What is Nitrous Oxide?
At Carnegie Women’s Health, we now offer nitrous oxide for use during specific office procedures and exams. Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” has been used safely for years during childbirth and in other medical settings, such as dentistry. It is a gas inhaled by a patient that slows down the body’s and brain’s responses to pain. This treatment allows you to feel relaxed, calm, and euphoric during your procedure.
Candidates for Nitrous Oxide
At Carnegie Women’s Health, we recognize that some patients may find gynecologic procedures and exams challenging and uncomfortable. It may not be easy to relax during pelvic exams or treatments, and some women even avoid seeing a gynecologist due to this. Nitrous oxide can help patients who experience these feelings. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for nitrous oxide during your treatment is to discuss the option with your doctor beforehand.
Nitrous Oxide Process
Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colorless, and non-flammable gas that you breathe in, which helps relieve medical anxiety and stress. Nitrous oxide takes a few short minutes to become effective and is entirely patient-controlled, allowing you to breathe in the product only when you see fit. Its effects wear off rapidly, so minimal “downtime” is required after use. You will not be completely asleep like you would be with intravenous anesthesia, allowing you to communicate with your doctor during the procedure. This may help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable. Some women briefly feel dizzy or rarely have increased panic; these feelings are temporary and improve quickly once the medication is stopped.
Which Procedures Does This Apply To?
Nitrous oxide is available at Carnegie Women’s Health during gynecology procedures, such as IUD insertion or colscopy It can also be used during pelvic exams for any patients who feel it will improve their experience. Nitrous oxide should not be used for women taking certain medications or with specific health issues; please speak with your doctor regarding your history to determine if this is the right choice for you. It is also not covered by commercial insurance; the current fee for use is $100 per procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
Nitrous oxide can help you maintain comfort and relieve stress during your medical procedures at Carnegie Women’s Health in New York City. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or would like to learn more about using nitrous oxide during your appointment, contact us today by filling out our online contact form. Our doctors Carnegie Women’s Health are very happy to offer this option to patients!
