Elevate induction
standards with DILAPAN-S

Discover DILAPAN-S: the right choice for predictable cervical ripening. Embrace a solution designed for excellence in obstetric care, with proven patient outcomes and optimal resource utilization.

What users say

about DILAPAN-S?

Trusted by expectant mothers and doctors around the world.

…(with inserted DILAPAN-S) they go for a walk with their partner, they get in on the birthing ball, they're doing all those really positive things that are actually going to encourage labour rather than be stuck on a bed strapped to a monitor…
Healthcare Professional, Lead Midwife, Cardiff UK
- verified

Our women like that it’s in for a shorter period of time, there’s less risk for their baby as there’s no drugs or hormones that might cause hyperstimulation, they like the non-pharmacological option.
Healthcare Professional, Midwife, Nottingham, UK
- not verified

DILAPAN-S is a wonderful addition to our (IOL) options.
Healthcare Professional, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Calderdale, UK
- not verified

We were getting many complaints about how painful the induction process was with [a commonly used induction method, ed. note] and I'm pleased to say we saw DILAPAN-S exceed all of the expectations with a more comfortable night's sleep and a more comfortable insertion.
Healthcare Professional, Midwifery Sister, London UK
- verified

94% of women would recommend having DILAPAN-S to a friend who had also need an induction.
Healthcare Professional, Midwifery Sister, London UK
- verified

Probably the main change (after implementing DILAPAN-S) has been the comfort of the women on the ward, women are a lot better at mobilizing, also when they need to rest they can rest, reduction in our analgesia usage…
Healthcare Professional, Lead Midwife, Cardiff UK
- verified

I've been around through a lot of inducing procedures in my time, but I must say that the DILAPAN-S that we've been using recently in the last three years has actually changed our practice quite a lot. We've expanded the number of induction of labours for us in outpatients from 2% to about 35%.
Healthcare Professional, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Essex, UK
- verified

We particularly like using (DILAPAN-S) on high risk women and especially those with IUGR, small babies, GDM and VBACS because it does give us more control than prostaglandins.
Healthcare Professional, Matron at Royal Surrey, UK
- verified

We’re new to DILAPAN-S but we’ve seen really good results particularly in our primips. We’ve noticed improved patient flow, reduced time for induction, and freeing up more midwives since we’re not using [a commonly used induction method, ed. note], we’re not seeing women struggling with the pains and needing more attention.
Healthcare Professional, Midwife, North Cumbria, UK
- not verified

Rods were inserted into my cervix at 5pm, I had mild contractions all night in the hospital ward but managed to sleep. At 5am doctors removed the rods to find I was successfully 4cm dilated.
Mother
source: Thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk - not verified
5 rods of dilapan were inserted into my cervix on January 4th at 12pm. DILAPAN-S was inserted using a speculum similar to a smear test. It was a little uncomfortable but I didn't need any pain relief and once it was in you couldn't feel it. I went to the toilet as normal and was told it would stay in me for 12-15 hours to help soften the cervix. During this time I was having minor contractions which felt like mild period pains.(…) All in all it's probably been the best labour out of all 3 of my children.
Mother
source: mumsnet.com - not verified
This is basically a natural way to dilate you. I couldn't find any stories about using DILAPAN-S, so I had no idea what to expect. All the induction stories that I have seen online and heard people talk about I was scared because people say that an induction can go on for days and days. But the DILAPAN-S? I would get again.
Mother
source: youtube.com - verified
Basically, they are little rods that expand. So, they put these rods up inside you, and through osmosis, they expand. There are no hormones involved in the process and that means you can go home, whereas with the things like gels and pessaries, they are all hormone based. So, there is the risk of your cervix spasming and contracting, and that can lead to a really fast labour. There is much less risk.
Mother
source: youtube.com - verified
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5 key benefits of DILAPAN-S

Listen to Shelley Thomas-Jarrett, a certified midwife, summarizing the 5 key benefits of DILAPAN-S in less than one minute.

Labour of Love

Follow ‘Induction: Labour of Love’ for essential tips to refine labour induction, insights into DILAPAN-S usage, and the latest on protocol changes. Perfect listening for your next commute or walk—enrich your practice on the go.

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FAQ

DILAPAN-S is a synthetic osmotic cervical dilator used for cervical softening and dilation in various medical procedures such as cervical ripening before labour induction, hysteroscopy, and IUD insertion. It’s recommended in multiple national clinical guidelines, including NICE. For a complete list of approved indications, refer to the product’s Instructions for Use.

DILAPAN-S consists of a hydrogel Aquacryl® active part, developed specifically for obstetrics and gynaecology, a polypropylene handle, and a marker string. It’s a mechanical cervical preparation method without any pharmacologically active substances.

DILAPAN-S absorbs fluids from the cervical tissue, expanding from 4mm to up to 15mm over 12–24 hours. This causes cervical softening and dilation, with most expansion occurring within the first 4–6 hours. Continuous pressure on cervical tissue stimulates the release of endogenous prostaglandins, promoting cervical effacement. Due to its mechanical mode of action, DILAPAN-S is highly predictable and allows easy scheduling of patients.

The number of dilators varies based on the indication, cervical condition, and desired outcome. For instance, 4–5 dilators are often used for labour induction with successful cervical ripening in approximately 80% of induced women, while one 3mm dilator may suffice for IUD insertion or embryo transfer. The maximum number is not defined in the product’s Instructions for Use; always take into account the clinical judgement of the risk/benefit ratio and mode of action.

The duration varies from a few hours to a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the indication. For labour induction, it’s typically 12–15 hours. Many hospitals choose to leave it in overnight as its gentle mode of action means patients are usually comfortable enough to rest and sleep.

DILAPAN-S is inserted by healthcare professionals using a bivalve speculum or digitally. The procedure entails sequentially inserting DILAPAN-S dilators, one after the other, usually with metal sponge forceps, making sure each dilator passes through the internal os. Please watch the training video which describes the insertion technique in more detail.

Insertion can be uncomfortable, similar to a vaginal examination, but pain levels vary among individuals. A clinical trial comparing DILAPAN-S with dinoprostone vaginal insert reported that the pain experienced during product placement was similar between both groups.

Post-DILAPAN-S, the cervix is usually soft, stretchy, and dilated, prepared for further induction procedures like artificial rupture of membranes or oxytocin augmentation. It may appear less effaced compared to other methods; however, it is usually prepared sufficiently. The pressure of the fetal head on the stretchy, softened tissue will support further effacement and dilation.

While theoretically possible, clinical evidence doesn’t link DILAPAN-S insertion to rupture of membranes (ROM). Rupture of membranes can occur spontaneously during the cervical ripening process and usually suggests the onset of labour. In this case, the dilators should be removed, and a vaginal examination performed.

Additional CTG monitoring is not mandatory during DILAPAN-S use, as clinical evidence indicates it minimises the risk of uterine tachysystole and non-reassuring fetal heart rate changes. After DILAPAN-S insertion, patients can mobilise or be sent home for outpatient ripening, if applicable.

Dilators should be removed by a professional within 12–15 hours by grasping the handle or pulling the string. Spontaneous falling out may indicate labour onset. Please watch the training video which describes how to remove DILAPAN-S, and read the Instructions for Use before using the product.

DILAPAN-S achieves reliable first-round cervical ripening success. In clinical trials on over 1000 women, approximately 4 out of 5 ripen successfully after the first round of DILAPAN-S. In the SOLVE trial, the first-round success rate was approximately 10% higher than with dinoprostone.

DILAPAN-S is not contraindicated in PROM cases. There is anecdotal clinical evidence, proposing its use is effective and safe.

DILAPAN-S is not contraindicated in cases of previous Caesarean section. Several clinical trials evaluated using DILAPAN-S for VBAC/TOLAC, concluding that DILAPAN-S can be an effective and safe option for these patients.

The only listed contraindication is the presence of a clinically apparent genital tract infection.

DILAPAN-S is suitable for most patient groups, except those with clinically apparent genital tract infection.

No. Patients can mobilise immediately after insertion, which can enhance cervical ripening.

Yes, DILAPAN-S is effective and safe for outpatient use, as confirmed by recent clinical trials and recommended by NICE. Outpatient cervical ripening significantly shortens the length of stay in hospital, increases vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours after admission, and further improves maternal satisfaction.

There are no specific gestational age limitations; use depends on the clinical judgement.

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Where is our product available?

DILAPAN-S is currently available in more than 30 countries all over the world. Find your local distributor below.