Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream in Conjunction With Paracervical Block for Pain With Abortion

Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream in Conjunction With Lidocaine Paracervical Block for Pain With First-Trimester Abortion: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators theorize that the application of a lidocaine-prilocaine cream 5-10 minutes prior to the administration of a paracervical block could decrease pain associated with its administration and pain with abortion overall.

This is a superiority, double-blind randomized controlled trail of women ages 18 and older presenting for first-trimester surgical abortion. The lidocaine-prilocaine cream will be used in the experimental group in conjunction with a paracervical block, whereas plain lubricating gel will be used in conjunction with a paracervical block for the placebo, control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• surgical abortion patient at 5 0/7 to 11 6/7 weeks gestational age;
• English or Spanish speaking;
• ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• pre-operative use of misoprostol;
• allergy to study medications (lidocaine, prilocaine, versed, fentanyl);
• known uterine anomaly;
• prior cervical surgery