Women concerned about reduced vaginal sensitivity or leaky bladders now have a number of nonsurgical treatment options available. We’ve researched the various devices and decided to offer ThermiVa at our northwestern Ohio practice because it’s by far the most effective of the treatments.
What is ThermiVa?
The 45-minute ThermiVa procedure increases blood flow and stimulates nerve endings using radiofrequency energy. It’s used both internally and externally, meaning both the vagina and labia are treated. ThermiVa produces a sustained comfortable temperature elevation that is necessary to get the desired results. The controlled radiofrequency energy needs time and an elevated temperature to work.
How does it work?
When treating the labia, the external part of the vaginal area, the afferent nerves (that go back to the brain) are affected. There are over 8,000 afferent nerve endings in this area. Treating and sensitizing these areas can create improved neurologic response, and this is why women with urge incontinence sometimes respond so quickly to ThermiVa.
It is important to treat not only the inside (vagina) but the outside area (labia), and that is done as part of ThermiVa treatment system. ThermiVa’s combination of temperature and radiofrequency energy create a treatment depth of 3 to 5 mm. This depth is well beyond that of lasers and other radiofrequency systems on the market for female rejuvenation.
What are the benefits of ThermiVa?
Benefits of ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation can include:
- Tightening of the tissues internally and externally
- Increased lubrication
- Decreased leaky bladder issues
- Improved sexual satisfaction
It is often included as part of a mommy makeover treatment plan, improving tissues that may have been stretched or changed during previous pregnancies or childbirth.
How does ThermiVa compare to other vaginal rejuvenation devices?
Ultrafemme 360
The Ultrafemme system uses a lower temperature, which is inadequate and also has
less penetration into the mucosa and soft tissue. In 8 minutes it really can’t create the sustained temperatures needed to create the effect that can be achieved with other radiofrequency devices such as ThermiVa. Its snapping sensation is uncomfortable, and it can’t be used to treat the labia minora or most of the outside region (labia majora).
The MonaLisa Touch
The MonaLisa Touch by Cynosure is a laser. Lasers were initially the focal point of vaginal rejuvenation. This is mainly an internal system and is a fractional laser system that creates penetration or laser perforations into the vaginal mucosa. The treatment depth is less than ThermiVa. This mucosal lasering does create downtime and can’t be used significantly on the external minora and majora or clitoral hood region.
ThermiVa
Therefore, in the overall scope of what we would call non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation, ThermiVa’s method is felt to be the best. It isn’t a laser but uses radiofrequency (RF) energy. It has deeper tissue penetration with more effect. It has sustained temperatures necessary for results, and it can treat both internal (vaginal) and external (labial) areas as noted previously.
If you’re interested vaginal rejuvenation, please feel free to contact us online or call our Toledo office at (419) 534-6551 to schedule an appointment.