In-Clinic Abortion Procedure

An In-Clinic Abortion Procedure is performed starting at five weeks from the first day of your last period and up until the last day of the thirteenth week.

Your procedure will begin with a preliminary pelvic exam and test for Chlamydia. The doctor will then inject a local anesthetic to numb the cervix, dilate the cervix using manual dilators, and perform the vacuum aspiration procedure (usually lasting about a minute or two).

The doctor will then examine the tissue to verify that the procedure is complete. You will be given a prescription for a pain medication to use at home, if needed.

In the recovery room you will rest, review aftercare instructions and receive medications that will help prevent infection.

MEDICATIONS
Women’s Health offers oral pain medication for in-clinic abortion procedures:

Oral Medication

• Motrin 800mg (generic)
• Vicodin (generic, can be taken alone or with Lorazepam)
• Lorazepam (can be taken alone or with Vicodin)

With oral pain medication, you may eat and drink lightly before your appointment.  We recommend that you bring along a snack for after the procedure.

If you are determined by ultrasound to be less than 6 or more than 11 weeks from your last menstrual period, you will probably be given misoprostol, a medication that softens the cervix and makes dilation easier.

You may also be given the following medications for after the abortion:

• Doxycycline: an antibiotic to prevent infection; take with breakfast and dinner for one week (until gone); do not take on an empty stomach and avoid exposure to sunlight (wear a strong sun screen) to avoid sunburn/rash;
• Ergonovine: to prevent heavy bleeding; take as instructed (for patients 10 weeks pregnant or more);
• Vicodin: take ibuprofen, Advil or Aleve, for cramping; if heavy cramping, fill the prescription for Vicodin, and take as directed.

In the case of a known drug allergy, an alternative medication will be prescribed.

You can expect the symptoms of pregnancy to disappear by the third or fourth day following your abortion. If breast tenderness, queasy stomach, tiredness and frequent urination persist, call the clinic at 303-442-5160.

AFTERCARE
Prior to the abortion, you will receive a detailed sheet of aftercare instructions. Afterward, we will provide you with medication, ask you to contact us if you experience symptoms of a potential problem, and explain the importance of rest, good nutrition and emotional support.

In case of a potential problem, you can reach someone at the clinic 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling: 303-442-5160.

For the next two weeks, you will need to take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods that will help your body heal, and do not engage in any strenuous physical activity such as sports or heavy lifting.

To prevent infection:

• No swimming, no hot tubs or tub baths. Showers are fine;
• Nothing in the vagina, including:
  • No tampons (Use pads instead)
  • No sex
  • No fingers
  • No douching

Call us at 303-442-5160 if you are experiencing any problems and a nurse will determine if you need to come in.