Pain Management Options for In-Clinic Abortion

Pain Management Options Available at Our Clinic

Local Anesthesia  Paracervical Block

A paracervical block is the most commonly used form of pain management for in-clinic aspiration abortion procedures. It involves injecting a local anesthetic directly around the cervix to numb the area before dilation and aspiration.

• Reduces pain associated with cervical dilation
• Takes effect within minutes of administration
• Does not cause sedation — you remain fully awake and alert
• Does not require fasting or a designated driver in most cases
• Most patients still experience some cramping during the procedure despite the block
• Can be combined with oral medication for enhanced comfort

Oral Pain Medication

Oral pain medication is typically offered before your procedure begins to reduce cramping and discomfort during and after the abortion.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Ibuprofen or similar NSAIDs are prescribed or recommended before the procedure to reduce uterine cramping. They are most effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment begins.

Oral opioid medication For patients who require stronger pre-procedure pain relief, oral opioid analgesics may be prescribed depending on clinical eligibility and procedure type.

Anti-Anxiety Medication (Anxiolysis)

Anxiety significantly amplifies the perception of pain during medical procedures. Oral anti-anxiety medication — typically a benzodiazepine such as lorazepam or diazepam — may be offered before your procedure to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

• Reduces procedural anxiety and fear
• Lowers perceived pain intensity
• Promotes a calmer procedure experience
• Requires a designated driver as it causes drowsiness
• Does not eliminate pain  typically combined with local anesthesia or sedation

Conscious Sedation (Moderate Sedation)

Conscious sedation involves administering sedative and analgesic medications intravenously to achieve a relaxed, drowsy state during your abortion procedure. You remain conscious and able to respond to your provider but are significantly more comfortable and less aware of the procedure.

• Significantly reduces pain and discomfort during the procedure
• Reduces anxiety and procedural distress
• You remain responsive but in a deeply relaxed state
• Requires IV placement before the procedure
• Requires fasting before your appointment
• Requires a designated driver for discharge
• Monitored by a trained care team member throughout the procedure
• Recovery time in clinic is longer than with local anesthesia alone

IV Sedation / Deep Sedation

IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation than conscious sedation. Patients are in a sleep-like state during the procedure and have little to no memory of it afterward.

• Deepest level of sedation available for in-clinic abortion
• Minimizes procedural awareness and discomfort
• Appropriate for patients with high anxiety, low pain tolerance, or complex procedures
• Requires fasting before your appointment
• Requires IV placement and continuous monitoring
• Requires a designated driver for discharge
• Longer recovery time at the clinic before discharge

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious during the procedure. It is typically reserved for more complex second-trimester procedures or patients with specific medical or clinical indications.

• Complete unconsciousness during the procedure
• No pain or awareness during the abortion
• Requires pre-procedure fasting and medical clearance
• Administered and monitored by an anesthesia provider
• Longer post-procedure recovery time
• Requires a designated driver for discharge
• Available for eligible patients based on clinical assessment