Taula de Continguts
- Dryness and tissue quality: what we are talking about
- What INDIBA is and what the manufacturer says
- What the evidence says: what it can and cannot do
- The FDA warning and why it matters
- First and foremost, a medical assessment
- What an intimate INDIBA session is like
- How we do it at Santé Madrid
- Frequently asked questions
Intimate INDIBA is a non-ablative radiofrequency treatment applied to the female genital area. In aesthetic medicine, it is mainly considered for dryness, tissue quality, and comfort of the intimate area, common complaints during menopause and postpartum. Published studies show improvements in some indicators of vaginal health, but the evidence is still limited and does not replace a gynaecological assessment. In this guide, we explain what it can and cannot do, when you should see your gynaecologist first, and what the process is like at Santé Madrid.
Key points
- Dryness and loss of tissue quality in the intimate area are common complaints; dryness after menopause is often linked to a lack of oestrogen.
- INDIBA is non-ablative radiofrequency: it does not cut or remove tissue and is not surgery.
- A randomised trial using capacitive-resistive radiofrequency observed improvements in the vaginal health index compared to a simulated treatment, although the sample was small.
- The available studies are few and small: the evidence for these complaints remains limited.
- Abnormal bleeding, a possible infection, or new pain should be assessed by your gynaecologist first, before considering any aesthetic treatment.
Dryness and tissue quality: what we are talking about
Vaginal dryness is the sensation of a lack of lubrication, often accompanied by itching, stinging, or tightness. When it appears after menopause, it is usually part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a set of signs and symptoms that, according to an editorial by gynaecologists at the University of São Paulo, is due to a marked decrease in oestrogen and affects the vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder. A pilot study published in BMC Women's Health describes the same syndrome with dryness, itching, stinging, pain, and urinary symptoms.
In addition to dryness, many women notice the area is more fragile, with less elasticity or discomfort with friction. This is what we call tissue quality in consultations: the hydration, thickness, and elasticity of the mucosa, which change with age, menopause, and postpartum. Caring for it is, above all, a matter of comfort.
Vaginal laxity is another matter: the perception that the vagina is looser or has lost tone. Here, the evidence is mixed. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Urogynecology Journal, with 34 studies (7 randomised trials and 27 observational, 1,775 participants), found improvements in observational studies but no significant difference in randomised trials, and its authors conclude that the evidence primarily comes from studies with significant bias. If you are concerned about laxity after childbirth or sexual function, the first step is to be assessed by your gynaecologist, who can guide you towards pelvic floor work or other options.
Dryness can also be related to other situations, such as breastfeeding or certain medications, which is why the first step is to understand where yours comes from. Talking about it naturally, without shame, is already part of the care.
What INDIBA is and what the manufacturer says
INDIBA is a radiofrequency technology. According to the manufacturer's technical information, it is a monopolar system that operates at a fixed frequency of 448 kHz. The manufacturer explains that, depending on the intensity, the current can act without appreciable heat or generate controlled heating of the tissue from within.
On its intimate health page, INDIBA states that the treatment promotes local circulation and tissue activity, and that this supports the natural processes that contribute to vaginal hydration. This is the manufacturer's description, not a promise of results, and it should be read in conjunction with what independent studies say, which we review in the next section.
This is a non-ablative technique: it does not cut or remove tissue, and it is not surgery. At Santé Madrid, we offer INDIBA radiofrequency for the face, body, and intimate area, always after a medical assessment.
What the evidence says: what it can and cannot do
A randomised clinical trial published in the journal Menopause evaluated monopolar capacitive-resistive radiofrequency, the type of system described by the INDIBA manufacturer, in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome: 32 received six weekly sessions and 30 received a simulated treatment, with assessments before starting, at the end, and at 12 weeks. According to the authors, the treated group improved more in the vaginal health index and sexual function; no changes were observed in oestrogen status, and no adverse effects were recorded. This is a promising result, but it is a single trial with a small sample and short follow-up.
A pilot study with non-ablative intravaginal radiofrequency included 11 women, without a control group, with five weekly sessions and reviews at one and three months. Its authors describe that most reported less dryness at reviews and that no adverse effects were observed, although such a design does not allow knowing what part of the improvement is due to the treatment.
| Question | What studies show | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Can it improve dryness? | Improvement in vaginal health index compared to simulated treatment in a randomised trial | Single trial, small sample and short follow-up |
| Does it change hormone levels? | Trial observed no changes in oestrogen status | Does not replace hormone treatment if your gynaecologist recommends it |
| Is it safe? | Adverse effects absent or mild and temporary in reviewed studies | Requires medical indication and trained professionals |
In summary, radiofrequency can be part of a plan for some women, but it is not a universal solution. Results vary depending on each person, and the number of sessions is decided by the medical team.
The FDA warning and why it matters
In 2018, the US FDA warned about the use of energy-based devices, such as lasers and radiofrequency, for so-called "vaginal rejuvenation" and other non-surgical vaginal procedures. According to the summary of that warning published by Medsafe, the New Zealand health authority, the FDA stated that the safety and effectiveness of these devices for these purposes had not been established, that it had not authorised any to treat vaginal symptoms related to menopause, and that they could be associated with serious adverse effects such as vaginal burns, scarring, and chronic or recurrent pain.
The editorial from the University of São Paulo explains that the warning primarily responded to use without precise indication and with promises of genital rejuvenation, and considers that these techniques, while promising, are still in an experimental phase for genitourinary syndrome. The authors recommend clearly explaining to each patient the indication and limitations of the method, and that only professionals with adequate practical training should use them.
This warning refers to the United States and energy-based devices in general, not to a specific brand. For you, the practical conclusion is simple: be wary of definitive promises and always ask for a medical assessment before any session.
First and foremost, a medical assessment
Dryness, itching, or pain in the intimate area can have non-aesthetic causes that require a different approach. Therefore, before considering radiofrequency, it is important to have your gynaecological check-ups up to date, including cytology as indicated by your gynaecologist, and rule out any problem that requires medical treatment.
If any of these situations apply to you, it is appropriate to address them first. Once other causes have been ruled out, the medical team can assess whether radiofrequency makes sense in your case, whether it should be combined with what your gynaecologist has prescribed, or if it is not the right option for you.
What an intimate INDIBA session is like
Each case is planned individually. Before starting, the medical team reviews your history, your gynaecological check-ups, the medication you take, and the discomforts you notice, and explains what can and cannot be expected. It is also the time to ask all your questions, including the most practical ones, without rush.
How the session is performed, with what intensity, and for how long will be explained by the medical team during the consultation, according to your case and before starting. You may feel a sensation of warmth, as, according to the manufacturer's information, the current can generate controlled tissue heating; if it becomes uncomfortable at any time, tell the team to adjust it. Afterwards, the medical team will give you specific instructions for the following hours.
In the cited studies, five and six weekly sessions were used; at Santé Madrid, the number of sessions is decided by the medical team after assessment, without a fixed regimen. Results vary and are reviewed during follow-up.
How we do it at Santé Madrid
Our clinic is located at C. de Amador de los Ríos, 1, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, near Almagro and Salamanca. We understand that this is an intimate matter and we treat it with discretion, in a calm and unhurried environment. Here is the usual process:
- First contact. You can start with a free aesthetic consultation with a Beauty Coach to answer general questions and guide you through the process.
- Medical assessment. Before any session, the medical team at Santé Madrid reviews your history, symptoms, and gynaecological check-ups, and rules out the situations in the box above.
- Individual plan. If radiofrequency is indicated, the medical team will explain the options, and the number of sessions will be decided based on your assessment and response, without a fixed regimen. If it is not indicated, we will tell you clearly and recommend that you see your gynaecologist.
- Sessions and follow-up. We review how your discomfort evolves and adjust the plan when necessary.
At Santé Madrid, intimate INDIBA radiofrequency is always considered after a medical assessment, which confirms if it is indicated in your case and clearly explains its limitations. It is a non-surgical technique, performed by the medical team, and results vary for each woman.
Frequently asked questions
Does intimate INDIBA hurt?
You may feel warmth in the area, because, according to the manufacturer, radiofrequency can generate controlled tissue heating. The intensity is adjusted during the session, and if it becomes uncomfortable at any time, it will be reduced.
Does it replace menopausal hormone therapy?
No. In the published trial, radiofrequency did not alter oestrogen status. If your gynaecologist prescribes hormone therapy, radiofrequency does not replace it; the medical team will assess if it can complement it.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number. The cited studies used between five and six weekly sessions, but your plan will depend on the medical assessment and how you respond.
What should I keep in mind after the session?
It is a non-ablative technique: it does not cut or remove tissue. Even so, the medical team will give you specific instructions for the following hours based on your case, and it is advisable to report any discomfort you notice.
When is it not recommended?
During pregnancy, with undiagnosed bleeding or infection, with unassessed pelvic pain, or if you have a pacemaker or metallic implants in the pelvic area, among other situations reviewed during the medical assessment.
Do I need a prior gynaecological check-up?
It is advisable to have your gynaecological check-ups up to date, including cytology as indicated by your gynaecologist, to rule out other causes before starting.
Intimate radiofrequency can be an option for some women with dryness or discomfort in the intimate area, always with realistic expectations and after ruling out other causes. If you want to know if it is suitable for you, the first step is an assessment with the medical team at Santé Madrid. On our website, you will find more information about intimate INDIBA radiofrequency and INDIBA radiofrequency for face and body.
