A woman made her male friends try a period cramp simulator—and their reaction has left internet viewers hysterical.
Paris Kinsey (@brotherofcolor), a 31-year-old college student, decided to take on a challenge that most men wouldn’t dare attempt: experiencing the discomfort many women endure every month. Kinsey and his friend’s venture into the world of simulated period pain has captivated viewers, earning more than 374,000 likes and over 5.6 million views online.
“I wanted to try and see if I could experience and handle the pain that my sisters go through on a monthly basis,” Kinsey told Newsweek. The San Diego native studying in Arizona spotted a period cramp simulator on Amazon and knew it would make for an entertaining—and eye-opening—video, especially in the controlled silence of a library.
The clip captures one of Kinsey’s friends with a mischievous grin as he increases the intensity on the simulator. At first, he shrugs off the discomfort with only slight grimaces. However, as the simulated cramps continue, it is clear that the pain is more intense than he anticipated. Kinsey gasps and even bites down on his fist, trying to stifle his reaction to the growing agony.
Another friend bravely steps in, attempting to read a book while enduring the same simulated cramps. But the sharp jolts of pain break his focus, underscoring the challenge of attempting even simple tasks during a painful menstrual experience.
“The pain was sharp cramps that got worse the longer I wore the period cramp simulator,” Kinsey said. “I’ve always taken a woman’s period seriously, but now that I’ve experienced the pain, it makes me even that much more appreciative of our women.”
The period simulator tests the poster as he works in the library. He squirmed in pain from the device that stimulates menstruation cramps, and the clip went viral.
@brotherofcolor/@brotherofcolor
Period cramp simulators like the one Kinsey used are designed to mimic the sensation of menstrual cramps through electrical muscle stimulation, delivering controlled shocks that simulate the tightening of the abdominal muscles.
These devices have become popular for those curious—or brave—enough to try to understand the pain experienced during menstruation. The women’s health content provider Rescripted say they serve as a unique way to share empathy and awareness around menstrual pain.
Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, affect most women at some point in their lives. MedlinePlus says these cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus, which restricts blood flow and can trigger a wide range of painful symptoms. While cramps often improve with age, they can be severe for some, with pain radiating to the lower back, thighs, and even head.
Viewers found Kinsey’s video both amusing and insightful. Women shared their appreciation for his effort, with one user commenting, “The way she’s smiling.” Another posted: “And we still must be functional all day long …”
Other users highlighted that period pain isn’t limited to cramps alone. “And they’re only dealing with pain … You forget headaches, hot/cold changes, mood changes, stomach problems, diarrhea, butt pain, sacro bone pain, hips pain, body pain … I can keep going …” wrote a viewer named Mony.
