Pain and Anxiety Management for In-Office Procedures: Pro-Nox™

Feel empowered, relaxed, and completely in control of your comfort during your gynecologic procedure at VPFW. If you are interested in using Pro-Nox™ as a safe pain and anxiety management solution during your next procedure, call our team at 804-897-2100 or message us to discuss your options and ask any questions.

Gynecology and Women’s Health

Comfort First: Pain and Anxiety Management with Pro-Nox™

At Virginia Physicians for Women, we believe your comfort, peace of mind, and peace of body are essential parts of your healthcare experience. It is entirely normal to feel anxious or worried about discomfort before an in-office gynecological procedure. To help reduce pain and ease your mind, we are proud to offer Pro-Nox™—a safe, patient-controlled pain and anxiety management system.

Our goal is to ensure you feel empowered, relaxed, and completely in control of your comfort from start to finish.

What is Pro-Nox™?

Pro-Nox™ is a proven, safe analgesic gas delivery system that utilizes a 50/50 mix of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen. In simpler terms, it is comparable to “laughing gas” because it relieves treatment pain, stress, anxiety, and overall discomfort by safely inducing a more relaxed and euphoric state of being. It has been safely used in medicine and dentistry for decades to provide immediate relief from acute pain and anxiety.

Unlike traditional sedation, with Pro-Nox™, you are the one in control. You hold the mouthpiece and inhale the gas as needed, allowing you to manage your own comfort level in real time.

In-Office Procedures That Feature Pro-Nox™

We offer Pro-Nox™ to improve your experience during a variety of routine, in-office gynecological procedures, including:

Colposcopy: A follow-up exam after an abnormal Pap smear to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva, which sometimes includes a small biopsy.
IUD Insertion or Removal: The placement or removal of a long-acting intrauterine device for contraception or heavy period management.
Nexplanon® Insertion or Removal: The placement or removal of the birth control implant just under the skin of your inner upper arm.
Endometrial Biopsy (EMB): A quick in-office procedure where a small sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is collected for evaluation.

Pro-Nox™ is an optional pain and anxiety management system. Your signed consent is mandatory for Pro-Nox™ service.

Why Choose Pro-Nox™ for Your Procedure?

No Downtime	The gas clears your system completely within 5 to 10 minutes. You can safely drive yourself home or return to work right after your appointment.
Rapid Relief	It takes effect within just a few breaths, immediately taking the edge off both physical discomfort and nervous anticipation.
100% Patient-Controlled	You hold the device. You take a breath when you feel you need it, putting you in the driver’s seat of your own care.
Non-Invasive & Safe	It is a breathable gas mixture with a proven safety record, requiring no IVs, needles, or long-lasting medication side effects

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients report feeling a warm, relaxing wave, a slight tingling sensation, or a sense of calm floating. It doesn’t put you to sleep—you remain awake, completely aware, and able to speak with your provider throughout the procedure.

The effects fade incredibly fast. Once you stop inhaling the mixture and breathe regular air, the gas naturally clears your body within 5 to 10 minutes.

Patients can safely drive 15 minutes after using Pro-Nox. Because it reverses so quickly, you do not need a companion to drive you home.

Yes. The 50/50 blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen has an excellent safety profile. It does not stay in your system and has been utilized globally for decades to manage short-term discomfort and medical anxiety safely.

Pro-Nox is offered for pain and anxiety management during the following in-office gynecologic procedures: Colposcopy, IUD Insertion or Removal, Nexplanon® Insertion or Removal, Endometrial Biopsy (EMB). Service may be used outside of these procedures only with approval from the provider.

ProNox is for gynecologic procedures only. We do not provide this service if the patient is pregnant out of an abundance of caution.

It is typically not covered by insurance, as it is classified as an elective comfort measure. Patients must pay out-of-pocket before using the service.

Pro-Nox costs $100 out-of-pocket. Pre-payment is mandatory for use of the service.

Side effects are generally very mild, short-lived, and easy to manage. Since you only inhale it when you feel you need it, you rarely take in enough to cause any severe reactions. When side effects do happen, they typically disappear within 5 to 10 minutes of breathing normal room air.

Side effects can include:

Dizziness or light-headedness. You may feel a floating sensation or a bit unsteady. Our clinical team will always make sure you are steady on your feet to stand up after your procedure.

Nausea. Some patients feel a bit squeamish or sick to their stomach, especially if they have been inhaling the gas for a longer period. Tip: Taking a few deep breaths of regular room air usually clears any nausea up instantly. Eating a light snack an hour or two before your appointment can also help prevent it.

Giggliness or feeling a “happy buzz.” Nitrous oxide can make you feel relaxed, euphoric, or a little silly.

Schedule Your Comfort-First Care at VPFW

If you have a colposcopy, IUD placement, Nexplanon procedure, or endometrial biopsy coming up, please let our team know if you would like to use Pro-Nox™. We are here to answer your questions and customize your care to fit your comfort needs.

Message us with any questions about Pro-Nox™ or to schedule an appointment online. You can also call us at 804-897-2100 to discuss your options.