We all know the monthly period drill - pimples, mood swings, aches, and pains. I don't know about you but I dread mother nature's monthly gift because more often than not, I'm in pain for 3 days preceding the start of my period, and that goes on up to my third day of actual menstruation. Basically, I cannot function properly for a whole week.
This month, I was introduced to Livia, a small, compact device that promises to switch off menstrual pain. I am usually quite tolerant to pain and go most cycles without any pain medication but sometimes it gets too much and thus, I agreed to try the Livia device and see if it lives up to its promise. When I asked you for questions about the device on my Instagram stories, the majority of you asked if Livia actually works, so, I compiled all the information you need to know before purchasing the device, in this post.
First things first, let's have a look at what comes in the package. You get:
- Livia device covered in a sleek, colourful silicone skin (mine is lilac)
- a plastic case to store the device in between uses
- a set of 2 electrodes and gel pads adhered to them (sealed in a pack before first opening)
- a USB cable to charge the device
- 2 extra sets of gel pads
- user manual with instructions and more in-depth information
Now to the works. The technology behind Livia employs the principle of 'gate-control theory' initially proposed by Ronald Melzack (psychologist) and Patrick Wall (neuroscientist) in 1956. This theory states that the central nervous system cannot handle more than one type of signal from the same location in the body at the same time. In fact, through gentle electrical pulses, Livia does just that. Livia is classified as a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) device and works through electrotherapy. The electrical signals are continuous and mild to block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, hence it feels as if your brain is ignoring the menstrual pains.
Before the first use, Livia needs to be charged at least 12 hours, and you can charge it even with your laptop or computer or a power bank via the USB cord supplied with it, making it ideal to carry around even at work for example. The only issue I have with carrying it around is that the cord and electrodes do not fit in the case that comes with the device, so I prefer carrying everything in a small pouch instead.
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| The LED lights on Livia flash slowly up and down while the device is charging and stop flashing once the battery is fully charged The same LEDs flash when regulating the pulses' intensity with the + & - buttons |
Livia is very simple to use, you just have to connect the electrodes (with gel pads) to the charged device, apply them to your tummy or back, switch on and adjust the pulse intensity to your liking by pressing the + or - buttons. It is recommended that the gel pads be replaced every month to ensure maximum efficacy of the device (when you first get it, you have 3 sets of gel pads, hence, 3 months' worth). Always make sure to cover the gel pads with the protective plastic when not in use.
Every time you switch on Livia, you will have to re-adjust this setting as it goes back to its default lowest setting when switching off. For me, I find it works best on a medium setting. Being a rather discreet device, I wore Livia around the house and even while out on errands on the days when I couldn't take the pain of menstrual cramps and I'm happy to say that yes, they didn't bother me while wearing the device and I'm glad a solution other than painkillers exists for period pains. So in conclusion, yes, Livia does work! You can use Livia for as long as you like but it is recommended that you do not exceed 10 hours with the electrodes attached to your skin.
Lastly, some very important contraindications. Livia should be used ONLY by women aged 16 years and above who are NOT pregnant. Livia should not be used by cardiac patients with cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or other implanted metallic or electronic devices. Such use could cause electric shock, burns, electrical interference, or death.
Livia can be bought from www.medimexltd.com/livia with free delivery and a 120-day money-back guarantee if you're not happy with the device (damages made by customer excluded). You can't really beat that, can you?
Thank you Medimex for introducing me to Livia and allowing me not to dread period days as much as before!
Livia device was supplied as a PR product. All opinions are honest and reflect my own experience.
Livia is CE & FDA approved as a Class II medical device.
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