Thermiva Vaginal Rejuvenation

What causes vaginal laxity?

Vaginal laxity is common after vaginal delivery, particularly after multiple births or large babies. Large babies and difficult births can also result in stretched external tissue of the labia. Some women find this increased tissue uncomfortable in certain clothing, particularly active wear, or can be embarrassed in intimate situations by the appearance and intrusion of the excess tissue.

Other causes can be the result of ageing, obesity, hormones, chronic constipation, straining, lifting or any other activity that would cause the vagina to stretch beyond its normal limits.

What is vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis is a thinning and weakening of the vagina and its surrounding tissues. It is a common problem post menopause or after medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

The vagina becomes unable to lubricate sufficiently making intercourse painful, difficult – even impossible. Furthermore, the area can become sensitive to general inflammation, with a sensation of burning or itching. This can lead to intimacy problems with intercourse becoming too painful and the women’s partner becoming concerned at the their discomfort, setting a pattern of avoidance and dissatisfaction for both partners.

How does ThermiVa improve the appearance of the vulva?

Some women are unhappy with the appearance of their vulva. Also the shape and appearance of the labia majora and minora can alter in their appearance as a result of childbirth or ageing. ThermiVa improves the appearance of the area by stimulating collagen production. Radio Frequency has been used successfully for many years in the aesthetic industry to firm and tighten lax skin and it is this underlining science that ThermiVa uses to improve the appearance of the vulva. The skin is tightened with the production of collagen and this tighter collagen, being more pliable and soft, gives the appearance of a younger, tighter vulva.

How soon after a vaginal delivery can I have ThermiVa?

Six weeks for an uneventful normal vaginal delivery. By then, any vaginal repair has healed and tissue response is outstanding. Also breastfeeding patients can be treated as RF has no effect on breastmilk.

How does ThermiVa help with Urinary Stress Incontinence?

(This is a summary of Dr Red Alinsod’s article written for Thermi explaining how ThermiVa treats USI. Dr Alinsod is a Urologist and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon who is on the Thermi Clinical Advisory Council, an independent body that encourages collaboration and the free exchange of ideas among peers.)

“ Stress incontinence is from poor support of the mid urethra, resulting typically from stretched out pubocervical fascia that fails to act like a backboard for the urethra to become compressed fro pressure events of stress such as coughing/sneezing/jumping.

It can also occur because of damaged/stretched out poorly contracted urethral muscles.

This complex dual mechanism of urethral muscles and the back board theory are what provide continence. Anything that effects both, results in leakage or urine with stress.

ThermiVa does two things to address these two issues.

First it contracts the pubocervical fascia, tightening it, and provides a firmer floor for the urethra to compress against when the patient coughs or sneezes.Instead of flopping, the firmer pubocervical fascia is now not getting stretched and pushed down now and provides floor pressure towards to compress the urethra that is getting pushed downward.

Next ThermiVa has a healing effect on the muscles and nerves, as well as the fascial tissue.The radio frequency’s healing of the torn or damaged muscles and its tightening effects bring these torn and stretched muscles closer in proximity together and now the individual muscle fibres act like a unit of muscle to increase pressure when contracted. Instead of individual muscle fibres working separately, the more closely tied in units of muscles; work together to improve the continence mechanism the urethra.

Lastly, it is thought that the ThermiVa does have nerve healing effects that may increase the sensitivity of nerves of the urethral muscles and bladder. Nerves are more sensitive in detecting pressure changes and defensively contacting to provide continence. These same nerves that may be too sensitive or easily triggered from traumatic deliveries and menopausal changes are now not “overactive”.

Those with overactive bladder symptoms, typically feel a reduction in the need to urinate frequently or sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate by a third to a half. They feel like they cargo longer between voids, they have larger voids, and a stronger stream, one they can control better by the ability to stop midstream if they wanted to, when they could not prior to treatment.”

How does ThermiVa increase clitoral sensitivity?

ThermiVa is the gentle delivery of Radio Frequency (RF) generated heat via is specially designed wand. The RF affects the nerves by increasing the release of vasoactive peptides that are then available at nerve terminals. These vasoactive peptides result in an increase in blood flow in the vulva, vagina, clitoral and G-Spot

areas. This increased blood flow results in an increase in sensitivity in those areas improving clitoral sensitivity. It can reduce the time to reach orgasm by one third to half. However, if you do not have issues in that area it will not make you hyper-sensitive, it only helps those who have orgasmic issues.

Who is excluded from having ThermiVa (Contraindications)

• Cardiac devices such as AICD’s (auxiliary internal cardiac devices), defibrillators,mechanical valves, pacemakers, or any device that is affected by RF energy.
• Pregnancy.
• Active sexually transmitted disease.
• Current urinary tract infection.
• Greater than stage 2 pelvic organ prolapse.
• Recent vaginal surgery or fillers .

What do I need to do to prepare for my treatment?

• It is recommended to have had a normal physical and pap smear within the last two years.
• If you have frequent urinary tract infections, it may be required to complete a urinalysis with your GP prior to treatment.
• If you are prone to herpes breakouts, you should have the anti-viral treatment medication prescribed by your GP prior to treatment.
• A negative pregnancy test may be required for women of childbearing age
• You will need to shave the external treatment area (see diagram) at least one day prior to the procedure (Waxing or laser removal 5-7 days prior to avoid further irritation)