TensCare OVA+ User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING USE

QUICK START GUIDE
Connect the main unit with
electrodes using the Y-cable
Turn on the device by
pressing and holding the “ “
button for 3 seconds
Regulate the output
intensity by pressing the
“”, or “ ”buttons
Place two electrodes on each
side of your lower tummy,
distance between the
electrodes should be over 3cm
Select the mode which works
best for you by pressing and
holding the “MODE
SELECTOR” button
Keep pressing and holding
the “ ” button for 3 seconds
to turn off the device

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................4
2. INTENDED USE ............................................................................4
3. PERIOD PAIN................................................................................4
4. ADVANTAGES OF Ova+...............................................................6
5. HOW IT WORKS ...........................................................................6
6. CONTRAINDICATIONS, CAUTIONS & WARNINGS...................7
7. PAIN RELIEF PROGRAMMES ...................................................10
8. BATTERY.....................................................................................11
9. CONTROLS AND DISPLAY........................................................13
10. CONTENTS OF PACK ..............................................................14
11. SETTING UP ...............................................................................15
11.1. PREPARING THE OVA+ UNIT........................................15
11.2. USING THE OVA+...........................................................15
12. PLACEMENT OF ELECTRODE PADS.......................................16
13. APPLICATION OF ELECTRODE PADS.....................................17
14. CLEANING...................................................................................19
15. ACCESSORIES...........................................................................20
16. DISPOSAL OF WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS (WEEE)..............................................................................20
19. TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................22
20. WARRANTY ................................................................................23

1. INTRODUCTION
Period Pain (Dysmenorrhoea) is a widespread problem which affects 40-
90% of women. Period pain can have a real impact on quality of life,
leading to absences from work and school.
The Ova+ Period Pain Reliever offers drug-free relief from period pain. If
you are unsure of the cause of the pain, then you should seek medical
advice to establish the cause and identify the correct treatment.
The Ova+ is a non-invasive small and convenient unit that can be worn all
day under clothing to provide safe, continuous, drug-free period pain relief
whilst maintaining a normal, active lifestyle.
2. INTENDED USE
This device has been designed to be used in the home
healthcare environment to treat symptoms of primary
menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea).
The Ova+ may also help to relieve the pain of secondary menstrual pain
due to conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory
disease.
Do not use the device for any purpose other than this intended use.
3. PERIOD PAIN
Painful periods are common in teenagers and young adults.
Most women have some pain during periods. The pain is often mild but, in
about 5 in 10 women, the pain is severe enough to affect day-to-day
activities. The pain can be so severe that they are unable to go to school
or work.
Period pain generally falls into two categories: primary dysmenorrhea
and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhoea has no specific cause yet is the most common
type of painful periods affecting 9 out of 10 women. It occurs where there
is no underlying problem of the womb (uterus) or pelvis. The main

symptom is a cramping type of pain in the lower tummy (abdomen); it may
in some cases spread to the lower back, or to the top of the legs. Pains
are generally worst in the first few years after starting your period, with
symptoms tending to improve with age or after childbirth.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is less common and is more likely to occur
in women in their 30s and 40s. It is caused by a specific underlying
condition such as endometriosis (when cells that normally line the uterus
are found at other sites in the body –usually the ovaries and fallopian
tubes). Again, the main symptom is cramping pain in the lower tummy
during your periods. In some women with secondary dysmenorrhoea the
pain starts several days before the period begins and lasts all the way
through the period. (This is uncommon with primary dysmenorrhoea).
With secondary dysmenorrhoea it is likely to have other symptoms - for
example:
•Irregular periods.
•Bleeding between periods.
•Pains between periods.
•The bleeding becomes heavier than previously.
•Vaginal discharge.
•Pain during sex.
•Pain in your back passage (rectum).
Secondary dysmenorrhoea may occur as a result of:
•Endometriosis/adenomyosis.
•Pelvic inflammatory disease.
•Fibroids when it is often associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.
•Adhesions.
•Developmental abnormalities.
Consult your healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the
above symptoms.

4. ADVANTAGES OF Ova+
The Ova+ can be an option for women who prefer not to use medication.
The Ova+ causes muscles in the uterine area to relax with a calming
analgesic effect.
By reducing menstrual pain, the Ova+ can help improve sense of
wellbeing and allows everyday activity to resume while it is worn.
The Ova+ is non-invasive and drug-free, therefore the risk of side effects
is considered to be low and can be worn comfortably while engaging in
everyday activities.
The Ova+ is easy to use and very discreet. Its small size makes it
convenient to wear all day and this allows you to get on with your everyday
life, without period pain.
5. HOW IT WORKS
The Ova+ uses T.E.N.S. to relieve pain. T.E.N.S. stands for
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The Ova+ machine delivers
small electrical pulses to the body via electrode patches placed on the
lower abdomen. It works in three ways:
•It blocks pain signals from reaching the brain through a mechanism
called the ‘Pain Gate’.
•It stimulates the natural production of endorphins which raise the
threshold for pain perception.
•Finally, it helps to relax the contracted muscles.
It is important to allow the Ova+ time to work. Each time a new programme
or position for the pads is selected allow the Ova+ to run for thirty minutes.
If after that time the relief is not sufficient, then try another programme or
pad position. Even if you obtain excellent relief it is still useful to try other
settings.

6. CONTRAINDICATIONS, CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
In this manual:
A Warning is used when failure to follow the instructions may
result in serious injury or death.
A Caution is used when failure to follow the instructions may
result in a minor or moderate injury, or damage to the device or
other property.
Notes are used to provide clarification or recommendation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
•Do NOT use if you have a pacemaker (or you have a heart rhythm
problem) or with any electronic medical devices. Using this unit with
electronic medical devices may cause erroneous operation of the
device. Stimulation in the direct vicinity of an implanted device may
affect some models. Stimulation on the front of the neck can
affect your heart rate. Very strong stimulation across the chest may
cause an extra heartbeat.
•Do NOT use if you are or may be pregnant; or in the first 6-8 weeks
after childbirth. It is not known whether TENS may affect foetal
development.
WARNINGS:
Do NOT use when driving, operating machinery, or similar
actions needing muscular control. Loose pads, damaged leads,
or sudden changes in contact may cause brief involuntary muscle
movements.
Do NOT use to mask or relieve undiagnosed pain. This may
delay diagnosis of a progressive condition.
Do NOT use if you have poor sensation in the pelvic region.
You may not be able to control the intensity of stimulation safely.
Do NOT use if you have, in the area being treated: active or
suspected cancer; or have undiagnosed pain with a history of
cancer. Stimulation directly through a confirmed or suspected

malignancy should be avoided as it may stimulate growth and promote
spread of cancer cells.
CAUTIONS:
Caution should be used if you have a bleeding disorder as
stimulation may increase blood flow to the stimulated region.
Caution should be used if you have suspected or diagnosed
epilepsy as electrical stimulation may affect seizure threshold.
Caution should be observed when using the Ova+ at the same
time as being connected to monitoring equipment with body
worn electrode pads. It may interfere with the signals being monitored.
Caution should be used following recent surgical procedures.
Stimulation may disrupt the healing process.
Caution. Simultaneous connection to high frequency surgical
equipment may result in burns and damage to the stimulator.
Caution. Strong electromagnetic fields (electro-surgery/
microwave cookers/ mobile phones) may affect the correct
operation of this unit. If it appears to behave unusually, move it away from
these devices.
Caution. Do not permit use by children unable to understand
the instructions or persons with cognitive disabilities, i.e.;
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
DO NOT PLACE ELECTRODE PADS:
•On skin which does not have normal sensation. If the skin is numb
too great a strength may be used, which could result in skin
inflammation.
•On broken skin. The pads could encourage infection.
•On the front of the neck. This could cause the airway to close, giving
breathing problems. May cause sudden drop in blood pressure
(vasovagal response).
•Over the eyes. May affect eyesight or cause headaches.

•Across the front of the head. Effect on patients who have had strokes
or seizures is not known. May affect your sense of balance. The
effects of stimulation of the brain are unknown.
ELECTRODE PADS CAUTION:
Caution: Do NOT ignore any allergic reaction to the electrode
pads: If a skin irritation develops, stop using TENS, as this type
of electrodes may not be suitable for you. You may need to contact your
healthcare professional to discuss other suitable options.
Caution: Do not use this device with leads or electrode pads
other than those recommended by the
manufacturer. Performance may vary from specification. Electrodes with
smaller surface area may cause tissue irritation.
TO KEEP YOUR DEVICE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, OBSERVE THE
FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL CAUTIONS:
Caution. Do not immerse your device in water or place it close
to excessive heat such as a fireplace or radiant heater or
sources of high humidity such as a nebulizer or kettle as this may cause it
to cease to operate correctly.
Caution: Keep the device away from sunlight, as long-term
exposure to sunlight may affect the rubber causing it to become
less elastic and crack.
Caution: Keep the device away from lint and dust, as long-term
exposure to lint or dust may affect the sockets or cause the
battery connector to develop a bad contact.
Caution: Temperature & Relative Humidity of storage: -25°C to
+70°C, up to 93% R.H. Temperature & Relative Humidity of
transportation: -25°C to +70°C, up to 93% R.H.
Caution: Do not attempt to open or modify the TENS unit. This
may affect the safe operation of the unit and will invalidate the
warranty.

7. PAIN RELIEF PROGRAMMES
The Ova+ offers four pre-set clinically tested programmes which are
displayed on the screen as Mode 0, Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3. Each
programme relieves pain in a different way. It is important to try all four
programmes to find which suits you the best. It is also sensible to change
from one programme to another regularly in order to prevent your body
unduly accommodating to one particular programme.
Mode 0 has a constant output that produces a tingling sensation,
activating the Pain Gate. It is the programme that is likely to result in the
greatest pain relief.
Mode 1 also has a constant output but, due to a different pulse width, it
will feel less strong than Mode 0.
Mode 2 contains a burst signal thus the feeling will be one of pulsing. This
programme can have the advantage of achieving, for a time, ongoing
residual pain relief after the Ova+ has been switched off.
Mode 3 is a fast tapping/vibrating sensation. This setting uses the
Endorphin Release mechanism and has been shown to soothe over-
excited nerves.
GENERAL POINTS
i) A microprocessor inside the device offers user-friendly controls and
gentle outputs.
ii) Most users feel a warm, relaxing sensation and pain relief across the
lower tummy during treatments. These results are the favourable effects
produced by the electrical output from the device which copies natural
nerve impulses.
iii) A large LCD screen clearly shows the operation of the unit.
iv) A small clip on the back of the plastic holder of the main unit helps to
attach the device to your underwear, skirt, trousers or pockets.
v) 4 programmes cover typical types of individual nerve differences.
vi) Output current automatically returns to zero when switching
programmes.

vii) The unit has a built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery & a micro USB port.
To charge the device, use a phone or tablet charger, or the USB port of a
computer.
viii) When the device is switched ON, it will resume in the mode previously
used.
ix) When the battery is low, the battery symbol on the LCD screen will
flash.
x) Use the highest intensity setting that is still comfortable.
xi) You will find that you grow accustomed to the stimulation (this is known
as accommodation) and need to increase the intensity to keep feeling a
strong sensation.
xii) TENS can be used as long as it gives relief. If the effect wears off, turn
off the unit for an hour to allow your nerves to re-set.
xiii) Do not use while sleeping.
8. BATTERY
1) A fully charged battery should run for at least 5 hours.
2) When the battery symbol on the LCD screen flashes, it is time to
charge the battery.
3) Connect the USB cable to a mobile phone or tablet charger, or to a
PC USB port.
4) The battery indicator bar cycles from zero to the max when charging
is in progress.
5) Charging should take about 40 minutes.
Warning. Turn off the device before disconnecting leads or
removing the electrodes from the skin.

6) When the battery charging has completed, the bar stops cycling and
remains at maximum to indicate full capacity.
7) Remove the charging cable and adaptor from the device when
charging is completed.
WARNING:
This product is equipped with a Lithium-ion battery.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause the lithium-ion battery to
leak acid, become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and /or damage:
Do NOT expose to temperatures over 60°C (140°F)
Do NOT put, store or leave it near sources of heat, in direct
strong sunlight, in a high temperature location, in a pressurized
container or in a microwave oven.
Caution: If battery leakage occurs and comes in contact with the
skin or eyes, wash thoroughly with lots of water and seek medical
advice.

9. CONTROLS AND DISPLAY
Left button ( ):
Press and hold this key for 3 to 5 seconds to turn ON the device. When
the device is ON, repeatedly press it to increase the strength of the
electrical signal. Turn the strength up slowly, wait after each press to feel
the effect.
Central button ( ):
Every time the unit is switched ON, the programme used in the last session
is automatically loaded. To change it, press and hold the button for 2
seconds. This allows the selection one of the 4 pre-set programmes. When
a different programme is selected, the stimulation strength is automatically
reset to 0.
LCD
USB
Off / Down
On / Up
Programme
selector

Right button ( ):
Repeatedly press this key to decrease the strength. To switch OFF the
device, press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds.
The micro USB port provides a connection to the electrodes, or to charge
the battery inside.
The LCD display shows the selected Mode (through a number from 0 to
3) and the level and status of stimulation output (through a 20 segment
bar graph).
When the battery is low, a blinking symbol is displayed to warn it should
be recharged.
10. CONTENTS OF PACK
The Ova+ packaging should include the following parts:
•Ova+ unit
•Pack of 2 self-adhesive electrodes, 50x90 mm with 2.1 mm “pigtail”
connection
•USB charging cable
•Lead wire (Y- cable)
•Belt clip support to be attached to clothing
•User guide
•Storage pouch

11. SETTING UP
11.1. PREPARING THE OVA+ UNIT
1) To test that the battery is charged (see section 8) and that the unit is
working press and hold the “ ” button for at least three seconds.
The display should appear, and an audible “Beep” will be heard.
Press and hold the “ ” button to turn off the unit.
2) Connect the Y-cable to the unit.
3) Connect the electrode pad “pigtail” connections to the Y-cable.
4) After the wires are securely connected, separate the electrodes from
the backing and apply as described in sections 12 & 13.
11.2. USING THE OVA+
1) Once the electrode pads are in place, press and hold the “ ” button
on the control unit for 3 to 5 seconds to switch the control unit on.
2) When switched on for the first time, the Ova+ will automatically select
the Mode 0. After that it will automatically select the programme you
were using the last time it was switched off.
3) You can select from the four pre-set programmes. Details in section
7 will help you identify the best programme to suit you.
4) With the required programme selected, you can adjust the intensity of
the stimulation until you reach a comfortable level.
Caution: Ensure the device is OFF before
connecting/disconnecting the leads or applying/removing the
electrodes from the skin.
Note: If the sensation becomes uncomfortable, reduce the
intensity.

12. PLACEMENT OF ELECTRODE PADS
In order to obtain the best relief, the pads need to be placed over the
dermatomes T10, T11 and T12, which are the nerve roots that supply the
sensory fibres to the uterus. These dermatomes wrap around the body,
but do not quite meet up at the front. They run from around waist height at
the back down to the groin area at the front.
As each person’s body is different, the Ova+ is supplied with pads which
are large enough to be effective even if not located exactly over all three
dermatomes. When the pads are placed correctly the Ova+ will work very
well.
Therefore, if after thirty minutes considerable relief has not been achieved,
either move the pads slightly or try one of the other pad positioning areas.
There are THREE positions where the pads can be placed for maximum
benefit. It is recommended that the positions are tried in the following order
until maximum relief is obtained:
•On the lower back
•On the front, in a vertical format
•On the front, in a diagonal format
Please refer to the diagrams below:
On the lower back:
Place the pads vertically either side of the spine, approximately 10cms (4
inches) apart, with the bottom of the electrodes no higher than the top of
your buttocks. The “pigtails” should hang down from the pads.

On the front, in a vertical format:
In the vicinity of your groin, place the pads vertically, about 10cms (4
inches) apart. The “pigtails” should be uppermost.
On the front, in a diagonal format:
In the vicinity of your groin, place the pads in a V-shape, narrowing to
about 10cms (4 inches) apart at the lower end of the pads. The “pigtails”
should be uppermost.
13. APPLICATION OF ELECTRODE PADS
To apply the pads simply peel off the clear film liner and the pads will
adhere to the skin automatically.
Return the plastic film liner into the bag, as the pads will need to be
replaced onto the film after use.
Points to note when applying the pads:
Caution: The self-adhesive pads supplied are intended for multi-
use by one person only. Do not lend used pads to others, nor
use someone else’s used pads yourself.

•Make sure the Ova+ is switched off before applying or removing the
pads.
•Ensure that the skin is clean and thoroughly dry before attaching the
pads, as they will not adhere well if the skin is wet or greasy.
•Do not worry if a small part of each pad covers the pubic hair. After
use the pads can be removed gently without pulling out the hair.
•If a large part of the pad area is covered with hair the stimulation may
be less effective. If hair needs to be removed, wait 48 hours after
shaving, waxing or using depilatory cream before applying the pads,
to avoid irritating the skin.
•Remove the pads from the skin or from the liner by peeling them back
from the edge of the pad. Do not remove by pulling on the pad’s
“pigtail” wire.
•If you find that a small part of the pad overlaps the top of your thigh,
and that this is uncomfortable, then it is possible to cut off this part
using scissors. Before cutting make sure that you are cutting from the
opposite end to the lead wire and that you are not cutting through any
of the wires which run through the pad. Do not cut off more than a
small triangular piece, with sides no more than 20mm long and an
area no greater than 200 sq.mm.
See diagram:
Ensure that the lead wire is slack at all times when the Ova+ is in use.
Excessive force applied to the lead wire could cause a “pigtail” to separate
from its pad.
Care of Electrode Pads
The electrode pads supplied with your Ova+ unit are self-adhesive and
can be used several times. Skin must be allowed to breathe, so the pads
should be removed periodically.

When not in use, the pads should be placed onto the plastic film liner and
sealed in the bag.
•When the pads initially lose their adhesive
quality, it is possible to reactivate their
adhesiveness by applying a fine mist of water.
•Replace pads when they lose their stickiness.
•Storage life of an unopened pack of electrodes is 2 years. This may
be affected by very high temperatures or very low humidity.
•The pads provided are latex-free.
14. CLEANING
Clean the case and lead wires at least once a week either with an alcohol-
free antibacterial wipe or by wiping with a damp lint-free cloth and a
solution of mild soap and water. Wipe dry.
•Do not immerse your TENS machine in water.
•Do not use any other cleaning solution.
Expected Service life
•The machine will often last for more than 5 years but is guaranteed
for 2 years. Damage to the leads or electrode pads is not covered by
the warranty.
•Lead life depends greatly on use. Always handle the lead with care.
•Pads should last 12-20 applications, depending on skin condition and
humidity.
•Fully charged battery should last about 5 hours continuous use.
•Battery should last approximately 400 charge cycles.
Note: Poor connection may cause discomfort and skin irritation.

15. ACCESSORIES
Replacement electrode pads, new batteries and lead wires are available
from your supplier or distributor (see back cover for contact details), by
mail order from TensCare, by telephone using a credit or debit card, or
through the TensCare website.
The following replacement parts may be ordered from TensCare at
www.tenscare.co.uk or [phone].
E-CM5090-2 Pack of 2 electrodes 50 x 90 mm
L-OVA+ Y electrode pads cable
X-OVA-USB USB cable
16. DISPOSAL OF WASTE ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (WEEE)
One of the provisions of the European Directive 2012/19/EU is that
anything electrical or electronic should not be treated as domestic waste
and simply thrown away. To remind you of this Directive all affected
products are now being marked with a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, as
depicted below.
To comply with the Directive, you can return your old electro-therapy unit
to us for disposal. Simply print a postage-paid PACKETPOST RETURNS
label from our website www.tenscare.co.uk, attach this to an envelope or
padded bag with the unit enclosed, and post it back to us. Upon receipt,
we will process your old device for components recovery and recycling to
help conserve the world’s resources and minimise adverse effects on the
environment.
17. EMC
Wireless communications equipment such as wireless home network
devices, mobile phones, cordless telephones and their base stations,
walkie-talkies can affect this equipment and should be used no closer than
30cm (12 inches) to any part of the device. (Note. As indicated in 5.2.1.1(f)
of IEC 60601-1-2:2014 for ME EQUIPMENT).