 After your counseling session you
will be called to an operating room. A medical assistant will help you to a
comfortable position for a pelvic exam. When you are ready the doctor will
enter the room to perform the pelvic exam which determines the size of your
pregnancy. Please feel free to ask the doctor any questions you may have.
The abortion procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes from when
the doctor does the pelvic exam. The medical assistant will be with you the
entire time explaining what the doctor is doing and to offer you support and
comfort. The few times she leaves your side is to assist the doctor.
The procedure begins as the doctor cleanses your vaginal
area using an antiseptic solution. Next a speculum is inserted into your
vagina. It is the same instrument used for a pap smear. The doctor then
cleanses the inside of the vagina with the same solution. The doctor will then
administer a local anesthetic around your cervix and you will feel a pinch and
a tingling sensation. Next the doctor will dilate (open) your cervix which will
cause you to feel cramps similar to menstrual cramps. The assistant will turn
on the aspiration machine which will make a low humming sound. The doctor will
empty your uterus using suction and you will feel cramping and a pulling
sensation. At anytime when you are experiencing cramping it helps to take a
deep breath, hold it and let it out slowly. This allows you and your abdominal
muscles to relax.
When the procedure is finished the doctor removes the
speculum. The assistant will help you put on a pad and go to the recovery room
where your stay will be approximately 30 minutes. The recovery room nurse will
give you some medication, monitor your vital signs and when you are stable you
will be discharged.
If you have general anesthesia (put to sleep) the operative
procedure is the same but you are asleep and do not experience cramping until
you awaken in the recovery room.
During your counseling session the counselor will review
the procedure and discuss birth control methods with you. Please ask her any
questions you may have.
BACK TO INFORMATION CENTER
The Potomac Family Planning
Center is dedicated to providing a
wide range of quality reproductive health care services for women. Our highly
trained and experienced staff work together to offer a warm and supportive
environment. Bilingual staff (Spanish/English) are available at all times.
Patient confidentiality is always a priority.
In Rockville, call : 301-251-9124
In Washington, call : 202-583-2517
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