- The World Health Organization recommends pain relief for every vacuum aspiration: local anaesthetic plus painkillers.
- Sedation can be added depending on the doctor's assessment and your preference.
- If you have sedation, you need to fast and have someone to take you home.
- Cramping afterwards usually settles easily with painkillers.
The options
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthetic (paracervical block) | Numbing medicine is injected around the cervix; painkillers are given beforehand. | You stay awake; fasting is usually not needed; you go home quickly. |
| Sedation | Medicines given through a vein make you relaxed and drowsy. | You need to fast, have a companion and not drive for 24 hours. |
| General anaesthetic | You are fully asleep. | Not routinely recommended by the World Health Organization for first-trimester vacuum aspiration; considered in special situations. |
What does it feel like?
With local anaesthetic, most people feel cramping similar to period pain for a few minutes during the aspiration. The cramps ease quickly once it is over. With sedation, you will remember little of the procedure.
Feeling anxious is completely natural. You can ask us to talk you through each step, or ask for quiet instead.
How is the right option chosen?
The decision is made together, taking into account the stage of pregnancy, your health history, any previous experience with anaesthesia and your own preference. Always tell us about chronic conditions, allergies or past problems with anaesthesia.
Pain afterwards
Period-like cramps are common on the first day. The painkiller your doctor recommends (usually a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen) and a hot water bottle are usually enough. Severe pain that painkillers do not relieve needs urgent assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be put to sleep?
The options are local anaesthetic, sedation or, in special situations, general anaesthesia. The right choice depends on the doctor's assessment and your preference.
When can I go home after sedation?
Usually after a short period of observation, once you are fully awake and steady on your feet, with a companion.
Sources
- World Health Organization. Abortion care guideline. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Best practice in abortion care. London; 2022.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting. Anesthesiology 2017;126:376–93.