ThermiVa
Hi there, Bestie! Even though it’s nearing summer, it’s a chilly and rainy day where I live, which makes it a good day for some TEA! I’m currently curled on the couch not only sipping my tea, but ready to spill it as we chat about ThermiVa. Let’s spend our morning chatting about what ThermiVa is, how it works, and whether it is worth the price. Remember, these are just my opinions, but I always back my thoughts with the most current research. Let’s get into it!
What is ThermiVa?
ThermiVa is a non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation treatment used to aid in vaginal tightening, reducing urinary incontinence, improving sexual function, and decreasing vaginal dryness (1).
Now, I have to say off the bat, I don’t love the term “vaginal rejuvenation.” Is it just me or does it give the impression of an “old vagina” that needs to be enhanced? In reality, vaginal rejuvenation refers to anything that changes or alters the vaginal anatomy. Even so, can we get a better term? Can you imagine someone telling you your vagina needs rejuvenating? I think I would just about explode.
The ThermiVa procedure is done in your medical provider’s office and involves the insertion of a small device into the vagina and around the vulvar tissues. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes and patients will typically need to complete at least 3 sessions in order to see results, though some folks report noticing differences after the first session (2). The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia (1).
How does it work?
ThermiVa works by providing radiofrequency energy to the vaginal tissues. This radiofrequency energy produces a heat that encourages increased collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is important for skin strength, elasticity, and hydration. The increase in collagen can result in the vaginal tissue becoming plumper, which may help improve symptoms of urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or vaginal laxity (1, 3). Radiofrequency techniques are commonly used in aesthetic medicine practices (for example: they are used to keep the face looking young). They are not necessarily new techniques, but using these techniques on vaginal tissue is only recently starting to gain popularity.
Does it work?
In short, yes, but there’s a lot more to say about it. Unsurprisingly, studies did not find the ThermiVa to increase pelvic floor muscle strength, but some have shown ThermiVa to have a beneficial effect on sexual dysfunction, stress urinary incontinence, and vaginal “looseness” (1, 3). However, these effects are not necessarily permanent and patients will likely need to have maintenance sessions in order to maintain results. Most websites recommending ThermiVa will state the effects of the treatment last for 9-12 months. Even so, I had a difficult time locating any research studies that looked at the long-term effects of ThermiVa. I did find some studies on radiofrequency treatment for vaginal rejuvenation (AKA general radiofrequency and not specifically looking at ThermiVa, though we can assume they’re practically the same). One of these stated patients experienced sustained improvements in sexual satisfaction 6 months after the procedure (4). We know it has some lasting effects, but I would like to see more research done to determine a more precise timeframe.
How expensive is ThermiVa?
According to RealSelf, the average cost of ThermiVa is over $2,000. Prices per session start at $600, with many folks spending over $3,000 on the full treatment schedule (5).
Is it worth it?
ThermiVa is typically not covered by insurance. This means you will be responsible for covering the cost of both the initial sessions and any yearly maintenance sessions out-of-pocket. Whether this is within budget and on one’s list of priorities will differ from person to person.
Contrastingly, pelvic health physical therapy can also help with sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and other vulvovaginal concerns—AND it is usually covered by insurance. Even if you don’t have insurance, pelvic health physical therapy may be cheaper than ThermiVa. One visit to your therapist may run you anywhere as low as $80 an hour, so even if you have ten visits, you’re still well below the cost of ThermiVa. I don’t say this to discourage anyone from trying out ThermiVa. It absolutely could be the right thing for you! I just want folks to know it’s not the only choice and there are other, cheaper options out there.
Okay, so how do I really feel about ThermiVa? First off, I would love to provide a totally unbiased opinion, but I’m a human with a human brain and therefore I have biases. I am all for treatments that empower women. To the women that have received this treatment, experienced positive results, and now feel a sense of increased confidence—amazing! I’m really, truly happy for you and consider that a huge win!
My concern is mainly with this section of the market and the idea of “vaginal rejuvenation/vaginal tightening.” I want to understand why women feel they need their vaginas to be rejuvenated and why they want them to be tighter. My guess is because that’s actually what men want women to want and that just doesn’t sit right with me (read All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us about Women’s Bodies and Why It Matters Today by Dr. Elizabeth Comen and you’ll understand exactly what I’m talking about).
In my opinion, most vaginas don’t need rejuvenating. All vulvas and all vaginas are different. They don’t all look the same and they shouldn’t! They change throughout the lifetime and they should! Issues such as pain during intercourse, sexual dissatisfaction, difficulty reaching orgasm, and urinary incontinence, are medical issues that can be addressed in a number of ways. ThermiVa is one of those ways and that is completely fine, but I guess I just wish it wasn’t attached to the idea of aesthetics because the way your vulva/vagina looks is correct, just as it is. ThermiVa is FDA approved for certain conditions and has been proven to be safe and effective, but even the FDA put out a statement a few years ago addressing the risks and deception that exist in this space of the market (2, 6). I would recommend caution any time “quick fix” procedures pop up.
In case no one told you today: your vagina doesn’t need rejuvenating! It’s great the way it is. If you have urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction, talk with your pelvic health provider. Also, if you’ve tried ThermiVa treatment, how did it go? I would love to hear about your experience!
XOXO,
Your Pelvic Bestie
References:
1. Magon N, Alinsod R. ThermiVa: The Revolutionary Technology for Vulvovaginal Rejuvenation and Noninvasive Management of Female SUI. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2016 Aug;66(4):300-2. doi: 10.1007/s13224-016-0868-0. Epub 2016 Apr 12. PMID: 27382227; PMCID: PMC4912496.
2. Sekiguchi Y, Utsugisawa Y, Azekosi Y, Kinjo M, Song M, Kubota Y, Kingsberg SA, Krychman ML. Laxity of the vaginal introitus after childbirth: nonsurgical outpatient procedure for vaginal tissue restoration and improved sexual satisfaction using low-energy radiofrequency thermal therapy. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2013 Sep;22(9):775-81. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2012.4123. Epub 2013 Aug 16. PMID: 23952177.
3. Pather K, Dilgir S, Rane A. The ThermiVa In Genital Hiatus Treatment (TIGHT) Study. Sex Med. 2021 Dec;9(6):100427. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100427. Epub 2021 Oct 23. PMID: 34700288; PMCID: PMC8766259.
4. Leah S. Millheiser, Rachel N. Pauls, Seth Jordan Herbst, Bertha H. Chen, Radiofrequency Treatment of Vaginal Laxity after Vaginal Delivery: Nonsurgical Vaginal Tightening, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 7, Issue 9, September 2010, Pages 3088–3095, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01910.x
5. https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/thermiva/cost
6. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-fda-commissioner-scott-gottlieb-md-efforts-safeguard-womens-health-deceptive-health-claims
*The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives
