Post-Op Instructions
Medical complications are rare and you will return to normal very quickly.

Most women are able to return to work or school the following day. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for three days following your surgery.

Our staff is available to you anytime following your abortion. We encourage you to call during daytime hours (when your chart is available for review) if you think you might be having a problem or have other questions. If you have a surgical abortion, we encourage you to return after 2-3 weeks, for a brief follow-up visit. No appointment is needed, and a pelvic exam is not performed. If you have a medical abortion, you must return for a follow-up visit, usually 1 week after your first appointment.

Feeling emotional after an abortion is common. Some women feel elated or relieved, while others feel sad. The best thing to do is to talk about how you feel with your partner or a good friend. If your feelings seem overwhelming, you may need more support. Call us and ask a staff member for referrals for further counseling or other support. You can also contact Exhale www.4exhale.org the after-abortion talkline for free.

Here are some things to keep in mind for the week or two after the abortion:

» You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 3 days.

» Because of the risk of infection, make sure you avoid sexual intercourse, douching, tub bathing or swimming, or inserting anything into the vagina for two weeks after the surgery.

» Bleeding after an abortion is normal. Some women bleed up to two weeks, some longer. Some don’t bleed at all. However, you should call us if your bleeding is heavier than what is described in the aftercare information.

» It is normal to have cramping after your abortion. Over the counter medications can be helpful in relieving them. Follow the written instructions for pain relief in your after care information.

» Pregnancy symptoms usually disappear within a day or two, except breast symptoms, which may last longer.

» Most women feel well enough to return to work or school the following day.

» You should have your next menstrual period within 4-6 weeks.

» Again, please call us if you have any concerns or questions.

» In the rare event that you need additional care for your abortion, we encourage you to return to Scotsdale Women's Clinic. If you choose to go to another facility for your care, we are not able to cover the costs.

» If you choose to be sexually active, and do not want to become pregnant, you must choose a birth control method. Ovulation does occur before your next period and any unprotected sex could result in pregnancy.

» We want to make sure that everything is normal after the abortion. We ask that you come back to the clinic for a follow-up visit after your procedure. There is no fee charged for this visit.

PLEASE CALL US if you have a problem or question. Most are routine and can be handled during regular clinic hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

EMERGENCY CALLS may be made anytime, 24 hours a day. CALL: 313-538-2020