When it comes to non-surgical options for intimate wellness and vaginal rejuvenation, FormaV (also known as Votiva) and ThermiVa are two of the most talked-about treatments on the market – and for good reason. Both use radiofrequency energy to gently heat tissues and encourage the body’s natural healing response, but the way they work and the results they deliver can differ enough to influence which one is right for you.
What They Are
At their core, FormaV and ThermiVa are non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation procedures that aim to restore firmness, improve moisture, enhance sensation, and address mild urinary symptoms without surgery, anesthesia, or downtime. They’re performed in-office and are typically comfortable, with most women describing only a warm sensation during treatment.
How They Work
Both treatments rely on radiofrequency energy (energy travels from the device to a grounding pad) – a safe form of electromagnetic heat that stimulates collagen and elastin production in tissue. This stimulation helps to tighten and strengthen vaginal and vulvar tissues over time.
ThermiVa delivers controlled MONOPOLAR RF heat to the vaginal canal and surrounding external tissue. By gently warming the tissue, it activates the body’s natural regenerative processes so that new collagen forms and tissues become firmer, more elastic, and better hydrated. Because it treats both internal and external tissues, many women find that it improves not just laxity, but also lubrication and sensitivity.
FormaV, on the other hand, uses a BIPOLAR radiofrequency system that focuses energy between two electrodes on the device’s handpiece. This design allows heat to be delivered in a localized and uniform way, encouraging tissue tightening and improved blood flow specifically where it’s needed most. Like ThermiVa, the warmth promotes collagen and elastin production, but the bipolar delivery can yield quicker, targeted results in the vaginal canal and external genital area so the treatment generally requires less time.
What They Treat
Both treatments are used to address changes that occur with childbirth, aging, menopause, or hormonal shifts including:
Vaginal laxity or looseness
Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy
Mild stress urinary incontinence
Reduced sensation or decreased sexual satisfaction
Decreased blood flow and tissue tone
Women often report that their tissues feel firmer, more elastic, and more comfortable – and because results build gradually over several weeks to months, improvements often continue beyond the last session.
Treatment Experience & Results
Both FormaV and ThermiVa are performed without anesthesia, typically take 20–30 minutes per session, and require a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Most providers recommend about three sessions for optimal results, followed by occasional maintenance treatments to sustain benefits.
There’s essentially no downtime with either option – women can usually resume normal daily activities and even sexual activity on the same day. Unlike laser-based procedures, RF treatments do not ablate tissue, which reduces the risk of irritation or scarring.
Choosing Between Them
So how do you decide between FormaV and ThermiVa?
ThermiVa is often chosen for its broader tissue coverage and well-established track record. Because it treats both internal and external areas, many women find it helpful for improving lubrication and mild urinary incontinence along with laxity.
FormaV may appeal to those who want more focused RF delivery to specific areas of laxity or who are seeking slightly faster collagen stimulation thanks to its bipolar design. Some providers also highlight how FormaV’s heating pattern can feel especially precise and comfortable.
Dr. Dima often begins with ThermiVa and uses FormaV for maintenance treatments. In practice, both treatments are safe, patient-friendly options that have helped many women reclaim comfort, confidence, and intimacy. The best choice often comes down to your unique concerns, anatomy, and goals, so a consultation with a qualified doctor can help tailor the approach that’s right for you.
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