How to Use a Tens Unit on a Penis

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By Bonnie Bruneau
eHow Contributing Writer

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TENS Unit

A TENS unit, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit, is a device that uses safe and gentle electrical signals to control several types of pain, including pain caused by prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland that is accompanied by perineal pain, irregular urination, and chills and fever (if severe enough). The device is powered by battery, is portable and is small enough to be carried in a pocket. TENS units can be used in a recovery setting or may be used at home. For at-home use, a nurse will explain how to use a TENS unit on a penis.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Test the battery pack of the TENS unit to ensure it is completely charged. Turn the two control knobs on the TENS unit to "Off." Clean the area of the skin where the electrodes will go with rubbing alcohol. Once the skin dries, place a thin layer of gel (which assists the electrical signal) on the underside of each electrode.
Step 2

Place the electrodes on the skin of the penis, and use tape over the electrodes to make sure they stay in place.
Take the pin connectors and hook them onto the end of the electrode wires. Turn on the control knobs and adjust them to the proper setting. One knob can make the electrical signal fast or slow, while the other knob adjusts how strong the signal is. A nurse can help determine what setting is best.
Step 3

Contact a nurse or doctor if there is any muscle twitching. The TENS unit may need adjusting, as the signal could be set too fast or too strong. If the signal is too slow or too weak, there may be no tingling sensation and thus no relief of pain.

Tips & Warnings

Between treatments, check to ensure the skin is not red or tender. Also, clean the skin and apply a gentle moisturizer.
Men with a pacemaker should not use a TENS unit since the TENS unit could affect the operation of the pacemaker. Also, be cautious and tell a doctor about any previous or current heart conditions. While using the TENS unit, it is important not to fall asleep, because then it would be hard to determine the signal strength and how well the unit is working. Also, do not swim or bathe during treatment.