Feeling anxious about an upcoming in-office medical procedure is completely normal. The fear of pain or discomfort can create significant stress, sometimes even causing patients to delay necessary care. Finding a solution that provides comfort and puts you in control can transform your entire healthcare experience, making procedures more manageable and less intimidating.
At Athens ObGyn, we are committed to prioritizing your comfort and well-being. That’s why we are thrilled to offer the Pro-Nox™ Nitrous Oxide Delivery System, an innovative solution for managing pain and anxiety during in-office procedures. As members of the Piedmont Clinic, we are dedicated to providing "above and beyond" care, and integrating advanced comfort measures like Pro-Nox is a key part of that promise.
This patient-controlled system empowers you to manage your own relief, ensuring you feel secure and relaxed from start to finish. If you have concerns about an upcoming procedure, ask us how the Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide system can be used to enhance your comfort.
So, what is Pro-Nox? The Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide Delivery System is a patient-controlled analgesia (pain relief) system that allows you to safely and easily manage discomfort during medical procedures. It delivers a fixed 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2) through a mouthpiece or mask that you control. This proven blend has been used for decades to provide effective pain and anxiety relief without causing a loss of consciousness.
The system is designed for you to remain awake and aware, but with a diminished sensation of pain and a feeling of calm. Because you hold the delivery device yourself, you decide when to inhale the gas mixture and for how long, putting you in complete command of your comfort level throughout the procedure. The effects wear off quickly, such that it is safe to drive after the appointment.
The Pro-Nox system is remarkably simple and intuitive. The equipment is calibrated to deliver the perfect 50/50 blend of medical gases with each breath. You will be given a disposable mouthpiece or mask connected to the system. When you feel you need relief, you simply bring the mouthpiece to your lips and breathe in.
The on-demand valve is designed to deliver the gas mixture only when you inhale, ensuring you receive the correct amount. The effects are felt within just a few breaths, offering almost immediate relief from both pain and anxiety. You can use the system as needed throughout the procedure, taking breaks to breathe normal air whenever you feel comfortable. This self-administered approach is what makes the Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide system a game-changer for patient comfort.
Choosing to add Pro-Nox to your procedure offers several significant advantages for a more positive and comfortable experience. Patients who use the system often report feeling much more at ease and in control. Key benefits include:
Yes, the Pro-Nox system is very safe. The 50/50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen has been a standard in medical care for decades and is known for its excellent safety profile. The system is designed with multiple safety features, including the patient-controlled on-demand valve that prevents the administration of too much gas.
Because the effects wear off so quickly, there are no lingering side effects, and it does not require a designated driver. The mixture is non-addictive and has been shown to reduce the need for other types of pain medication. Before your procedure, your provider will review your medical history to ensure there are no contraindications and that Pro-Nox is a safe choice for you.
We are pleased to offer this proven relief option for our patients undergoing a variety of in-office OB/GYN-related procedures. If you are interested in using Pro-Nox or want to learn more, simply ask our team when you are scheduling your appointment or during your consultation.
We can discuss how the Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide Delivery System can be easily integrated into your upcoming procedure to provide you with the most comfortable and stress-free experience possible.
Most patients report feeling a sense of relaxation, calm, and well-being. It can make you feel light-headed or tingly, but it effectively dulls the sensation of pain and eases anxiety while allowing you to remain awake and responsive.
No, you only breathe from the system when you feel you need it. You can take breaks at any time and simply breathe the normal air in the room. You are in complete control.
The most common side effect is mild nausea, which is temporary and usually subsides quickly once you stop using the mask and take a few deep breaths of normal air. Your provider will discuss any other potential side effects or contraindications with you beforehand.
Yes, in most cases, you can safely drive yourself home after your procedure. The effects of the nitrous oxide wear off completely within 5 to 10 minutes of your last inhalation, so there are no lingering impairments.
No special preparations are required. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment unless you have been given other specific instructions related to your procedure.
It is very similar. Both use nitrous oxide to provide pain and anxiety relief. The Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide system is unique in that it is a 50/50 blend and is entirely controlled by the patient, giving you the power to manage your own comfort.