Dinoprostone vaginal insert (Cervidil^®; Propess^®), a retrievable vaginal pessary containing 10 mg of dinoprostone [prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)] in a controlled-release drug delivery device, is approved in many countries worldwide for the initiation (or continuation) of cervical ripening in patients at term prior to labour induction. The device is designed to provide a constant and sustained release of dinoprostone to the cervix to promote the complex processes involved in cervical ripening. The vaginal insert is attached to a retrieval system that facilitates easy removal of the device at the onset of labour or in the event of complications. The effectiveness of dinoprostone vaginal insert has been demonstrated in a vast range of randomized clinical trials in women at term. The agent is well tolerated, with a generally favourable safety profile, both maternal and foetal/neonatal. As with all prostaglandin agents used in cervical ripening, dinoprostone vaginal insert is associated with a risk of uterine hyperstimulation. However, this is generally rapidly reversible upon removal of the insert. The demonstrated effectiveness and safety of the device, combined with the benefits of controlled drug release from a simple, single application, and efficient dose control, suggest that dinoprostone vaginal insert is a valuable option for promoting cervical ripening in patients with an unfavourable cervix at term.