Struggling with period cramps? These heat patches can actually help – from an editor who’s been there
As an editor with suspected endometriosis, I've tried many ways to manage my pain. Sometimes though, simple is best, which is why I've long sworn by hot water bottles. Now, I've found an even better solution: WUKA heat patches.
While hot water bottles are great for directing a lot of heat to your sore stomach, they're less than practical: balancing it on your stomach while sitting at your desk typing is no mean feat. Not to mention, it's hardly easy to commute into the office or nip to the shop while hugging a huge rubber bottle filled with boiling water.
WUKA head patches solve both of those issues. Easy to wear and discreet, they helped me with painful period cramps without the fuss.
WUKA Heat Patches X4
What are WUKA heat patches?
WUKA heat patches are pads you stick to the outside of your underwear or clothes. They're made with activated ingredients and technology that means they self-heat when opened, delivering heat within 30 seconds and lasting for up to 12 hours.
WUKA heat patches review
I will be honest: I wasn't blown away by the idea of a heat patch at first. I was skeptical of how effective the heat from a small pad could be compared to a hot water bottle. And, having attempted to use instant hand warmers before that go cold within minutes, I really didn't believe the patches would last for the full 12 hours.
I have to say I was wrong. Firstly, the patches get warm. I'd say the heat was comparable to my hot water bottle when stuck to the outside of my underwear. Secondly, it did deliver heat all day.
Let's backtrack. I first used the patch on day one of my period - the worst day. Not to be too TMI, but this day is usually spent popping ibuprofen and lying in bed. Unfortunately, on this day I had to work – luckily, from home – so I decided it was a great day to try the patches.
The patch heated up impressively quickly when I opened the packet, meaning I could benefit straight away from the heat treatment. The only dilemma I faced was where to stick it. The instructions clearly say not to stick the patch directly to the skin. Instead, it's meant to go against the outside of your underwear. This is fine if you're wearing big knickers with enough space at the front to hold the patch, but it might not work for low-rise or smaller pants. Alternatively, I found they worked just as well if stuck to the inside of trousers.
And sticky they were. I was concerned about them falling off when walking (a patch falling out of my trouser legs may have raised some eyebrows). But it didn't slip or slide all day. Instead, it stayed put so I had heat directed to my lower stomach all day, while I stayed hands free and mobile.
I sat at my desk, lay on my sofa and went for a walk with the patch on – and it felt amazing. Of course, these patches alone doesn't get rid of extreme period pain like I suffer from, but studies show that applying heat to your stomach can reduce muscle tension and relax abdominal muscles to reduce pain caused by period cramps.
At the very least, I find the sensation of heat distracts from the contractions in your womb. It's also a good way to feel cosy and looked after while you're struggling in pain.
Do WUKA heat patches make a difference?
Ultimately, I'd say yes. These are a smart invention – like a portable hot water bottle. They'd work well on days you commute into the office, being small and well hidden under trousers, and at home.
The only downside of the WUKA heat patches are that they're quite expensive. Coming in at £12.99 for a pack of four, it's adding around 13 quid to your outgoings every month. However, if you are looking for a streamlined way to manage pain, I would say they're worth it.
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