Women’s Gynecology Services
ThermiVa
What is ThermiVa?
VPFW is proud to offer our patients ThermiVa— a groundbreaking, non-surgical, non-hormonal procedure for vaginal rejuvenation. It helps alleviate menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. For years, plastic surgeons used this radiofrequency treatment to improve sagging skin of the face and neck. ThermiVa was adapted for use in the vulva and vagina.
ThermiVa is a radiofrequency treatment applied with a probe over about 30 minutes in a doctor’s office. The radiofrequency improves collagen, a material under the skin’s surface that provides support and elasticity. It often improves blood supply as well.
What symptoms does ThermiVa treat?
You may consider ThermiVa if you or your OB/GYN notice the following:
- Vaginal dryness and/or atrophy
- Thinning of the vaginal tissue, making intercourse uncomfortable.
- A local area at the entrance of the vagina that is quite painful at the start of intercourse.
- Sagging of the vulvar tissues that causes binding and discomfort from tights and other clothing.
- Minor urinary urgency or leaking.
- A degenerative condition called Lichen Sclerosis that affects local areas of the vulva.
- No longer having pleasurable sensations in the vulva with sexual stimulation.
ThermiVa may make a difference in any or all of these conditions as well as minor amounts of sagging support of the bladder and vaginal walls (cystocele and rectocele).
Does ThermiVa hurt?
Thermiva is generally painless or with minimal pain. The sensation the patient usually experiences is a sense of heat in the area being treated.
What are the results of ThermiVa, and when do you see them?
Patients often notice improvement with the first treatment. Many women who have not been able to comfortably have intercourse have been able to have enjoyable sex as early as hours after their first treatment, and those who have had to use creams for Lichen Sclerosis may find they no longer need to use those creams. Patients taking medicines for overactive bladder may be able to cut down or cut out their medications. ThermiVa also eases the side-effect of vaginal dryness due to cancer treatments.
Results, of course, vary with the individual, and we cannot guarantee success. But surveys of those treated find that at least 94% of patients report improvement with the therapy.
How many ThermiVa treatments do you need?
Generally, to get optimal results, the patient has a series of 3 treatments at monthly intervals. Benefits tend to be long-lasting but not necessarily permanent. Most patients find they need to come in for a touch-up treatment at about a year to 18 months.
We recommend three treatments for optimum results.
How much does ThermiVa cost?
*Effective January 2023, ThermiVa prices are $2,200 upfront for one prepaid initial cycle (three treatments), or $800 per treatment. In 12-18 months, you will need a touch-up for $750.
Please note: ThermiVa is not covered by insurance and pricing is subject to change. For your convenience, we offer United Medical Credit and Care Credit to help patients secure the funding they need for their healthcare procedures.
For additional information about ThermiVa, check out our blog post by VPFW nurse practitioner and ThermiVa expert, Lauren Cook, Does ThermiVa Really Work? 8 Things to Know. You can also call us at 804-897-2100 or make an appointment online.