WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE WITH GYNECOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: PAIN PERCEPTION AND THE ROLE OF ANESTHESIA

Kardanova Madina Khabilevna, Idrisova Liliya Sultanovna, Kardanova Aidana Zaurovna, Zhambekova Zalina Magomedovna, Tlupova Alina Anzorovna, Guseinova Nuriya Ramizovna

Routine gynecological procedures including pelvic exams, hysteroscopies, and IUD insertions are often regarded as minimally invasive and low in discomfort. However, emerging patient-reported data suggest otherwise, revealing significant levels of procedural pain and unmet needs for pain management. This study employed the Patient-Centered Gynecological Experience Assessment (PCGEA), a structured survey completed by 227 women, to evaluate pain experiences, anesthesia use, and preferences across nine common gynecological procedures. Results showed that procedures involving intrauterine access, such as endometrial ablation (mean pain score: 7.9/10), endometrial sampling (~7.5/10), and hysteroscopy (~7.2/10), were associated with the highest pain levels. Even traditionally low-pain procedures like the speculum exam led 63% of respondents to wish anesthesia had been offered. Across all procedures performed without anesthesia, 61% of participants expressed a desire for it. The study also revealed a significant gap between clinical assumptions and patient experiences, highlighting widespread underestimation of procedural pain. These findings underscore the ethical and clinical need to shift toward trauma-informed, patient-centered approaches that incorporate personalized pain management strategies in routine gynecological care.

Keywords:Patient-centered care, Pain management, Gynecological procedures.