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No Laughing Matter—Nitrous Oxide Relieves Uncomfortable OBGYN Procedures

​​​​​​I was excited when I found out I was going to interview Dr. Jennifer Demos with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Obstetrics & Gynecology about nitrous oxide. It feels like everyone knows about the use of nitrous oxide in the dentist office but has never thought about using it in an OBGYN setting. I’ve had the chance to interview Dr. Demos on several different occasions, and this time, she was happy to tell me about bringing nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to The Christ Hospital for gynecological outpatient procedures. She told me that she belonged to a Facebook group of OBGYNs that had been chatting about using nitrous oxide for gynecological procedures and knew she had to find a way to bring that to The Christ Hospital. She is a huge patient advocate!

Making uncomfortable procedures comfortable

I feel like nitrous oxide has been around the dentist office for years. Our dentist used it to fill in a cavity for Penelope, but now it’s making its way to the OBGYN office.

Dr. Jenny Demos said she is looking forward to this change. She said, “Some of the procedures done in the OBGYN office may be uncomfortable for some patients, and there haven't been great options for pain relief. I knew this was something important to patients and meeting their needs. There are so many procedures done in the office, including IUD insertions and removals, colposcopies, LEEPs, endome​​​​trial biopsies, Nexplanon removal or insertion. This could even be an option for a patient who has experienced trauma and has a hard time getting through a regular pelvic exam.”

I remember when I got my IUD, I had to take the day off work and have a driver. All of that will go away with using nitrous oxide. With nitrous oxide, you can have that procedure and be fine to drive home after.

Dr. Demos added, “The benefit of nitrous oxide is that it is fast acting and leaves the body quickly. You can drive yourself 15 minutes later. No one needs to accompany patients to their appointment, and they don't have to take the whole day off work. There are virtually no risks.”

Nitrous oxide is easily administered

This all sounds amazing, and another great benefit is how the nitrous oxide is administered. The patient just uses a mouth mask.

Dr. Demos said, “It can only be activated by the patient taking in a deep breath while the mask is over their mouth. Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance but is available to patients for $100. Patients can use their HSA or FSA cards, though.”

If you have any questions for Dr. Jennifer Demos or want to schedule an appointment, click here. ​


Q102's Fritsch
​Jennifer Fritsch is part of the Jeff and Jenn Morning Show on Q102, which airs on weekdays from 5:30-10 a.m. She is also a co-host on Q102’s Hot List, weekdays at 10 a.m. When she isn't working, Fritsch enjoys traveling, visiting new places and of course, being a mom! She has a daughter named Penelope, and thoroughly enjoys trying new things together as a mother/daughter duo.  As a paid partner of The Christ Hospital Health Network, Fritsch is eager to share all experiences through Healthspirations. 
No Laughing Matter—Nitrous Oxide Relieves Uncomfortable OBGYN Procedures We’ve all heard of using nitrous oxide in dental procedures, but how about using nitrous oxide at the OBGYN office? Some physicians at The Christ Hospital Health Network are offering nitrous oxide in office for outpatient gynecological procedures.

​​​​​​I was excited when I found out I was going to interview Dr. Jennifer Demos with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Obstetrics & Gynecology about nitrous oxide. It feels like everyone knows about the use of nitrous oxide in the dentist office but has never thought about using it in an OBGYN setting. I’ve had the chance to interview Dr. Demos on several different occasions, and this time, she was happy to tell me about bringing nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to The Christ Hospital for gynecological outpatient procedures. She told me that she belonged to a Facebook group of OBGYNs that had been chatting about using nitrous oxide for gynecological procedures and knew she had to find a way to bring that to The Christ Hospital. She is a huge patient advocate!

Making uncomfortable procedures comfortable

I feel like nitrous oxide has been around the dentist office for years. Our dentist used it to fill in a cavity for Penelope, but now it’s making its way to the OBGYN office.

Dr. Jenny Demos said she is looking forward to this change. She said, “Some of the procedures done in the OBGYN office may be uncomfortable for some patients, and there haven't been great options for pain relief. I knew this was something important to patients and meeting their needs. There are so many procedures done in the office, including IUD insertions and removals, colposcopies, LEEPs, endome​​​​trial biopsies, Nexplanon removal or insertion. This could even be an option for a patient who has experienced trauma and has a hard time getting through a regular pelvic exam.”

I remember when I got my IUD, I had to take the day off work and have a driver. All of that will go away with using nitrous oxide. With nitrous oxide, you can have that procedure and be fine to drive home after.

Dr. Demos added, “The benefit of nitrous oxide is that it is fast acting and leaves the body quickly. You can drive yourself 15 minutes later. No one needs to accompany patients to their appointment, and they don't have to take the whole day off work. There are virtually no risks.”

Nitrous oxide is easily administered

This all sounds amazing, and another great benefit is how the nitrous oxide is administered. The patient just uses a mouth mask.

Dr. Demos said, “It can only be activated by the patient taking in a deep breath while the mask is over their mouth. Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance but is available to patients for $100. Patients can use their HSA or FSA cards, though.”

If you have any questions for Dr. Jennifer Demos or want to schedule an appointment, click here. ​


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