Pain Management for In-Office Gynecologic Procedures: What’s New in 2025

At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we believe every woman deserves comfort, dignity, and control during her gynecologic care. That’s why we’re sharing new insights from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which recently released updated guidance on Pain Management for In-Office Uterine and Cervical Procedures—including IUD insertion, endometrial biopsy, colposcopy, and cervical biopsy.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

For years, in-office gynecologic procedures have been performed with minimal pain control, often relying on the assumption that discomfort would be mild or brief. However, ACOG’s latest Clinical Consensus challenges this notion, emphasizing that:

• Pain perception is individual—and what feels tolerable for one patient can be very distressing for another.

• Patients should be offered evidence-based options for pain relief and be part of the decision-making process.

• Clinicians should not underestimate pain associated with cervical or uterine instrumentation.

At Complete Healthcare, these principles align with our own philosophy: patient-centered care that respects both your comfort and your preferences.

Evidence-Based Options for Comfort

According to ACOG, several approaches can be used alone or in combination to reduce discomfort during procedures:

• Local anesthesia: Numbing medicine (such as lidocaine) applied to the cervix or uterus can significantly reduce pain.

• NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen taken before the procedure can lessen cramping afterward.

• Cervical preparation: In certain cases, medication that softens the cervix can make the procedure easier and more comfortable.

• Supportive measures: Deep breathing, distraction techniques, and a calm environment can also improve comfort.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s the key takeaway—your comfort plan should be personalized.

What Patients Can Do

If you have an upcoming procedure, we encourage you to discuss pain control options with your provider ahead of time. Ask questions such as:

• What type of numbing or medication will be used?

• How long does the discomfort usually last?

• Is there anything I can take beforehand to help?

Your care team at Complete Healthcare welcomes these discussions. Together, we can plan for a smoother experience and reduce anxiety before your procedure.

Our Commitment at Complete Healthcare

We take patient comfort seriously. Whether you’re coming in for an IUD insertion, biopsy, or other in-office procedure, we will:

• Review your options for pain management

• Provide individualized recommendations

• Ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way

ACOG’s new recommendations reaffirm what we’ve always believed—your comfort is part of your care.

Complete Healthcare – Obstetrics and Gynecology

509-392-6700