CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Christ Hospital Health Network began using nitrous oxide in its OB/GYN department on Thursday to help combat patient anxiety.

“I think patients are very afraid of many of our procedures,” said Dr. Jenny Demos. “It helps with both the fear and the pain medication.”

Gynecologists began exploring new ways to make examinations more comfortable for patients and found nitrous oxide as a possible solution. Christ Hospital was the first hospital in the Greater Cincinnati area to use it on an outpatient basis.

“We can offer this to women undergoing procedures such as IUD insertion or removal, LEEPs, colposcopy and endometrial biopsies,” Demos said. “It’s even available to patients who have a history of trauma or sexual abuse. A normal pelvic exam is difficult and the patient could use this in that situation as well.”

Demos said three patients used nitrous oxide at the Liberty Township hospital.

“One patient had this procedure a year ago and was in a lot of discomfort,” Demos said. “This year she was able to use nitrous oxide and felt it really helped her.”

Nitrous oxide is available at the hospital’s outpatient center in Ft. Wright, the medical center in Liberty Township, and the main campus in Mt. Auburn.

Demos said nitrous oxide is in a trial phase, but they hope to have it available at all Christ Hospital locations in the future.

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