Pain Management Options for In-Office Gynecology Procedures

Patients can improve their comfort and their outcomes by utilizing pain management in a multitude of ways

Pain management during gynecology procedures provides patients with more comfortable treatment through the use of systematic medication, localized pain management and/or environmental adjustments.

The benefits of pain management include increased comfort, improved patient experience, reduced risk of complications and enhanced procedure efficiency, as a relaxed patient enables the doctor to perform the procedure with more precision and ease. Another benefit is increased healthcare autonomy for the patient through involvement in decision making.

Risks of pain management are side effects of and adverse reactions to medications, delayed recovery and over-reliance on pain mitigation.

CU Anschutz Women's Health is one of only a few clinics in the Denver area that offer pain management techniques during gynecology procedures.

Why pain management is important for gynecology procedures

Our providers prioritize not only patient outcomes, but also their comfort and options during gynecology procedures. We understand that these procedures can cause anxiety and discomfort for many individuals, which is why we offer a wide range of pain management choices to ensure a more comfortable experience.

In addition, people’s tolerance to pain is uniquely personal and influenced by biologic and psychological factors. Some patients feel more pain than others with the same procedure. This is also the case with stress and anxiety a patient might experience due to pain or even the anticipation of it.

Enhanced patient autonomy

Our providers always encourage greater patient autonomy. We firmly stand behind a patient’s ability to make their own healthcare choices, including their pain control preferences. There are several ways in which we can alleviate pain and anxiety for our patients during these procedures:

• Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion or removal.
• Colposcopy.
• Hysteroscopy evaluation.
• Endometrial biopsy.
• Pelvic exams.
• Pap smears.

Our pain management options

The means by which our doctors reduce pain during certain procedures are listed below.

Systemic medication

For some patients, we may prescribe oral or intramuscular medication to help manage discomfort during gynecological procedures. These medications can help relax the body and reduce pain, making the procedure more tolerable.

Local pain management

We also offer local pain management options, such as numbing blocks and heating pads. Numbing blocks can be administered to the area being treated, reducing sensations of pain during the procedure. Heating pads can also help relax muscles and ease discomfort.

Environmental adjustments

Creating a comfortable and calming environment can significantly impact a patient’s experience during a gynecological procedure. We offer options such as playing personally selected music during the procedure, practicing diaphragmatic breathing techniques, and allowing support persons or partners to be present in the room during the procedure. We understand the importance of emotional support during these times and strive to accommodate our patients’ needs.

Not all OB-GYN clinics provide these options for pain governance, but we find they can greatly improve the patient experience as well as the healing process. We make it easy to add any of these preferences with no special authorization required. Patients simply need to discuss their desired pain management options with their provider ahead of their procedure.

Benefits of using pain relief techniques

Offering options to manage pain empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions. By discussing pain control options with their provider, patients can make informed choices that align with their preferences and comfort levels. This planning can reduce the patient’s fear of similar procedures, making them more inclined to seek necessary medical care in the future.

Techniques to manage pain help alleviate discomfort during gynecology procedures, making the experience more tolerable for patients and easier for providers. By reducing pain, patients may feel less anxious and more relaxed during the procedure. When patients are relaxed and experiencing less pain, healthcare providers can perform the necessary procedures with greater ease and precision.

These options can also help minimize the physiological stress response associated with pain, which may reduce the risk of certain complications during and after gynecology procedures. For example, decreased pain and anxiety levels can lead to lower blood pressure and heart rate, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Risks of using pain relief options

Some individuals may be more susceptible to adverse reactions to pain relief medications. Our providers will discuss factors such as allergies, pre-existing medical conditions and medication interactions beforehand so the individual can carefully consider using pain control interventions.

In some cases, techniques to manage pain such as sedation or anesthesia may result in delayed recovery or prolonged drowsiness. This can impact the patient’s ability to resume normal activities following the procedure and may require additional time for observation and monitoring.

There is a risk that patients may become overly reliant on techniques to manage pain, leading to a reluctance to undergo procedures without them. To combat this problem, we educate our patients about the appropriate use of pain management and encourage the development of healthy coping strategies for managing discomfort.

Overall, the benefits of using pain management during gynecological procedures often outweigh the risks, especially when patients’ comfort, preferences and well-being are prioritized. We still carefully assess each patient’s individual needs and circumstances to determine the most appropriate pain management approach. Open communication between patients and providers is key to ensuring a safe and effective pain management experience.

For some patients, office pain management is still not adequate to make them comfortable. We can perform their procedure at the hospital, where stronger pain medications such as IV sedation or general anesthesia can be used.