The diVa laser is commonly used to tighten vaginal tissue, improve elasticity, and ease the dryness that often accompanies menopause.
The device uses hybrid fractional laser (HFL) technology, with lasers of two different wavelengths. The diode laser resurfaces the more superficial vaginal tissue, to smooth and enhance lubrication. The Erbium laser heats the deeper layers of tissue, to spur new collagen production—which tightens tissues, treats mild to moderate urinary incontinence, and increases elasticity over time.Â
Like similar devices, diVa has yet to be approved by the FDA specifically for this purpose. But it does have FDA clearance for “excision, incision, ablation, and coagulation of soft tissue and skin resurfacing.” In other words, it’s considered safe for medical use on vaginal tissues.
You’ll need three sessions, spaced a month apart, to get the full benefits as well as a maintenance treatment every year after that. The treatment itself takes anywhere from three to seven minutes. There is no downtime.Â
When you arrive on the day of your appointment, your provider—a board-certified OB-GYN or plastic surgeon—will walk you through the procedure. You’ll lie down on an exam table, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to your vaginal canal. The numbing process can take up to 20 minutes. During that time, you may need to shift positions to ensure that the numbing cream reaches the entirety of your vagina, according to one RealSelf member review.
Once you’re numb, your provider will insert the diVa wand into your vagina. The wand will be encased in a single-use quartz dilator that expands your vaginal canal. It stays in place during the treatment as the wand inside rotates, minimizing discomfort and ensuring that the laser pulses reach the tissue evenly. The treatment is automated, so there’s no need for your doctor to move the wand once it’s inserted.
You may feel some discomfort at the beginning of your treatment, such as pressure against the vaginal wall and sensitivity near your vaginal opening. Any pain is generally mild.
After your treatment, you can resume your normal activities immediately—with the exception of vaginal sex. Because the diVa creates controlled injuries in the tissue, you’ll need to avoid anything that touches the area (including intercourse, tampons, and even hot baths) for a week after your treatment.Â
Side effects of diVa treatment are usually minimal. “Some pink or red discharge as well as itching, slight discomfort, and tenderness are normal and can last for about three days,” says Jericho, New York, plastic surgeon Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh in a RealSelf Q&A. “You may use cool compresses to the groin.”Â
You could also experience some cramping for up to 72 hours following your treatment. If it’s severe or you experience other symptoms that last longer than three days, contact your doctor. A vaginal infection is always possible, though doctors on RealSelf say it’s unlikely.
While there are a lot of other lasers used for vaginal rejuvenation, diVa laser treatment has some key differences. “Other lasers on the market do not have more than one wavelength, are not customizable, take 10 or more minutes, require manual manipulation of the laser handpiece in and out of the vaginal canal, and are not as hygienic,” says Dr. Scott Holley, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Portage, Michigan, in a RealSelf Q&A.
