There are two types of anesthesia: Partial sedation and general anesthesia. Both require an IV. In conscious sedation, you are given a combination of medications that cause sedation, amnesia, and control pain. People can still talk and breathe on their own through it and do respond to doctors/nurses talking back to them. The whole point is that it is for short term, minor things and the patient wakes up and doesn't remember what happened without the risk of full sedation and intubation.
General anesthesia is for prolonged and/or particularly painful procedures like open heart surgery, appendicitis, hysterectomy, etc. The patient receives such large doses of anesthestics and paralytics they require intubation. Intubation involves a tube in the throat that goes into the trachea. It does not go into the lungs. The tube and ventilator breathe for you while you were out. It also protects your airway in case you vomit from any of the medication. There's a balloon on the very end that gets inflated. It keeps air from leaking out and keeps vomit from dripping into your lungs.
Bunny, Ask your GYN about conscious sedation in the office for your IUD change. They should be able to do it, or refer you to someone who can.



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