Abortion can hurt or be uncomfortable for some people. Exactly how much it may hurt or the amount of discomfort felt varies from person to person. We describe the discomfort during the procedure as being similar to menstrual cramps or having your period. That is why, at Northland, we have created a calm and relaxing environment to make you as comfortable as possible for the first-trimester abortion or second-trimester abortion procedure. We also offer several options to help you manage pain. One of our services allows you to have a friend or companion with you throughout the majority of your visit. Please feel free to discuss your concerns with us, and we will help you choose the best abortion option for you.
A note about anesthesia: Many people wish to explore other pain options including pain medications. It is important to understand all of your options because there is a lot of misleading information out there, especially regarding abortion anesthesia. Oral valium or injections of light pain medication that you may hear about at other clinics are not anesthesia program. Some abortion providers may tell you they are using general or twilight Anesthesia when, in fact, they are using lesser sedation medications.
One of the most commonly asked questions we hear is “Does it hurt a lot?” We don’t think it has to. We understand how hard it is for many people to decide to have an abortion. We don’t want concerns about pain to add to the worry and confusion. So, relax… and let us take good care of you.
We know that patients prefer to have their procedure in a warm and caring environment with as little discomfort as possible. Northland Family Planning Centers practice a unique, more holistic approach toward abortion anesthesia. By combining stress-reducing, therapeutic relaxation techniques in a warm, soothing atmosphere, we treat the whole body – not just the areas affected by the procedure. 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 person” approach sets us apart from other abortion clinics.
Northland Family Planning Centers offers the strongest IV sedation possible, without putting you to sleep. Our combination of medications is designed to make you as comfortable as possible and are commonly used to induce sedation before many medical procedures.
Moderate IV Sedation
Our moderate IV sedation delivers the most comfort for patients concerned about pain AND is included in your abortion fee. These stronger, faster-acting IV sedation medications are used to ease pain and anxiety. Our physicians also consider your medical and personal factors so they can adjust medications for your individual requirements. These are given in addition to the standard local anesthesia to numb your cervical area.