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Livia

Livia

Overall Rating

4.6

522 Customer Reviews

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Summary

Livia sends safe electrical pulses into your abdomen to block pain sensations from reaching your brain in order to give you pain relief from period cramps. Our review examines whether this device works and who can benefit from it.

Pros

  • The discrete device can be worn without detection
  • 14-hour charge should last all day
  • Begins relieving pain within 30 seconds
  • 90% of users in clinical trials experienced some level of pain relief

Cons

  • Clinical studies involved small sample sizes
  • Doesn’t work for all participants
  • Might not work for plus-sized users

Livia Review: A Detailed Look

By Lydia Noyes

Updated on: Jun 30, 2020

Medically Reviewed by Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

Livia is a device that allegedly helps alleviate cramps and pain related to menstrual cycles. This subtle device should be worn against your skin, and by pushing a button, you can make it stimulate your nerves to block pain.

The company claims that using Livia is safe for all users and capable of providing immediate relief.

In this analysis, we’ll investigate whether Livia will work as described and whether it’s worth the investment.

How Does Livia Work?

Livia’s underlying technology is based on what’s known as the Gate Control Theory. Dr. Anthony Dugarte, HighYa’s medical researcher, said that this theory was first developed in the 60s by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall.

The theory’s premise is that pain sensations associated with injuries are transmitted to the brain from the peripheral nerves through the spinal cord. Along the way, the pain signal encounters “gates” it must go through to continue passing on the message. If these gates are closed, your brain can’t sense the pain.

“The interplay between the central and peripheral nervous systems is complex and not completely understood, says Dr. Dugarte. “Nonetheless, it seems as though a number of factors can affect whether the nerve gates are open or closed.”

Products like Livia work to close these gates by stimulating your nerves so that you don’t feel pain in real-time. This device uses the company’s patented “SmartWave” technology to send out electric micro-pulses to prevent you from feeling menstrual pain.

Once you start using the device, you should experience some level of pain relief within a minute.

Livia utilizes similar mechanisms of action to TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), as both provide pain relief through stimulatory impulses.

They will differ in their pulse frequency and the specific waveforms they send out. The company claims that Livia is the only TENS-style product optimized explicitly for period pain.

Clinical Studies

Livia has undergone three clinical trials since its creation in 2016. Below is a summary of the results from these studies:

  • Study 1: 61 women were assessed for menstrual pain over four cycles. 90% experienced pain relief when using a Livia prototype, 31% reported complete relief, and 32% found that it delivered relief faster than drugs.

  • Study 2: 102 women monitored their menstrual pain for four cycles, using an improved prototype. 86% reported pain relief, 57% experienced complete pain relief, and 72.5% stated it worked faster than drugs.

  • Study 3: 65 women monitored period pain for two cycles. Half used a Livia prototype, and half used a sham device that created tingling sensations for the first cycle, and then both groups switched. The study found a statistically significant difference between the prototype and sham device, and participants reported general improvements in their quality of life after using it.

Though these findings seem promising for Livia’s effectiveness, it’s essential to keep them in context.

“While the independent testing does add some merit to their claims, they have yet to be published,” Dr. Dugarte shares. “This means they have not gone through a rigorous peer-review process to determine if their methods were sound.”

Likewise, the sample sizes are small and might not be indicative of the general population’s response to the device. Saying that, it seems that Livia and similar products do show promise for managing period pain for some users.

Side Effects

Livia works externally, which means that it doesn’t have any impact on your menstrual cycle, hormone balance, or other functions.

Likewise, there are no known side effects associated with using the device as described.

The one exception is if you have a heart pacemaker, as the device’s electrical impulses may interfere with it. Don’t use Livia if you have one.

How to Use Livia

Livia comes as a small colored device (about the size of an MP3 player) with two connected electrode pads that come pre-coated with gel.

You are meant to stick onto your skin at the site of the pain, usually your lower stomach or back. Secure the device in your pocket or by clipping It to your pants and turn it on.

It’s designed to be inconspicuous to wear throughout daily life or even while exercising – though keep it from getting wet.

The device can be recharged through a micro USB cable, and a single charge should last up to 14 hours.

A small LED indicator above the power button shows you what level the device is set on and how to adjust it from high to low intensity. There are 16 settings total, and tapping the button four times will increase it by one.

Pricing and Refund Information

One-Time Purchase Subscription
Cost $199 $8/mon. (The first month is free, $29 signup fee)
Warranty 2 years Lifetime
Gel Pods 3-month supply Lifetime supply (request more when needed)
Shipping Free across the US Free worldwide
Bonus Features NA Receive new Livia every three years

You can also purchase a six-month supply of gel pods for $29.

With the subscription plan, you must sign up for a minimum of four months. You can return your Livia and cancel your subscription at any time after.

It’s also possible to purchase Livia “skins” to change the color and texture of your device. Each costs $12.

One-time Livia purchases come with a 120-day money-back guarantee. The device must be in good physical condition, and you are responsible for all taxes and return shipping costs.

Analysis of Customer Reviews

There are more than 90 reviews for Livia on our website, averaging 3.2 stars. Here’s are the most common trends:

Compliments:

  • Easy to take out in public when necessary
  • Reduces period pain as well as painkillers or a heating pad
  • Period relief without side effects

Complaints:

  • Slow refund process or refund not honored
  • Didn’t relieve period pain as promised
  • Might not be big enough for plus-sized users

The Bottom Line

Livia claims to offer women with painful periods a drug-free way to get their lives back with minimal inconvenience. The existing clinical trials are small, but they indicate this electrical stimulus device could be effective for many people.

“I do like that Livia is non-invasive, drug-free, and FDA approved,” says Dr. Dugarte. “Independent clinical testing shared by Livia demonstrated safety and efficacy when this product is used as directed.”

However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are multiple causes of menstrual pain, and a device like Livia merely works to cover up the symptoms rather than addressing the problem.

Dr. Dugarte is concerned that using the device might cause you to delay seeking medical treatment for your pain that could potentially lead to the diagnosis of a serious health issue.

If you deal with chronic, debilitating menstrual pain, it’s best to talk with your doctor about your symptoms to rule out other health problems first.

Customer Reviews

4.6 Stars out of 522 Reviews
5 Star:79% 4 Star:11% 3 Star:0% 2 Star:0% 1 Star:7%
92% Recommend This Product
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Posted on Oct 12, 2022

Helped my painful periods

By Eliza J., Syracuse, NY, Verified Reviewer

This device has helped make my menstrual cramps be more manageable. I have endo and PMDD, which results in extremely painful cycles. I use my Livia device every month.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Helps my pain

Portable

Chargeable

Subscription is confusing

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Sep 25, 2022

Easy to use and actual results

By Scotta A., Iowa, Verified Reviewer

Such an easy product to use! And actually worked for me. Would definitely recommend this to anyone that has intense cramps! Stopped my cramps on the spot.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Size

Convenient to hide

Works like a charm

Cords need to be a little longer

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Aug 31, 2022

My thoughts on Livia

By Vanna L., West Virginia, Verified Reviewer

With its small size, I was able to carry it around whenever I needed to. Although, it is not waterproof and I have seen an issue with that on my worst days of cramping, but that’s when I mostly go into water therapy for the cramps. My sister had also tried the Livia and loved it. Though it did not take away all of her cramping, it did relieve her some.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

It relieved most of my cramps within minutes

Had a variety of skin/cover colors and textures

There weren’t more black options for the skins

Posted on Aug 26, 2022

Game changer for work!

By Lisa S., New Jersey, Verified Reviewer

I absolutely love having this unit with me for work! I not only get menstrual pains, but I also have bad sciatic pain on my right side and this works so great for those days. I am on my feet 8+ hours a day with my job, and when that pain hits, I instantly run for my Livia. It only takes just a few minutes, if that, to put on and hook up and I'm good to go for the rest of the day.

I always make sure my unit is charged because I never know when I'm going to need it. The full charge will get me through my work day.

If you're hesitant to try it, I say go for it! I have used other Tens units in the past, but this has been the most convenient for me to use.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Portability

Size

Battery time

Cord length

Number of pads it comes with

Posted on Aug 25, 2022

Game changer!

By Ellie S., Boise, ID, Verified Reviewer

This is a game changer for me. I used to be in so much pain on days 1 and 2, I would have to take medication, use a heating pad, and be in bed, sometimes even missing work. Since I got Livia, I don’t have to worry about cramps wrecking my day.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Easy to use

Medication free

Discreet

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Aug 24, 2022

Get it!

By Sierra M., Kentucky, Verified Reviewer

If you have any type of period cramps then you need this product. I used to be stuck on the couch during my period, not with Livia! It’s amazing!

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Affordable

Easy to use

Easy to hide

Takes awhile to get the product

Posted on Aug 24, 2022

Best device ever

By Christine M., Raleigh, NC, Verified Reviewer

I used to always have to use a heating pad and sometimes the cramps were so intense I would miss school. Now I just put my Livia device on and go about my day.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Easy to hide

Very effective

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Aug 24, 2022

Relief, finally

By Adrianne B., Virginia, Verified Reviewer

I’m so happy I found this product. I have endometriosis so my cycles are always so unbearable. I would be in so much pain. Since using Livia my cycles are much more bearable and I can do more while on my cycles.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Posted on Aug 24, 2022

Love!

By Ashley M., Batesville, MS, Verified Reviewer

I highly recommend using Livia if you suffer from menstrual cramps. Livia has been beyond helpful to me during that dreaded time of the month.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Intensity level

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Aug 13, 2022

Almost perfect

By Briahna B., Toronto, Canada, Verified Reviewer

I like using my Livia device to avoid having to use painkillers entirely or on a less frequent basis. It takes a minute or so for the pain to lessen but it's great once it gets going. I do wish the clip was a little more sturdy and that the cord wasn't blaring white against my work outfits (all black). Overall, the Livia does the job it intends to do (basically a more compact TENS unit).

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Size

Ease of use, only 3 buttons

Pain relief

Short and white pads cable

My black skin didn't fit the device

The port for the pads is on top so it pokes when I bend

Posted on Aug 12, 2022

Best device ever!

By Dorathy R. , New York

I have horrible cramps and as soon as I attach this I get immediate relief. I’m so thankful for this! It’s a complete game-changer!

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Easy to use

Immediate relief

Discrete

No “cons” were specified in this review

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