Pain Management for First-Trimester Uterine Aspiration

Abstract

Pain management for first-trimester uterine aspiration should be individualized for optimal patient satisfaction. Evidence supports multiple approaches to support this individualization. Targeted interventions before, during, and after the procedure should be offered to improve procedure experience and satisfaction.

Pain and pain management during induced abortions: A web‐based exploratory study of recollections from previous patients

“…Abortion‐related pain manifests due to physiological processes including induction of uterine contractions, foetal passage through the cervical canal and dilation of the cervix (Jackson & Kapp, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ). Appropriate pain management is considered a key aspect to achieve high‐quality abortion care (Dennis et al, ).…”

“…Although various pharmacological and non‐pharmacological methods are available (Allen & Singh, ; Carlsson, ; Jackson & Kapp, ), pain management remains a clinical challenge (Andersson et al, ; Mauri, Ceriotti, Soldi, & Guerrini Contini, ). Current recommendations involve pharmacological treatment by means of various drugs and administration routes for medical (Carlsson, ; Jackson & Kapp, ; Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology & The Swedish Association of Midwives, ; World Health Organization, ) and surgical abortion (Moayedi & Tschann, ; Renner et al, ; Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, ; World Health Organization, ). Non‐pharmacological methods may also be used (Carlsson, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ).…”

“…Current recommendations involve pharmacological treatment by means of various drugs and administration routes for medical (Carlsson, ; Jackson & Kapp, ; Swedish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology & The Swedish Association of Midwives, ; World Health Organization, ) and surgical abortion (Moayedi & Tschann, ; Renner et al, ; Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, ; World Health Organization, ). Non‐pharmacological methods may also be used (Carlsson, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ). Studies have observed regional differences with regard to pain management (Carlsson, ; Westhoff, Dasmahapatra, Winikoff, Clarke, & The Mifepristone Clinical Trials Group, ), calling attention to inconsistencies in abortion care and unclear evidence with regard to pain management (Jackson & Kapp, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ).…”

“…Non‐pharmacological methods may also be used (Carlsson, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ). Studies have observed regional differences with regard to pain management (Carlsson, ; Westhoff, Dasmahapatra, Winikoff, Clarke, & The Mifepristone Clinical Trials Group, ), calling attention to inconsistencies in abortion care and unclear evidence with regard to pain management (Jackson & Kapp, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ).…”

“…Guidelines from leading organizations stress the importance of team‐based efforts that include routine screening and evaluation of pain, prompt treatment with multimodal methods, patient involvement in care, and reassessment and adjustment of an appropriate pain management plans (Chou et al, ; Gordon et al, ). Multimodal and individualized approaches are necessary to effectively treat abortion‐related pain (Allen, Fortin, Bartz, Goldberg, & Clark, ; Jackson & Kapp, ; Moayedi & Tschann, ). Research that explores pain experiences may uncover important aspects related to how to plan and carry out high‐quality pain management.…”