Starnberg Medical and EPI-NO
German medical innovation is reducing the risk of tearing and episiotomy ('stitches') in Australian women wanting a natural vaginal birth. But EPI-NO can also help women electing a Caesarean delivery. Caesarean Section does not prevent pelvic floor damage or incontinence in pregnant women.
The EPI-NO Delphine Plus Childbirth & Pelvic Floor Trainer has a dual purpose. Used early in pregnancy, EPI-NO strengthens the pelvic floor with a series of pelvic muscle exercises to improve weight bearing and control during delivery. Then from Week 36 the exercises switch to the perineum, gently and progressively stretching the tissue, in the same way as an athlete will prepare to avoid an injury through spontaneous physical exertion. Following the birth, pelvic floor muscle exercises recommence. All women benefit from regular pelvic floor muscle exercises, and EPI-NO 'active resistance' training is the most effective method of exercising muscle.
In Australia, we estimate that nearly half of all women using EPI-NO have already had a baby and previously experienced a difficult birth using traditional preparation methods. Although Clinical Trials in Germany and Australia have focused on outcomes for first time mothers, EPI-NO can help women prepare for their second or subsequent baby. EPI-NO has been used by VBACs (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean).
EPI-NO has been clinically tested in a Trial of Perineal Outcomes at Box Hill Hospital, Birralee Birthing Unit, Melbourne. The Trial concluded that "the use of the device (EPI-NO) is beneficial in decreasing damage to the perineum during vaginal delivery" Trial results were published in ANZJOG 2004; 44:347-348. "The EPI-NO device should be offered as an option to all primigravidae (first time mothers) to use during the late third trimester" Prof. Gabor T. Kovacs. Box Hill Medical School. Victoria.
EPI-NO is available in Australia and throughout Asia via Starnberg Medical direct, and through selected pharmacies and stockists. Learn more about the EPI-NO experience, research our Resources, locate a pharmacy, or order online from Starnberg Medical on this website.
Health Care Professionals
Request an EPI-NO Clinical Information Pack or patient brochures by calling 1300 737 972 or by emailing us at info@starnbergmed.com.
Clinical Trial News
Another Australian EPI-NO Clinical Trial is underway. The new trial at Nepean Hospital, Penrith, is studying 200 women expecting their first baby, and the potential protective effect of EPI-NO on the pelvic floor.
The First Australian Clinical Trial at Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne (Perineal Outcomes) was published in 2004 and found that EPI-NO training decreased the risk of perineal tearing and episiotomy. See Resources on this site.
