Sedation, Anesthesia & Patient Comfort During Abortion Care

Many patients who receive moderate IV sedation at Femi-Care remember little or nothing about the procedure itself. While every patient’s experience is different and no procedure can be guaranteed to be completely painless, our goal is to provide care with minimal discomfort, minimal anxiety, and as little memory of the procedure as safely possible.

Your comfort plan may include local anesthesia, medication for anxiety when appropriate, or moderate IV sedation for a deeper level of comfort. Your care team will review your medical history, procedure, and preferences to recommend the safest and most appropriate option for you.

With moderate IV sedation, many patients become very relaxed and may drift into a light sleep-like state. Many remember little or nothing about the procedure afterward. Moderate IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia. You continue breathing on your own throughout the procedure, while your care team monitors you closely.

For many eligible patients, moderate IV sedation can provide a deep level of comfort while avoiding some of the additional risks and recovery considerations associated with general anesthesia. Your physician will review your medical history, procedure, and individual needs to recommend the safest and most appropriate option for you.

Local anesthesia numbs the cervix while you remain fully awake. Minimal sedation uses medication to reduce anxiety. Moderate IV sedation uses medication through an IV to provide deeper relaxation and comfort for eligible patients.

You need a responsible adult to drive you home if you receive any oral or IV sedating medication. Patients who receive only local anesthesia may be able to drive themselves if our clinical team confirms they meet discharge criteria.

No. Moderate IV sedation, sometimes called twilight sedation, helps you feel deeply relaxed while you continue breathing on your own. It is different from general anesthesia.

Most patients are candidates for moderate IV sedation. Your physician will review your medical history, medications, allergies, procedure type, and any safety considerations before your procedure to confirm that IV sedation is appropriate for you.

If IV sedation is not recommended for medical or safety reasons, we will discuss other comfort options and create the safest plan for your care.

Please be honest about all medications and substance use history, including opioids or narcotic pain medication. This information helps us plan safer and more comfortable care. It is used without judgment.

Your physician may use a range of medications and comfort measures to support anxiety relief, pain control, and reduced awareness when appropriate. The exact plan depends on your medical history and procedure.

For self-pay patients, appropriate sedation and comfort options provided as part of the procedure are included in the procedure fee. If insurance is used, coverage and patient responsibility may vary by plan.

Sedation or additional comfort support may be available for select patients having IUD insertion or removal. This may be helpful for patients with prior painful IUD experiences, significant anxiety, pelvic pain, trauma history, or anticipated difficult insertion.

Please follow the eating and drinking instructions provided by your care team. In many cases, patients are asked not to eat solid food for several hours before the procedure. Clear liquids, such as water, may be allowed closer to the time of your visit unless your care team gives you different instructions. These guidelines help reduce nausea and keep your visit safer and more comfortable. Once you are in recovery, we provide snacks and drinks before you go home.

In most cases, yes. You can take your usual morning medications with a small sip of water unless your care team tells you otherwise. The main exceptions are medications that may need special instructions, such as insulin or other diabetes medications, blood thinners, or certain medicines that affect sedation or bleeding. If you take insulin, have diabetes, take blood thinners, or are unsure about any medication, please ask our team for specific instructions before your procedure. We are happy to confirm what is safe to take.

Most patients have little to no pain once sedation wears off, though some patients experience cramping or moderate discomfort. When medically appropriate, patients may receive medication during the visit to help reduce cramping after the procedure. After your procedure, over‑the‑counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any remaining discomfort, and most patients do well without anything stronger. We do not routinely prescribe additional pain medication, since most patients do not need it. If your discomfort feels stronger than expected, please let our team know before you leave or contact us afterward.