COVENTRY, England, December 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from Lloydspharmacy reveals that whilst an overwhelming number of women suffer from menstrual cramps, male partners' sympathy levels at that time of the month appear to be lacking. Although 87% of men claim to be very or fairly compassionate, a quarter of women (25%) who have suffered discomfort with 'Mother Nature's gift' say their partners are unsympathetic.

The survey shows that period pain plagues nine in 10 women (89%) yet one in five (19%) has suffered in silence at home because of an unsympathetic partner. However, it may be a case of actions speaking louder than words as, although many men claim to be considerate, nearly half (42%) admitted they try to stay out of their partner's way when 'aunt dot' comes to stay.

In light of this, it is unsurprising that one in six (16%) women said that period pain has resulted in an argument with their partner. This is especially true for those women who suffer severe pain every month, with:

- Nearly two-thirds (61%) stating their period is extremely or very painful - Half said they've been doubled over in pain - One in five have been physically sick - A quarter have taken sick leave from work

Melinda Setanoians, prescribing pharmacist at Lloydspharmacy, said: "Many women clearly suffer quite badly - so much so that it appears to be affecting the harmony of their relationships. There is a wide choice of painkillers available but some women prefer an alternative to medication or a way in which to supplement it. We are the only high street retailer in the UK to offer a highly effective, drug-free period pain reliever (http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?l...) device. It uses TENS technology to ease pain, similar to the machines that people use for back pain and that women use in the early stages of childbirth."

The Lloydspharmacy Period Pain Reliever uses TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) technology to alleviate pain. It works by passing harmless electrical signals into the body to relieve pain by blocking the body's pain signals and stimulating the body to produce endorphins, people's own natural pain relief (http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Browse?storeId=9...).

Approved by Action on Pain, the Lloydspharmacy Period Pain Reliever is small, discreet and lightweight, with the main unit clipping securely to clothing or underwear.

Notes to editors:

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2157 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 25th October 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).