Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Control During First Trimester Abortion

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Control During First Trimester Abortion: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

High-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve-stimulation (TENS) is an inexpensive and non-invasive pain control approach. TENS, pulsating electrical currents that activate underlying nerves, does not have drug interactions or risk of overdose. Cochrane review of TENS for acute pain found inconclusive evidence. One previous abortion trial comparing TENS to IV sedation only looked at pain control in the recovery room. The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial comparing TENS to IV sedation (in conjunction with local anesthesia) among women presenting for first-trimester surgical abortion. Primary outcome will be perceived pain by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during aspiration.

Inclusion criteria:

• Presenting for surgical abortion
• Gestational age <12 weeks
• < 18 years of age
• Agrees to be randomized

Exclusion criteria:

• Allergy to study medications (lidocaine, fentanyl, midazolam)
• > 18 years of age
• Fetal demise
• Pre-procedure use of misoprostol
• No means of transportation following procedure