What is Geneveve?

Geneveve is a non-invasive, radio frequency treatment for vaginal laxity that uses tiny pulses of radiofrequency energy to gently heat the deeper layers of the vaginal tissue. Geneveve is not about cosmetic appearance; it is about how a woman ‘feels’.

Just like skin, vaginal tissue relies on collagen and elastin for its support. With the normal ageing process or physical stresses from child-bearing, the tissue can become overstretched and weakened.   The result is very commonly a feeling of vaginal looseness called laxity, the side-effects of which can be a loss in physical sensation during intercourse as well as issues with urinary incontinence (or stress incontinence).

According to 81% of Obstetrics and Gynaecology practitioners, vaginal laxity often goes unreported by their patients, and therefore untreated.  This can have a profound effect on a woman’s sexual experience, and by extension, her overall health and well-being.

How does it work?

Geneveve uses tiny pulses of radiofrequency energy to gently heat the deeper layers of the vaginal tissue whilst simultaneously cooling and protecting the delicate surface.  Geneveve works at a cellular level to rebuild and restore collagen within the vaginal tissue – without surgery and without disrupting the surface tissue.  During one 30 minute, office visit, the Geneveve treatment delivers patented deep heating and surface cooling to stimulate the body’s own natural regenerative processes. Vaginal laxity involves the full thickness of soft tissue and requires a treatment that reaches the deeper layers of tissue.

What is it like?

The Geneveve treatment is a respectful, comfortable, 30-minute, single-session, in-clinic treatment that does not require local or topical numbing medication. At the beginning of the procedure the practitioner will insert a treatment tip (the size of a thumb) just inside the vaginal opening. This tip is moved around the opening of the vagina delivering just the right delivery of alternating pulses of heating and cooling.

The vaginal tissue reacts to the heat by replenishing new youthful, cushioning collagen within the tissue.  The improvement is gradual and results typically peak at about 90 days and are still evident at 12 months the manufacturer claims. It is importnat to remember everyone’s baseline level of laxity and natural response mechanisms vary.

What is the recovery time?

During the treatment, the surfaces of the vaginal walls are not injured – only the area just inside the vaginal opening is treated. This means you return to normal activities immediately and the comfortable, quick and convenient nature of the treatment means there is no need for downtime or after-care.

What are the risks and side effects?

There have been no reported side effects as the vaginal walls are not injured and there is no pain or soreness during or after the procedure. The treatment is safe and uses patented radiofrequency technology to stimulate the body’s own natural regenerative processes.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It is generally considered safe for most people but you can not have this treatment if you are pregnant, or if you have an implantable pacemaker or an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator (AICD) or any other implantable metal device.

How much does it cost?

Prices are determined by individual clinics but it is typically about £2000-2500.

The procedure should only be performed by a trained and accredited health professional in an authorised clinic.

How many session are required?

Just one – it is a single-session treatment.

So, is it worth it?

Importantly, Geneveve is not about cosmetic appearance; it is about how a woman feels. Various clinical studies support the use of radiofrequency as delivering validated improvements in tightness and sexual sensation.  There is anecdotal and increasing scientific evidence that a gratifying sex-life correlates to overall health and vitality. In multiple studies, including large, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled trials, women who received the Geneveve treatment showed statistically significant and sustained improvements in vaginal tightness, sensation and satisfaction at 12 months.

(This article was supplied by Geneveve.com  and edited by HSE.)

Geneveve has not yet been approved for internal use by the FDA. As yet, no laser or radiofreqeuncy treatments have been approved by the FDA for use in vaginal rejuvenation.

Despite this some studies show they can be quite effective and have a high satisfaction rate with patients.

Who should perform the procedure?

Always visit a qualified medical professional.