Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0006-8024-222X

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether the benefits of prescription pain medications outweigh their risks in managing pain during standard outpatient gynecologic procedures.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using Medline via EBSCO, covering studies from January 2019 to December 2024. Search terms included variations of "pain management" combined with "gynecology" and "procedure." Of 507 identified articles, studies were included if they were in English, full-text, and involved adult patients with female reproductive anatomy undergoing outpatient gynecologic procedures. Exclusion criteria included participants under 18, studies older than five years, and those involving surgery, maternal-fetal procedures, or childbirth. Primary outcome: patient-reported pain; secondary outcomes: recovery time and patient satisfaction.

Results: NSAIDs consistently reduced intra- and post-procedural pain with minimal side effects. Opioids were effective for intra-procedural pain but carried a higher risk of adverse effects. Antispasmodics showed mixed but generally positive results. Local anesthetics reliably controlled procedural pain. TENS therapy was effective both during and after procedures. Conscious sedation reduced intra-procedural pain but offered no post-procedural benefit and posed greater risks.

Conclusion: Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies can effectively manage pain in outpatient gynecologic procedures. NSAIDs, selective COX-2 inhibitors, opioids, and antispasmodics are effective pharmacologic options, though opioids require cautious use due to side effects. Local anesthetics and TENS provide reliable non-opioid alternatives. Conscious sedation is not recommended due to limited benefit and higher risk.

Keywords: Pain management, outpatient gynecology, NSAIDs, opioids, local anesthesia, TENS therapy

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Andrea Luekens has an anticipated graduation date of July 2025 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. She plans to pursue a career in emergency medicine following graduation. Andrea was inspired to research the topic of "Effective Pain Control Strategies for Outpatient Gynecologic Procedures" because she has a special interest in women's health and is very passionate about providing better care for women.

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