chamomile tea due to its antispasmodic activity
• Use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen

When to See a Doctor?

In case you are suffering from the following during menstruation, make sure to contact your doctor for a check-up:

• Your menstrual cramps are not gone even after 3 days
• Pain associated with menstrual cramps is severe and is not healing from home-based remedies
• You have vomiting and diarrhea along with menstruation
• Your pelvic muscles are cramping without bleeding

Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications

Heating pads are the products that increase blood circulation to certain tissues and thus help relieve pain, discomfort, stiffness, as well as cramping. These are a great option for women who suffer from menstrual cramps as these can be placed on the uterus for warmth.

Although most heating pads can be used for managing menstrual cramps, some products have been specifically designed for this purpose which have the right size and shape to provide proper coverage to the lower abdomen as well as lower back. Considering their importance, the following section highlights different types of heating pads along with their prices as well as purchase links:

Drive Medical RTL19G007GR Digital Heating Pad

US$36.49

Product Details

Drive Medical RTL19G007GR digital products are soft and comfortable heating pads. These come with two heat settings i.e. dry heat settings as well as moist heat settings. In addition, the conversion of dry to moist heat is rapid and can be easily done by inserting an absorbent sponge into the heating pad. This way, the penetration of heat within the body tissues can be easily enhanced.

The product also has multiple temperature options and thus can be operated at six different temperature settings which include 113℉, 122℉, 131℉, 140℉, 149℉, as well as 158℉. In addition, a countdown timer of 0:15, 0:30, 0:45, 1:00, 1:30, and 2:00 can also be set according to the user’s requirements.

Drive Medical RTL19G007GR digital heating pads only weigh 1.5 lbs and have a length of 24 inches as well as a height of 0.25 inches. These dimensions render the product wide enough to provide ample coverage to the targeted area. These heating pads come in grey color and are constructed with polyester which is a strong and long-lasting material. Moreover, it is also easy to clean polyester.

Like many other heating pads, these Drive Medical RTL19G007GR plug-in products also have an automatic shut-off feature that stops heating the pad after 2 consecutive hours of use. This prevents the risk of pad overheating and thus renders them safe as the risk of skin burning is minimal.

With the digital display, the temperature and other parameters can be easily read by the users. The switches for on/off, temperature adjustment, as well as indicator light are also digital. The product can be thrown into the washer followed by air drying. Overall, the Drive Medical RTL19G007GR digital heating pads are one of the best items for the management of menstrual cramps.

1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal Heating Pad 12″x24″

US$23.88

Product Details

1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pads 12″x24″ are often recommended for the management of menstrual cramps. These are large enough in size to ensure that the abdomen, uterus, as well as pelvis, are covered. The construction material is soft and comfortable and is not bulky and heavy. Moreover, it also does not cause any rashes or redness.

The heat retention property of these 1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pads ensures that the product does not lose heat quickly and remains warm for longer. These heating pads also come with three heat settings i.e. low, moderate, as well as high. Their automatic shut-off feature prevents the user from getting burnt as the device auto shuts off after 2 hours of use.

As for their heating options, both dry as well as moist heat options are available. The moist heat option is helpful in cases when the user is suffering from severe muscular tension, spasms, stiffness, and pain. This feature makes it suitable for people who are suffering from arthritis. In addition, these products are suitable for treating menstrual cramps.

These 1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pads effectively enhance the flow of blood in the targeted area thus providing the tissues with proper oxygen as well as nutrition. Apart from those who have muscle pain or cramping due to menstruation, these heating pads can be used by anyone who wants to feel relaxed and cozy.

*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The different types of heating pads, in addition to other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out different types of heating pads for menstrual cramps.

Bottom Line

The efficacy of heating pads for menstrual cramps is often debated as some women find them a great option while others claim they do not work at all. Scientifically, heating a body area helps increase the blood flow which subsequently elevates the transfer of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the healing process is accelerated.

When we use heating pads for menstrual cramps, they work on the same principle and thus relieve pain and cramping. However, the severity of cramps varies from person to person and thus the effectiveness of heating pads. Hence, to answer the question regarding the efficacy of heating pads in menstruation, it can be said that it is not a myth. Heating pads do deliver in many cases and women find them helpful for the management of cramps.

However, they don’t always work and are definitely not for everyone. However, these can be used as an additive to other management techniques for menstrual cramps. For purchasing the different types of heating pads, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3392715/