Tag: Paracervical block

Local anesthetics are generally very safe and serious problems are rare, but understanding the potential risks is vital for patient safety. This guide details what are the side effects of local anaesthetic in the cervix, from minor, temporary effects to the very rare systemic complications associated with paracervical blocks.

The incidence of fetal bradycardia, a drop in the fetal heart rate, is approximately 15% following a paracervical block, making it the procedure's most significant side effect [1.3.2]. So, what is the most common adverse effect of a paracervical block? It is this transient change in heart rate [1.2.3].

While a majority of women report IUD insertion to be moderately to severely painful, as of early 2025, only about 1 in 20 received pain medication on the day of the procedure. Understanding what type of sedation is used for IUD insertion can empower patients to advocate for their comfort.

While intrauterine device (IUD) insertion can be a moderately to severely painful procedure for many, only about 1 in 20 women receive pain medication on the day of insertion. This highlights a disparity between patient experience and clinical practice, though new recommendations from the CDC and professional societies are pushing for better, patient-centered pain management. Determining what pain medication is given before an IUD is a key step in a personalized plan to improve comfort.

While a 2023 study found nearly 50% of women report intense pain during IUD insertion, many are unaware of their options [1.7.2]. So, **what anesthesia is used for IUD insertion?** A variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are available to significantly improve patient comfort.