How Should Gynecologists Respond in the Moment to Physiological, Historical, and Psychosocial Features of Patients' Pain?

Abstract

Patients should receive appropriate pain relief when undergoing procedures. This article canvases historical and sociological underpinnings of how clinicians have responded and should respond in the moment to patients' pain during elective gynecologic procedures, such as intrauterine device placement and first-trimester abortion. This article then considers evidence-based techniques for responding to patients' pain expressions and experiences during such procedures. Finally, this article addresses the nature and scope of clinicians' obligations to respond in the moment to patients' needs when complete pain relief might not be possible.