A classic tenaculum (left) to grab and pull the cervix during IUD insertions and the new tool … More Aspivix is offering to replace it (right).
©Zuzanna Adamczewska-Bolle
In August last year, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., finally communicated what many women have claimed for years: pain during gynecological procedures, especially intrauterine devices (IUD) insertions, is often underestimated and poorly managed. The agency called for better care—more information, more options, and actual pain relief. Now, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has adapted to the request. The new guidelines emphasize the need to offer patients a range of pain management options for all in-office gynecological procedures.
One Swiss company might have played a role in this change; Aspivix, based in Lausanne. Aspivix has developed Carevix®, a new non-traumatic cervical stabilizer designed to replace the tenaculum. It’s the pointed, clamp-like tool that’s used to grab and pull the cervix during IUD insertions and other procedures. It’s often the source of the sharpest pain—yet many patients are not told what to expect, and almost none are offered pain relief.
The cervix is packed with nerves, and especially for women who haven’t given birth (nulliparous patients), the pain can be intense. Some have described it as “as painful as giving birth, or worse.” Carevix® works by gently holding the cervix in place with suction rather than piercing it. That change may sound small, but the impact is clear: less pain, less bleeding, and improved experiences.
A segment on the US TV show CBS Mornings showed the difference between the traditional tenaculum and Carevix. The side-by-side comparison makes it obvious why women would prefer the new tool. Watch it here.
Backed by Data
Aspivix has conducted a randomized controlled trial with the University Hospitals in Geneva and Lausanne, showing that Carevix® significantly reduced pain and bleeding during IUD insertion compared to the tenaculum. The results were published in the journal Contraception. To move into the U.S. market, Aspivix has partnered with Columbia University in New York and IU Health in Indianapolis for a follow-up clinical study, as well as with the Women’s Health clinics, Tia Health, across the country.
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The U.S. study, led by Professor Jeffrey Peipert and Dr. Alissa Conklin, is still ongoing, but the early experience is promising. Dr. Conklin, who specializes in trauma-informed care, uses Carevix® routinely and she says that nearly all patients prefer it when given the option.
The scope now is to include other cervical exams and other office procedures. That’s in line with the new ACOG guidance, which applies to a wide range of interventions that require cervical stabilization such as endocervical biopsies, hysteroscopies and in IVF
Educating Clinicians—and Women
Changing clinical practice isn’t just about launching a product. Aspivix has spent a lot of time working with gynecologists and midwives, identifying early adopters, and helping them test the device. Ikram Guerd, General Manager for Aspivix’ U.S. branch, states that “It’s all about education. Transforming women’s healthcare starts with education—at every level. We must train the next generation of clinicians to embrace innovation, empower women to understand their choices and ask for better care, and encourage men and investors to challenge the status quo. ‘It already works’ is no longer good enough when better, more respectful alternatives exist.”
Guerd and her team are also talking directly to women. A 20-second TikTok video explaining Carevix® posted by FemTech-promoter Dr. Brittany Barreto in 2023 reached over 3 million views and sparked thousands of comments. Many women described their own painful IUD insertions and wished they had known about alternatives. The video helped “IUD” become one of TikTok’s top health search terms.
One Company Can’t Change Guidelines—But It Can Help
Aspivix is not the only company trying to change the use of painful gynecological tools. U.S.-based company Ceek Women’s Health has designed a plastic speculum made from softer, body-friendly material. It’s the same basic shape as the traditional speculum, but far more comfortable for patients. Other startups are also working on new designs and materials—and it seems that the IUDprocedure is finally improving.
Now, with both CDC and ACOG calling for better pain management, the timing is right. And with more women speaking up—online, in clinics, and in the media—the message is harder to ignore: painful tools don’t have to be part of the experience.
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