Normally, I avoid most electro signal remedies to relieve period pain. But as Ovira, Livia, Monthli, and Ova+ started to pop up on my social media feeds, I started to wonder: Do these things work and are they better than pain pills?
It seemed like there was much more to this technology than I have anticipated. They’re a great and easy way to keep your pain at bay through the day.
One thing is for certain though, choosing which device to get is a bit overwhelming. As a consequence, we revied all four and compared them respectfully, side-by-side. Use this to help you go through the process of researching each one individually.
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How Do Period Pain Devices Work? – Ovira VS Livia VS Monthli VS Ova+
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS for short, is a therapy type that utilizes minor electrical pulses or signals and sends them close to the nerves, to stop cramps and pain. This way, with the nerves, stimulated, they release endorphins, which is the body’s equivalent of pain killers.
These TENS devices aren’t used for period pain relief only though. They’re mostly used to treat bursitis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, chronic pelvic pain, peripheral artery disease, and many others.
However, the overall nature of the TENS technology, works well with mitigating any period pain, hence Ovira, Livia, Monthli, and Ova+.
These devices can be used both alone and in addition to other pain-relieving therapies. It is a simple, and yet very effective treatment. The electro signals, yes, I know how that sounds, they’re relatively low voltage, and pretty safe. Although, there are instances where these TENS devices shouldn’t be used.
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How Are They Different & What Technology Do They Use? – Ovira VS Livia VS Monthli VS Ova+
Well, the methodology they use to relieve the actual pain is mostly the same, at least with Ovira, Monthli, and Ova+.
On the other hand, Livia is the only one who is different, using their patent technology called SmartWave. Similar to TENS, it utilizes micro-pulses to keep the nerves occupied, which then snowballs into the nervous system creating pain-killing endorphins.
It might be different technology, but it does sound similar to TENS. One thing which was interesting to learn was the fact that users that used both TENS technology devices like Ovira, Monthli, or Ova+ and Livia, have reported that it is different and that most ‘felt’ better with Livia.
Are Devices for Menstrual Pain Relief Safe? – Ovira VS Livia VS Monthli VS Ova+
So, why would anyone even consider Proactiv, Curology, or Hers? Well, the first factor is convenience. No need to go These electro-signal devices of sorts have been around for many years. Like we mentioned earlier, they are being used to treat other medical conditions as well. With that said, there is a lot of research that has gone into whether these devices are safe or not.
While it has been under the microscope for years now, researchers have made minimal progress in finding out side effects to TENS therapy. The most common theory is that it causes an increase in tolerance after extensive usage.
However, a study suggests that indeed a strong coloration between tolerance and TENS cannot be found.
On a side note, Livia does appear to be both CE and FDA-approved as a treatment for menstrual pain. On the other hand, the others aren’t, although TENS has been FDA approved as a pain-relieving treatment for other medical issues, and not necessarily menstrual pain.
So, it is safe to say that TENS and the SmartWave technology are relatively safe, although, make sure to check in with your doctor beforehand.
An In-Depth Comparison of Ovira, Livia, Monthli & Ova+
So, we know that they use similar technologies and work relatively the same when it comes to menstrual pain relief. But what things differentiate them truly? Well, while the devices may do be similar, the practical aspects are different.
The shopping experience, the quality, the price, shipping, and other things, are aspects for which each of these has a different model. Use the following table as a guide to finding out which one is the best one for you:
| Ovira VS Livia VS Monthli VS Ova+ |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Pads | One month of supplies | Three months of supplies | Six months of supplies | Two electrodes |
| Price | $119 | $199 | $119 | $40 |
| Subscription? | No | Subscription available | No | No |
| Refill Price | Three months of supplies – $35 | Six months of supplies – $29 | Six months of supplies – $52 | Two packs of electro pads – $22 |
| Shipping | Free within the US | Free worldwide shipping | Free worldwide shipping | Free on orders above $50 (might vary) |
| Refunds | 100 days money-back guarantee | Two-year warranty & 120 days money-back guarantee | One year warranty & 60 days money-back guarantee | No refunds available |
| Accessories | Love Handles Storage Disc Replacement Pads Y Cable & Extended Y Cable USB Charging Cable | Device Case Skins for the Device | Storage Disc | Storage Pouch Belt Clip |
| Website |
Ovira Review
Ovira has been around the longest and as a consequence, it is one of the most well-known brands for menstrual pain-relieving devices.
Their signature model, the Noha, provides instant relief, is drug-free, and it is comfortable and discreet. Its price is affordable as well, coming in at $139. The whole process of how it works is very simple. You place the so-called love handles on your back or stomach and then turn the device on.
When it comes to how well it mitigates pain, users have reported great things about Noha. Whether it is better than the SmartWave technology that Livia offers is the bigger question. We will get into that later on.
The Noha device from Ovira will come with the device itself, a USB charging cable, a Y cable, two love handles or pads, two spare sticky gels, a storage disc, a storage pouch, and a user guide. In terms of the overall quality, it is adequate.
It does feel less compact than some of the other choices offered by other brands, and it would be well-received if the Noha also comes with a warranty, but at least there is a 100-day money-back guarantee.
There is a bundle available as well, the Noha Starter Bundle. It comes with everything that comes with the standard package, but with an included sticky gel replacement pack which is valued at around $29. The starter bundle comes in at $159.
So, let’s review the pros and cons of getting the Noha from Ovira:
PROS
- Discreet and sleek
- Lots of included accessories
- Both the pads and device are small and thin
- Easy to control
CONS
- No warranty
- Not very compact
Livia Review
Livia is one which most are interested in. It is kind of making a scene in this market, and it is mostly due to its patented technology which is both FDA and CE approved.
Another thing that sets aside Livia from the competition is the design. One thing about the design which most like is the overall shape, but also how compact it is. It just screams longevity, which is why it has become the number one choice for many.
Customers can either opt-in for a one-time purchase or a subscription (see here). The actual device comes in at an affordable price, and there are usually deals to be had, with which you can get the device as affordable as some of the other brands in this comparison.
With the one-time purchase package, customers will get the device, with a two-year warranty, but if you switch to the subscription, it switched to a lifetime warranty. Included in the package are 3 months’ worth of gel pads.
So, if you’re looking to try it out before subscribing, you’ll have an adequate number of supplies for your test run. On the subject of the subscription, it comes in at $8 per month, and you’ll get the first month free, which is nothing short of very affordable. In addition, like Ovira, it will also come with a case.
There are also skins with which you can change the colors up on your device. Plus, the overall interface is pretty straightforward.
Still, let’s see the pros and cons with Livia for all of you that are considering it:
PROS
- Compact and minimalistic design
- Long-lasting
- Two or lifetime warranty
- New device every three years with subscription
- Skins for device customization
CONS
- Only three months’ worth of supplies for one-time purchases
Monthli Review
I wanted to like Monthli. Upon my initial impressions, it looked ‘cool’ and revolutionary compared to the others. Sadly, there is a big issue with it.
The design is very well-thought-out, and what was appealing to me was the whole all-in-one solution. Instead of using cables and pads like the others, with Monthli, it was all included in one device. However, the best thing about it turned out to be the worst thing about it.
Why? Well, the whole issue is placement. You cannot position one pad on one spot while the other, on another spot. So, placing the overall device into a position that works, is pretty challenging. As a consequence, some with sharper and stronger pains or some with larger or smaller body types found that it wasn’t as effective as a two-pad, cable solution like the others. Unfortunate.
Still, for some, it might work, but there is always that chance that it wouldn’t work as efficiently for you.
The device only, costs around $169, with frequent deals, with which customers can get it for as little as $119. It can be customized in a few beautiful flat colors, and it comes with two months’ supplies for a gel pad and a USB charging cable.
If you’re willing to trade in efficiency for convenience, or in other words go with Monthli, here are its pros and cons:
PROS
- Fully portable & lightweight
- Warranty available
- Excellent quality
- Free worldwide shipping
CONS
- Not very thin. Although it’s portable, the overall device is pretty thick
- Not as pain-relieving as others, dependent on the body type
Ova+ Review
Ova+, by TensCare also has quite a big number of loyal customers and it is easy to see why.
With Ova+ is different. The whole design looks like it’s from the 19th century, but a large portion of TensCare attention with Ova+ is for efficiency, quality, simplicity, and longevity. Nothing else.
It comes in at around $55 for the device, which is more than reasonable. If you’re willing to trade in the designs of some of the other devices, then Ova+ will get the job done. Furthermore, it is not like you’re getting a lot fewer accessories with the overall package.
What you get is the device, two self-adhesive pads, a USB charging cable, the belt clip for the device, a user guide, and a storage pouch. So, overall, not a lesser package than the others. The only thing which the others have more of is supplies and pads.
If you’re willing to give it a shot, it doesn’t have a money-back or any refunds if the product isn’t performing well for you, but hey, $40 is still a very reasonable price.
The interface is simple with three buttons. One on and off switch, and two other buttons, to either increase intensity or decrease it.
Ova+ is the best one for you? Let’s go over the pros and cons:
PROS
- Good overall package
- Simple and yet effective
- Sufficiently portable
- Efficient
CONS
- Poor design
- Not customizable like the others
Head-To-Head Comparisons
To dig a little deeper, we thought the best way to do so, is to put all of these against each other, to see, firsthand, what their biggest positives and negatives over each other are. Each of the matchups will be covered below.
Ovira VS Livia – Which Is Truly the Best?
As you might’ve gathered up until this point, in terms of the best pain relief device, it doesn’t get any better than these two. Both the devices themselves, and what you get in terms of the shopping experience, price, supply, and other practical aspects, are far better than those offered by the competition.
So, which is better? In our opinion, Livia is much better, and it has a lot of things to offer which Ovira lacks. Mainly, warranty, subscription, more supply, and free worldwide shipping.
Ovira VS Monthli – Which One?
We’ll have to go with Ovira here. Monthli’s idea of the design looks very promising, but at the moment, having separate pads for electrodes seems the best way to apply electro signals. Monthli’s design doesn’t offer that kind of convenience yet.
Plus, Ovira’s overall package is better.
Ovira VS Ova+ – The Better Option?
We’re just going to have to cut to the chase and say, in our opinion, Ova+ is better. Sure, it has a very poor design, with flimsy plastics, but in terms of what you get, for how little, it is truly the most price-to-performance you will get from any of these devices.
If you’re willing to trade in looks and save a bit more, then go with Ova+. However, if that’s not for you, Ovira is still a very good device with a packed to the brim package.
Livia VS Monthli – Which Is for You?
The same case as Ovira over Monthli is again the topic of conversation here. Livia is by far the best one of all four, and considering the revolutionary, but not that practical design from Monthli, Livia is the more superior choice.
We highly recommend Livia between these two. Monthli might work for many as well, but we feel as though Livia has much more to offer.
Livia VS Ova+ – The Absolute Best
Unfortunately, while we do like the idea of an affordable TENS device like Ova+, we think it is worth it to spend a little bit more to get Livia.
The thing with Livia is the subscription, which in turn, is very affordable, and probably saves you a lot of bucks, then making one-time purchases over time. Plus, the two-year warranty, and the overall durability and quality. Livia is the overall best choice.
Monthli VS Ova+ – Last Matchup
If Monthli came in at a similar price range as Ova+, we would go with that. But it didn’t.
Thing is, it has a competitive price, that is in the same neighborhood as Ovira or Livia, which are both pretty strong choices on the market. Competing with much less practicality at the same point is challenging, no matter how revolutionary or well-thought-out the design is. All of this is to say that, Ova+ is in our opinion the better choice at the moment since it offers more bang-for-the-buck.
The Verdict: Best Period Pain Relief Device – Ovira VS Livia VS Monthli VS Ova+
With all things considered, what Ovira, Livia, Monthli, and Ova+ offer is a great way to reduce cramps or sharp pains during your period, with very few side effects or downside. Still, even though these are widely accessible and require no subscription, I would recommend consulting with your gynecologist before committing.
As for the best package from all four, we got to give it to Livia. It is a great and compact device that’s very practical, and it will last you for years. Furthermore, the perks you get from the affordable subscription are hard to ignore as well.
If you’re on a tight budget though and want something efficient and practical, then Ova+ is the best bang-for-the-buck option out there!
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