Aspects on ripening of the cervix and induction of labor by intracervical application of PGE2 in viscous gel.

In this survey the effect of intracervically applied prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the pregnant uterus is outlined. It is concluded that PGE2 decreases cervical resistance and stimulates the myometrium to contract. In small doses (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg) PGE2 produces a rapid and prominent ripening of the cervix without systemic side effects and indepedent of prominent uterine contractions. Prostaglandin E2 applied intracervically in viscous gel seems to be superior to previously used methods for treatment of patients with an unfavorable cervical state.