Vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence are some most common health concerns among women. Both conditions can directly and indirectly result in sexual dysfunction.
Vaginal laxity is a feminine condition when childbirth, aging, and certain medical conditions affect collagen levels in the skin and vaginal tissue, creating a feeling of looseness. Women dealing with this problem usually experience:
- decreased libido
- loss of sexual arousal
- reduced sexual satisfaction during intercourse
- “stress” urinary incontinence (SUI)
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a related issue and happens when women experience changes affecting both the vaginal tissue and pelvic floor muscles, causing a loss of bladder control.
Thanks to technological advancement, there are several new non-surgical treatments available to fix these problems, which usually includes the use of radiofrequency and laser technologies by stimulating vaginal collagen formation, remodeling, and tissue rejuvenation.
Radiofrequency (RF) vs. Laser Technology
Example of RF vaginal treatments: Viveve and ThermiVa
Example of laser vaginal treatments: diVa, MonaLisa Touch, FemTouch/FemiLift, and IntimaLase
Effectiveness and Results
RF technology is more effective in triggering more collagen synthesis than lasers, because it reaches deeper into the vaginal walls’ muscle layers, resulting in significant tightening of vaginal tissues and producing more satisfying results.
Permanent Side Effects
Clinical studies of RF treatment such as Viveve show no adverse post-treatment effects.
CO2 or erbium lasers used to remove the top layer of the vaginal mucosa can potentially lead to scarring, which can also cause pain during intercourse in the future.
Comfort
RF treatment such as Viveve is accompanied with cooling function to protect the delicate surface tissue during procedure and also enhance the comfort level.
Most vaginal lasers are not equipped with simultaneous cooling function during treatment, thus may not provide a comfortable experience.
Treatment Sessions
RF vaginal treatment such as Viveve, only requires a single session to work effectively. In contrast, it normally takes multiple sessions with laser treatments due to the limited penetration capability of lasers.
The Viveve Treatment
The Viveve treatment uses patented cryogen-cooled monopolar radiofrequency (CMRF) to deliver gentle volumetric heating while cooling at the same time to protect the delicate surface tissue.
It is a clinically proven treatment that stimulates cell growth and collagen formation and remodeling. The latest model only takes about an hour to run and delivers greater results and comfort compared to the previous versions. On top of those, the therapy still carries the same old benefits such as being performed in the privacy of our medical facility, non-painful and virtually no downtime.
Women who have had the treatment strongly agree the Viveve treatment works satisfactorily. In fact, over 90% of the women who had the procedure in clinical studies, reported significant, sustained tightening and improved sensation.
How is Viveve compared to other therapies?
Viveve Medical is a global market leader in the women’s intimate health sector. The Viveve treatment is the only treatment which has been studied and has a proven effect in a randomized controlled scientific trial.
The Viveve System is cleared by FDA and Health Canada for use in general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis. International regulatory approvals and clearances have been received for vaginal laxity and/or improvement in sexual function indications in more than 50 countries.
In terms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) clinical development, Viveve has received FDA approval for its changes to the pivotal PURSUIT trial protocol to achieve its primary efficacy endpoint.
How soon will you see results?
Every patient is different. Some patients report feeling a difference immediately, but new lasting collagen takes up to three months to develop and may continue to improve after that time.
How long will the results last?
Results will vary from patient to patient based on their individual condition and their body’s unique ability to produce collagen, but on average patients can still be benefited from its results after 12 months.
The doctor may recommend a maintenance treatment for even lasting results. There are also other treatments that improve the longevity of your results.
Is there any recovery time?
You can return to normal activities immediately following the procedure. Intimate activities can be resumed 2 days after your procedure.
Can anyone have the treatment?
The answer to this question depends on the degree of vaginal laxity that has been developed. This can be easily evaluated during a physical examination at your doctor’s office.
A preferred candidate is a female who has feelings of vaginal laxity or a “loose vagina”, vaginal dryness, or stress incontinence.
The doctor will determine if the treatment is right for you based on your clinical assessment. However, thetreatment is contraindicated for patients with either an implantable pacemaker or an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator (AICD) or certain other implantable devices.
Is the treatment safe?
The radiofrequency energy used in the treatment has been used for over a decade in treating the delicate skin on the face, neck, and hands. Numerous clinical trials by Viveve Clinics have demonstrated the safety of this latest application. One safe, painless treatment can have a sensational impact on your sexual health and daily life.
Is this treatment permanent?
Although Viveve is proven to provide sustained results for 12 months, its results are not permanent.
All energy-based treatments for vaginal rejuvenation are not permanent. For the best results, the treatments will need to be done repeatedly to maintain results.
Does my insurance cover vaginal rejuvenation?
Most insurance plans do not cover vaginal rejuvenation. However, some insurances will pay for this therapy. Contact your insurance provider for questions regarding coverage.
