This Device Claims to Be an “Off Switch” For Period Pain

We can all pretty much agree that period cramps are the worst. While ibuprofen or a hot water bottle can help, sometimes the pain is just so bad that we start to get a little desperate for relief.

Enter: Livia, a little wearable device that claims to be a drug-free, non-invasive "off switch" for period pain. It clips onto your pants and electrodes run out from the device to stick on your stomach, and it works by using electrical stimulation to block pain, inventor Chen Nachum explains to Stylecaster:

“The electrical pulses passed through the electrodes on the skin interrupt pain messages sent from the nerves to the brain. By interrupting these messages, the brain won’t be receiving them and essentially doesn’t know that there is any pain occurring, therefore users won’t feel any.”

Chelsea Frisbie, a writer at Mashable, tested out Livia and claims it worked for her. But she does have a few critiques: Livia isn’t as discreet as it could be, and it makes periods “cute” when it doesn’t need to. Chelsea wrote that she did keep wearing the device even after her period ended because she found that it also helped with her back pain.

Generally, experts consider the method of pain relief that Livia employs to be safe as long as it’s used properly. However, Chelsea at Mashable reported that the device is not yet approved by the FDA, and that there is no clear research or scientific evidence that the device actually works or is 100% safe.

Chen and his team are currently raising money for the device on Indiegogo, and are aiming for a launch date of October, when it will be available for $149. (Those donating to the campaign will get it for $85.)

Related: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Periods (But Were Afraid to Ask)