SURGICAL ABORTION


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 and emergency contraception to take to a pharmacy to be filled, if or when needed.

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

 

MEDICATIONS

Women’s Health offers a choice of pain medication for surgical abortion:

 

Oral Medication

· Motrin 800mg (generic)

· Vicodin (generic, can be taken alone or with Lorazepam)

· Lorazepam (can be taken alone or with Vicodin)

 

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

 

IV Medication

· IV Conscious Sedation (a combination of Fentanyl and generic Versed – extra cost of $50).

 

If you choose to get IV sedation, you cannot eat anything for six hours before your appointment or drink anything for four hours before your appointment. However, it is very important to stay hydrated, therefore you should drink (water and clear fluids only) up until four hours before your appointment. We recommend that you bring a snack for after the procedure.


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

 

You will 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.

 

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 three 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;

  • No intercourse;

  • Use pads, (no tampons);

  • Nothing in the vagina until the follow-up examination confirms that your body has healed.

Schedule a follow-up examination three weeks after the abortion, here or with your regular physician, whichever is most convenient for you. For this visit, Women's Health charges $40 or less, based on income.