There isn’t a one size fits all approach to stop period cramps. But since cramps often arise from muscle tissue lacking oxygen, it can be said that increasing the oxygen flow will ease symptoms.

Fresh air and exercise are both simple solutions to help relieve cramps. While heat from a hot water bottle will stimulate blood flow. So if you can oxygenate the blood flow and keep it pumping and flowing, all the better.

Using Safely
• Do not use a damaged hot water bottle. Replace the bottle immediately if it has cracks, splits, colour has changed, feels brittle, or looks damaged or worn.
• Do not sit, lean on, roll on or lie on a hot water bottle.
• Do not place a hot water bottle in an oven or microwave.
• Replace the hot water bottle at least every year if you use it most days.
• Replace the hot water bottle at least every third year if you use it occasionally.

Filling Safely
• Heat the water in a kettle using cold tap water.
• Do not use boiling water.
• Hold the hot water bottle upright by the neck, over the sink, and away from your body when filling it.
• Pour water into the bottle slowly until it is two-thirds full.
• Remove excess air from the bottle before closing it. To do this, lower the bottle slowly towards a lying position on a flat surface until water appears at the opening. Screw the stopper sufficiently tight to ensure that there is no leakage. Finger-tight should be adequate.
• Ensure the funnel is empty and there are no leaks by holding the bottle in an upside-down position.

Storing Safely
• When not in use, remove the stopper and drain completely. Store the hot water bottle in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent exposure to sunlight.