Q&A: How a wearable can prevent period pain

Ian Bolland caught up with Livia’s CEO Chen Nachum to explain what goes into the device designed to cure period pain.  

Where did the idea come from?

The technology behind Livia was invented by my father, Zvi Nachum, a successful medical device inventor and electronics engineer. He created Livia in response to the age-old yet glaring need for an effective, fast-acting, drug-free solution to menstrual pain that plagues over 1.5 billion women globally. 

How did you go about developing the device?

When I saw the commercial potential of my father's invention, I founded iPulse Medical in 2015. I assembled a state-of-the-art technical team to commercialise the technology to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the product, which I branded as Livia. Livia went on to surpass its fundraising goal by over 1,000% - close to 19,000 women pre-ordered Livia - and enjoyed viral exposure on social media networks and media publications. 

What kind of technology features are in the device?

Livia, iPulse Medical’s flagship product, is a breakthrough wearable ​menstrual pain relief device. Its patented technology is helping women across the globe overcome menstrual pain more effectively, quickly ​and safely than with drugs. Using our proprietary and patented Smartwave electric micro-pulses to tap into the body's natural pain defences, Livia prevents ​menstrual pain from being felt. Unlike pain medications, there are no side-effects to using Livia, and ​the female body cannot build up a tolerance to it. Livia is portable, fashion-forward, easy to use and can be worn discreetly under most outfits. Moreover, its ​rechargeable battery makes Livia reusable for years. 

Livia has received FDA clearance, CE and Health Canada approvals.

Does it really cure period pain? What kind of feedback have you had from users and trials?

The short answer, yes. Livia is clinically proven to stop menstrual pain. Every day we receive unsolicited, positive reviews from women sharing how Livia has changed their lives. Livia helps our customers conquer pain from mild to severe menstrual cramps and even endometriosis.

Since its inception in 2016, Livia has undergone extensive clinical trials under the supervision of renowned women’s health expert, Professor Bari Kaplan. The most recent clinical study was conducted by TechnoSTAT, a leading data management, and biostatistics company. All three clinical studies clearly documented that Livia delivers relief of menstrual pain effectively, quickly and safely. 87% of study participants reported that Livia provided effective relief from menstrual pain, with significant statistical improvements in efficacy and speed of action. 72.5% of participants observed that Livia provided significantly faster pain relief than drug alternatives. No side effects were reported.

How does it work?

The technology behind Livia is based on the Gate Control Theory, which states the body cannot feel two sensations, in the same place, at the same time. Essentially, Livia uses micro-pulses to block the period pain before it can be felt. Livia also activates the body’s natural pain control response by releasing beta-endorphins to further suppress pain.

Have physicians advised use of it?

Since its inception in 2016, Livia has undergone extensive clinical trials under the supervision of medical expert, Professor Bari Kaplan. We have also established a growing global network of women’s health professionals that share our enthusiasm for Livia within their communities. 

What are your future plans? Are there more developments in the pipeline?

We have an exciting product roadmap in development, among the current products: Livia Endo dedicated to women suffering from Endometriosis. We have heard their requests and suggestions and are developing a Livia to suit their needs. The current Livia has 24 intensity levels and two flower pads. Livia Endo will provide greater intensity levels and potentially additional flower pads. Also, in the works is Livia 2.0, which will be a Bluetooth-empowered wearable offering a diversity of advanced features, including period tracking, pain benchmarking and more.