Overview

• A British study surveyed 1,600 women who underwent medication abortions, with 41.5% rating their pain as 8 or higher on a 10-point scale.
• Nearly half of respondents reported the pain was more severe than they had anticipated, with some comparing it to labor contractions.
• The study highlights that current counseling often downplays the potential pain, using period cramps as a benchmark, which many found unhelpful or misleading.
• Experts call for more realistic, patient-centered counseling to help women make informed decisions and better prepare for the procedure.
• Recommendations include providing detailed pain management plans, such as using NSAIDs, anti-nausea medications, heating pads, and ensuring access to emotional support.