Period cramps are the worst, but I’ve found that hot water bottles work like magic in warding them off.

Before the invention of stick-on menstrual relief patches or microwavable heating pads, we relied on these good ol’ bottles to help relieve and soothe our period pain.

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But even now, nothing really compares to the comfort of a hot water bottle period pains or not.

The problem is that they don’t exactly make for stylish additions to the house. I know, I know, it really shouldn’t matter, but practicality has never been my forté.

I’ve started being much more considered about my purchases so that I don’t end up with more stuff than I need, so I really only want a hot water bottle that looks as good as it feels.

I’ve been doing a bit of research, and there are a few I’ve got my eye on, including stylish options from Anya Hindmarch, Oliver Bonas and Toast.

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Shop hot water bottles

Personalised Hot Water Bottle Cover, from £27, Etsy buy now

Vagabond Bags Harris Tweed Check 2 Litre Hot Water Bottle, £22.65, Amazon buy now

Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle Cover, £56, TOAST buy now

Daisy White Hot Water Bottle, £26, Oliver Bonas buy now

Hot Water Bottle Cover, from £41.95, Etsy buy now

Yellow Pure Wool Hot Water Bottle, £25, Etsy buy now

Eyes Hot Water Bottle Cover, £195, Anya Hindmarch buy now

Hotties Microhottie Microwave Hot Water Bottle, £14.99, Amazon buy now

Hottie in Rusted Pink, £40, Loaf buy now

Liberty quilted hot water bottle cover, £25 each, Etsy buy now

Supersoft Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle, £19.50, M&S buy now

How to use hot water bottles for cramps

So now you’ve found a stylish hot water bottle, how do you actually use it?

Simply fill it with boiled water that is safe to use. Don’t put the water in right away after it reaches a boil; let it sit for a bit until it reaches a temperature you’ll be comfortable with.

Ensure you don’t fill it to the top, as this creates a risk of the hot water bottle exploding and leaking water. Fill it two thirds of the way to the top, then expel any air by resting the bottom of the bottle on a counter and squeezing air from the top.

Screw the top on tightly and make sure the bottle is completely dry. 

If your period pains still haven’t disappeared, try having a warm bath or massaging your lower abdomen to help reduce pain.