ThermiVA: Vaginal Tightening Without Surgery

Your life as a woman takes a toll on your body. Though childbirth, menopause, and even aging are natural processes, their effects bring changes you may not be ready for.  In particular, your vaginal and urinary systems often suffer due to these changes. There are treatments for various symptoms, but until recently there were no techniques to restore and revitalize tissue in these areas. That left the hit-or-miss effects of hormone therapy or the long recovery times associated with surgeries.

Dr. Gul Zikria recommends the ThermiVa® system to patients at his Milpitas, California, practice who suffer from the effects of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), also called vaginal atrophy. ThermiVa uses transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to stimulate regrowth of support tissue in the vaginal and vulvar regions. This new tissue restores more youthful conditions, potentially reversing some of the effects of menopause and aging.

The effects of GSM

Menopause is a natural phase of life for women after their childbearing years are over. It can also occur due to hysterectomy or cancer treatments — anything that prevents the ovaries from producing the quantities of estrogen that they did previously. This change in hormone production causes the symptoms of GSM, which can vary widely in scope and intensity.

If you’re suffering from GSM, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Bleeding after intercourse
• Burning while urinating
• Changes to the vaginal canal, including shape, dryness, burning sensations, or discharge
• Decreased natural lubrication during sex
• Discomfort or pain during or after intercourse
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Genital itching
• Urinary incontinence

ThermiVa and collagen induction

The effect of warming subcutaneous tissue guides the methods of many rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Some of these use radiofrequency energy to warm the collagen layer of facial skin, invoking a healing response that generates new collagen tissue without harming skin on the surface, and providing a younger, tighter appearance.

ThermiVa uses the same principle to stimulate regeneration of collagen tissue beneath the surface of your vulva and vagina. Cosmetically, this tightens genital tissue that’s become lax and loose over time. However, the cosmetic effects are typically secondary. ThermiVa treatments also stimulate mucosa and fascia tissues, those that provide moisture, lubrication, and structural support in your genital area.

While results vary by patient, ThermiVa treatments relieve many of the GSM symptoms experienced before therapy, including those to the urinary tract. You may find urinary incontinence and other problems reduced after a series of ThermiVa sessions.

What to expect from a ThermiVa treatment

The sessions last about 30 minutes, with radiofrequency delivered by a slender, S-shaped, single-use handpiece. There’s no irritation or damage done to the vaginal lining, so there’s no recovery time needed after treatment. You can return to your normal routine, since no surface tissue needs time to heal.

Is ThermiVa right for you? Contact Dr. Zikria and our team for your personal examination and consultation. We evaluate your symptoms and assess you as a candidate for ThermiVa treatment. You may benefit from the tightening and revitalization offered by this ground-breaking care. Call Dr. Zikria today.