FAQ

Many people describe the feeling as something similar to menstrual cramps. Every woman is different. We offer several options to help you feel comfortable, and help manage any pain and anxiety if needed. We provide a calm and relaxing environment, the option of having a friend, partner, or family member with you, and our supportive staff is available to address your worries or concerns. Being in such caring surroundings reduces anxiety and can help you relax and feel safe and well cared for.

You may have a little cramping after your abortion. You’ll probably want to take it easy for a while afterward. Most people are back to normal the next day.

Technology now allows us to know we are pregnant almost immediately, even before we have missed a period. Terminating your pregnancy early offers you two options – medication abortion, which begins with a pill in the office and is completed in the privacy of your own home, or an early in-clinic abortion.

To start figuring this out on your own, try to remember when the first day of your last normal period was, and count up, 5 weeks. The reason you count up 5 weeks instead of 3 is that in a 28-day cycle, women normally conceive ~2 weeks past the first day of their last period. If you need help figuring it out, please give us a call or come to see us and we’ll help you estimate your length of pregnancy.

You can have sex as soon as you feel ready.

Abortion starts a new menstrual cycle, so your period should go back to normal 4-8 weeks after your abortion. The birth control method you use will affect when your next period will come.

You should have a period by 8 weeks after your abortion, if you are not using any birth control. If you’re not using birth control and you don’t get your period 8 weeks after your abortion, let your doctor know.

You may have some bleeding right after your abortion that’s different than your period. You could have heavy bleeding with clots for a few days, or spotting for several weeks. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever’s the most comfortable for you. You might want to use pads so you can track how much you’re bleeding. If you’re concerned about bleeding after your abortion, give us a call.

Abortion starts a new menstrual cycle, so your period should go back to normal 4-8 weeks after your abortion. The birth control method you use will affect when your next period will come.

You should have a period by 8 weeks after your abortion, if you are not using any birth control. If you’re not using birth control and you don’t get your period 8 weeks after your abortion, let your doctor know.

You may have some bleeding right after your abortion that’s different than your period. You could have heavy bleeding with clots for a few days, or spotting for several weeks. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever’s the most comfortable for you. You might want to use pads so you can track how much you’re bleeding. If you’re concerned about bleeding after your abortion, give us a call.

Many young people tell a parent when they are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion. You’d be surprised. Many parents have had an abortion themselves and will be supportive and helpful, not punishing – if you seek their help.

You may be scared, you may feel like you’ve let them down. That’s normal. No one gets pregnant to have an abortion and no one plans to be in this situation.

Many states have regulations requiring minors (patients under 18) to tell one or more parents if they plan to have an abortion, and some states do not. Even where notification or consent is required, there’s usually an exception. This is called “judicial bypass”. It’s for minors who simply can’t tell their parents safely.

Yes, abortion is safe. There are many false myths surrounding abortion from people who do not believe you should have the choice. While every surgical procedure involves some risk, the truth is that abortion is one of the safest and most common out-patient surgeries in the U.S. – 14 times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term and delivering vaginally. 1 out of every 3 American women will have at least one abortion in her lifetime. 60% of the women who choose abortion are already mothers. The woman who chooses abortion today may well choose parenthood later. Abortion at any gestation is always safer than childbirth. Good resources on the safety of abortion are: The Guttmacher Institute and the National Abortion Federation.

Right after your abortion, you’ll rest in a recovery room usually about 30 minutes to an hour. Please plan to bring someone to help you get home safely. If you have any kind of sedation, we can’t let you drive or leave by yourself. You should take it easy for the rest of the day.

You will be able to go back to work, school, driving, exercise, and most other normal activities the next day. You can have sex as soon as you feel ready.

It’s normal to have some bleeding after an abortion. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup — whatever’s the most comfortable for you. You may have spotting for several weeks. Some people don’t bleed at all. Any of these are normal reactions.

You’ll get written instructions about what to expect and how to take care of yourself after your abortion. You’ll get a phone number you can call with any questions or concerns — we’re here to help 24/7 after your abortion.

It’s important to take all of your antibiotics, no matter how you feel. You will come back for a follow-up appointment in approximately 2 weeks.

Most people don’t have any problems after their abortion. Recovery is usually quick and easy. Please call us right away if you:

soak 2 maxi pads per hour for 2 hours
have belly pain or cramps that don’t get better with pain medication
have a fever of 100.4℉ or higher

Caution! You can get pregnant right after your abortion, so it’s a good idea to think about using birth control as soon as you can. We can help you find a method that’s right for you.

Most Whole Woman’s Health clinics can put an IUD in your uterus soon after your abortion. Ask our staff if you are interested!

One of the myths surrounding abortion is that abortion causes infertility. Another myth is that the more abortions a person has, the more infertile they become. These myths are created by people who wish to make us feel badly. There is no scientific evidence, whatsoever, that abortion is in any way linked to infertility. In fact, it’s possible to get pregnant quickly after you have an abortion. So it’s a good idea to talk to your nurse or doctor about a birth control plan for after your abortion.

Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for breast cancer, and it doesn’t cause depression or mental health issues either. Most of our patients have children and may also need abortion care during their lifetime. This is a normal part of a healthy reproductive care.

Abortion clinic patients are, unfortunately, sometimes the target of local anti-abortion campaigns. There may be protesters out on the sidewalk before you drive into our parking lot. They may try to stop your car, hand you packets with false information, or carry signs that are intended to gross you out.

A few important things to remember if you see protestors outside of our clinic:

1. You do not have to talk to them. Their goal is to persuade you to leave your appointment. If you’d like to talk about other pregnancy options, trust that you can talk to us about these as well, and we are licensed, trained medical professionals. We are here to serve your needs, and we trust your decision, no matter what it is.
2. Protestors are not allowed on the property.
3. Protestors may not block your access to entering our clinic – either by walking in front of your car or your body.
4. If you at all feel uncomfortable about getting to our clinic, call us. We will be more than happy to come greet you and escort you inside of the building. If you feel intimidated or threatened, do not hesitate to call the police.