Medically reviewed by: 
Ovira and Livia are wearable devices that use targeted vibrations to alleviate period pain without medications. Ovira, a medically approved device in the United States and Canada, is a more discreet, customizable option with 40 intensity levels, while Livia, an FDA, Health Canada, and European Union-approved device, offers fast relief within seconds. Unlike Ovira, Livia offers a membership option for an ongoing supply of gel pads, an enhanced warranty, and VIP service.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices have been clinically proven to treat period cramps. It’s a natural, drug-free treatment method that’s safe and poses a very low risk of side effects for many individuals. However, it’s not advised for people with a heart pacemaker, open wounds, cancerous lesions, or infected or inflamed skin.
In this Livia vs. Ovira review, we’ll closely compare the two brands to help you find the best device for your needs.
Our Quick Take
- Best for discreteness and customization: Ovira | Jump to Review
- Best for fast-acting relief: Livia, Amazon | Jump to Review
Compare the Best Period Cramp Devices
We compared Ovira to Livia to help you decide which period cramp device may be the best option for your needs.
Ovira vs. Livia | Ovira | Livia |
|---|---|---|
| One-time price | $139 | $119 |
| Membership | ❌ | For $48 for 6 months: Over $80 discount on Livia kit Ongoing supply of gel pads Enhanced warranty Future product upgrades for free VIP Service |
| Gel pads | 1 month supply | 3 months supply |
| Gel pad adhesiveness | Last for 8 to 10 uses | Lasts for 12 to 15 uses |
| Gel pads refill cost | 6 packs for $19 12 packs for $29 24 packs for $49 | $29 for 6 months supply |
| What it comes with | USB charging cable Device 2 sticky gels and pads Storage pouch | USB charging cable Device 2 flower pads 3 months supply of gel pads Protective travel case |
| Battery life | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Intensity levels | 40 levels | 16 levels |
| Time it takes to work | About 30 minutes | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Free shipping? | Free shipping in the US | Free shipping worldwide |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Refund policy | 100-day money back guarantee | 120-day money back guarantee |
| Covered by insurance? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Website | ||
Ovira Period Pain Device Review
Overview
- Price: $139
- Battery life: 12 hours
- Number of uses per gel pad: 8 to 10
- Number of intensity settings: 40
- Time it takes to work: Up to 30 minutes
What Is Ovira?
Ovira offers science-backed period care, including a period cramp relief device that’s medically approved in the U.S. and Canada, and is recommended by medical professionals. The device has a discreet design that can be worn under clothing and 40 intensity levels for customization. Additionally, the patches can be placed on the stomach or back, making it a drug-free solution for both period-related cramps and back pain.
Ovira and a TENS unit both use the same technology and emit small electrical pulses. However, Ovira is designed specifically for period pain with 40 intensity levels and a discreet, wearable design.
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Ovira Period Pain Device Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has a more discreet design, making it easy to wear under clothing and go about daily activities
- 40 intensity levels allow for more effective treatment customization
- Can be placed on the back or abdomen for comprehensive period pain relief
Cons
- Less use per gel pad, as the adhesiveness is lost after 8 to 10 uses
Does Ovira Work for Period Pain Relief?
Ovira uses TENS technology to alleviate period cramps in around 30 minutes. The device is placed over the nerve roots that supply the uterus and/or lower back, blocking the nerve signals that trigger period pain.
The box comes with the Ovira TENS device, a USB charging cable, 2 sticky gels and pads, and a storage pouch. It’s eligible for reimbursement with some insurance plans.
What It Helps With
Ovira uses two pads that can be placed on the stomach or back to alleviate pain. It instantly delivers small electrical pulses to block pain signals that cause period cramps and back pain. The device has 40 intensity levels that you can easily adjust, allowing you to customize the treatment according to your pain levels.
Design and Comfort
The Ovira device is small and can be discreetly worn under clothing, providing cramp relief throughout the day. It’s silent and produces small vibrations, making it comfortable and non-disruptive to your routine.
Effectiveness
According to Ovira, 98.3% of its users experienced a decrease in pain within 30 minutes of using the device. In general, TENS devices have been shown to reduce period pain by more than half within 20 minutes and are effective for more than seven hours on average for about 74% of individuals.
To use Ovira, place the pads on the stomach and/or back around 4 inches apart (at least 1 inch apart), then switch the device on. Adjust the intensity level as needed.
Ovira Side Effects
Side effects from Ovira are rare when the device is used properly (the device should never be used on broken, damaged, or inflamed skin).
If side effects do occur, they’re generally mild and may include:
- Muscle vibrations
- Tightness
- Headaches
- Slight skin redness or burning
Some individuals shouldn’t use Ovira due to an increased risk of complications. This includes individuals with:
- A heart pacemaker
- Open wounds
- Cancerous lesions
- Infected or inflamed skin eruptions
Seek emergency medical care while using the Ovira device if you experience severe side effects, such as severe pain or a severe skin rash.
Ovira Reviews From Their Customers
Ovira has earned thousands of rave reviews from customers who successfully manage period pain throughout the day with the Ovira device. While customer satisfaction with the device itself is very high, a few customers had trouble with shipping or the risk-free trial.
Livia Period Pain Device Review
Overview
- Price: $119
- Battery life: 12 hours
- Number of uses per gel pad: 12 to 15
- Number of intensity settings: 16
- Time it takes to work: About 30 to 60 seconds
What Is Livia?
Livia offered the first scientifically proven wearable period pain device. While it’s no longer the only device of its kind, it features patented SmartWave™ technology, which is an improved version of conventional TENS technology. It works within 30 to 60 seconds, providing rapid relief for period cramps.
Livia Period Pain Device Pros & Cons
Pros
- Starts working within 30 to 60 seconds, much faster than other devices
- Longer-lasting gel patches that last for 12 to 15 uses
- Membership is available for over an $80 discount on the device, ongoing supply of gel pads, enhanced warranty, free future product upgrades, and VIP service
Cons
- Fewer intensity levels, leading to less customization
- Less discreet with a colorful device
Does Livia Work for Period Pain Relief?
Livia uses patented SmartWave™ technology for period pain. The device delivers electronic micro-pulses to block pain signals and stimulate natural pain defenses, promoting increased production of the body’s natural pain relievers, or endorphins.
The Livia device is FDA, European Union, and Health Canada-approved. Some insurance plans may provide reimbursement for the cost of Livia. Additionally, the device comes with a USB charging cable, 2 flower pads, a 3-month supply of gel pads, and a protective travel case.
What It Helps With
Livia helps with period cramps by blocking pain signals and boosting endorphin levels. The device includes two pads that are placed on the lower abdomen, which connect to a small device with the on button. You can choose between 16 levels to find the best intensity level for your pain.
Design and Comfort
Livia is designed to be discreet so that it can be worn under clothing. The pads are flower-shaped and the compact device with the on button comes in multiple colors.
Effectiveness
Livia effectively alleviates menstrual pain by using electrical pulses that help block pain signals. These effects are heightened by the stimulation of endorphins.
In general, TENS devices have been shown to reduce period pain in individuals and can be effective for up to seven hours.
To use Livia, position the gel pads symmetrically on either side of the pain spot on your abdomen. Make sure there are at least 10 centimeters between the pads. Connect the pads to the Livia device and turn it on, adjusting the intensity level as needed.
What Are the Side Effects of Livia?
Livia has no known side effects. However, TENS devices can cause some mild side effects, such as:
- Muscle vibrations
- Tightness
- Headaches
- Slight skin redness or burning
Individuals with the following shouldn’t use Livia because of an increased risk of complications:
- A heart pacemaker
- Open wounds
- Cancerous lesions
- Infected or inflamed skin eruptions
Is It Safe to Sleep With Livia On?
Although Livia notes that you can wear the device whenever you want, for as long as you want, it’s not advised to wear it while sleeping.
Seek emergency medical care while using Livia if you experience severe side effects, such as severe pain or a severe skin rash.
Livia Reviews From Their Customers
In general, customers love that Livia provides fast, lasting relief from period cramps. Some customers noted that it completely eliminates their pain. However, some customers struggled to find the best intensity mode for their pain or only experienced results on the highest intensity mode.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Device for Cramps and Period Pain?
Ovira and Livia are both effective, natural remedies with a very low risk of side effects for period pain.
Ovira is the best device for discreteness and customization.
Ovira is a superior option for discreteness and customization, as it provides 40 intensity levels. The device can be used for both menstrual back pain and abdominal cramps, as the patches can be placed on the stomach and back. Like Livia, Ovira’s battery lasts for 12 hours, so you can wear it all day long.
Livia is the best device for fast-acting relief.
While Livia only offers 16 intensity levels, it works within just 30 to 60 seconds, while Ovira takes a few minutes to start working. This makes Livia an excellent option for rapid pain relief. Additionally, Livia is slightly less expensive than Ovira and offers a membership plan for a significant discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a cheaper alternative to Livia?
Livia is the most affordable device of its kind made specifically for period pain, however there are more affordable TENS machines available to purchase.
Is Livia just a TENS machine?
Livia isn’t just a TENS machine. It offers patented SmartWave™ technology and is designed to be worn under clothing throughout the day.
Is Ovira just a TENS machine?
Ovira isn’t just a TENS machine. It has a discreet design so that it can be worn under clothing for period pain relief throughout the day.
Are Livia pads reusable?
Livia pads are reusable for 12 to 15 uses
Who shouldn’t use a TENS unit?
People with a heart pacemaker, open wounds, cancerous lesions, or infected or inflamed skin shouldn’t use a TENS unit.
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Methodology
To find the best period pain device, we started by searching the available retailers for any that were specifically designed for menstrual pain. Next, we narrowed our list down to only the highest-rated and most effective. We then evaluated the device based on its features, ease of use, reputation, customer service, and reviews. We also considered the product’s design, customizability, customer service, and cost. Finally, we tested Ovira and Livia to see how effective it was for period pain.
We ultimately made our decision based on the quality of the technology, the discreet design, and the results for menstrual pain.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – sustainable packaging | 1 |
| Testing + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of use – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – ease of forming a health habit – requires additional purchae? – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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