TENS Unit To Decrease Pain After Laminaria Insertion

All participants in this study will receive the standard of care, which includes oral ibuprofen and a paracervical block at the time of laminaria insertion. Those in the treatment group will receive an adjunctive TENS unit with specific instructions for use in the interval between laminaria insertion and dilation and evacuation the next day. TENS is a non-invasive, inexpensive, over-the-counter, nonpharmacologic option to relieve pain. All participants will be provided with 15 tabs of ibuprofen 200 mg for outpatient pain control after the procedure. Participants will be instructed to take 600-800 mg of ibuprofen with food every 6 hours as needed for pain during the time period after laminaria insertion and before dilation and evacuation surgery, which is generally less than 24 hours.

Participants in the placebo group will be given a TENS unit without a battery with similar to the intervention group but will be advised that they may or may not feel a sensation from the electrodes. All participants will be provided with 15 tabs of ibuprofen 200 mg for outpatient pain control after the procedure. Participants will be instructed to take 600-800 mg of ibuprofen with food every 6 hours as needed for pain during the time period after laminaria insertion and before dilation and evacuation surgery, which is generally less than 24 hours.