Pain Management and Anesthesia Options
One of the most commonly asked questions we hear, and often the first question women ask, is “Does it hurt a lot?” We don’t think it has to. We understand how hard it is for many women to decide to have an abortion. We don’t want concerns about pain to add to the worry and confusion. So, relax…let us take good care of you. Read about our unique pain management approach, including three IV sedation choices, and our Commonly Asked Questions about Deep IV sedation.
We know that women prefer to have their surgery in a warm and caring environment with as little discomfort as possible. Northland Family Planning Centers practice a unique, more holistic approach toward managing pain. By combining stress-reducing, therapeutic relaxation techniques in a warm soothing atmosphere, we treat the whole body – not just the areas affected by the surgery. Soft lighting and relaxing music fill each treatment room while aromatherapy and a warm heating pad helps you relax. This treatment, combined with the care of our professional staff, encourages a deeper state of relaxation before, during and after the abortion procedure. This “whole woman” approach sets us apart from other abortion clinics.
Northland Family Planning Centers offers three different pain management options. We have invested in the best anesthesia equipment, hired a team of specially-trained, licensed and certified anesthesia care specialists and developed information, policies and protocols that adhere to the strictest national standards for safe office-based anesthesia.
After your abortion, you will most likely experience some cramping…but every woman is different. If you tend to have heavy cramps during your menstrual periods, then you will probably have cramping after your surgery. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to take at home.
CAUTION!
GENERAL ANESTHESIA WARNING
Oral valium or injections of light pain medication that you may hear about at other clinics are not really an Anesthesia Program. Some abortion providers may tell you they are using General or Twilight Anesthesia when, in fact, they are using lesser sedation medications.
Be careful. If the provider says they are using ‘General”:
• Ask about equipment and training.
• Ask if they meet national guidelines for office-based anesthesia.
