Here are some frequently asked questions gathered to help with your knowledge
You may have some questions, whether you are thinking about having an abortion or you are concerned about someone close to you considering abortion.
We answer some of the most common questions about abortion to help you decide what abortion method may be best for you.
We answer some of the most common questions about abortion to help you decide what abortion method may be best for you
Abortion is a safe procedure that ends pregnancy.
The most common abortion method is known as vacuum aspiration. Aspiration can performed up to 16 weeks after your menstrual period.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another kind of abortion and can be performed later than 16 weeks after your menstrual period.
Lastly, medical abortion is used in early pregnancy up to 9 weeks after your last menstrual period. This this type of abortion only requires the use of medication.
Surgical abortions are highly successful with a failure rate of less than 1%. Medical abortions are slightly less effective with a success rate of 95-98%.
It is common for women to be anxious and nervous about having an abortion. Our staff and counsellor will review the abortion process with you to ensure all your questions are answered.
If you have chosen to have a surgical abortion:
The entire procedure takes 5-8 minutes. You are not put to sleep for your surgical abortion. You will be offered an intravenous (IV) painkiller and light sedative to help minimize discomfort and anxiety during the procedure.
After the doctor performs a brief examination, he/she will insert a speculum into vagina to hold the vaginal walls open during the procedure. The doctor will clean the area, do testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and numb the cervix with local anesthetic. The cervix is then gently opened and a vacuum aspirator will be used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus, stronger cramps may be felt at this time.
During the operation, your nurse will monitor your comfort level and vital signs while providing support and guidance through the procedure. Most women are able to carry a normal conversation with the nurse during this time.
If you have chosen to have a medical abortion:
You will meet with a nurse and doctor to have a vaginal ultrasound done, STI testing, and have any additional questions answered by your doctor before receiving your medication for your medical abortion. No instruments are used.
If you have chosen to have a surgical abortion:
Most women feel pain similar to menstrual cramps that can vary from light to severe during the procedure. An intravenous (IV) pain medication and light sedative will be given prior to starting the surgical abortion to help minimize discomfort and anxiety. Some women chose not to have any medications and are still able to manage well.
After the surgical abortion, cramping usually decreases and is able to be relieved by Advil or Tylenol Extra Strength and/or a heating pad. Most women are able to return to their daily activities the next day.
If you have chosen to have a medical abortion:
Most women do not experience any bleeding or cramping with the first pill of Mifepristone. It is not until Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later do women start to have bleeding and cramping within 30 minutes to 4 hours after taking the tablets.
Cramping can be mild to severe and can be stronger than your regular menstrual period. Stronger cramps usually do not last longer than 24 hours. Cramping can often be managed with Advil or Tylenol Extra Strength and/or heating pad as needed.
If you have chosen to have a surgical abortion:
The entire procedure takes 5-8 minutes. You are not put to sleep for your surgical abortion. You will be offered an intravenous (IV) painkiller and light sedative to help minimize discomfort and anxiety during the procedure.
After the doctor performs a brief examination, he/she will insert a speculum into vagina to hold the vaginal walls open during the procedure. The doctor will clean the area, do testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and numb the cervix with local anesthetic. The cervix is then gently opened and a vacuum aspirator will be used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus, stronger cramps may be felt at this time.
During the operation, your nurse will monitor your comfort level and vital signs while providing support and guidance through the procedure. Most women are able to carry a normal conversation with the nurse during this time.
If you have chosen to have a medical abortion:
You will meet with a nurse and doctor to have a vaginal ultrasound done, STI testing, and have any additional questions answered by your doctor before receiving your medication for your medical abortion. No instruments are used.
If you have chosen to have a surgical abortion:
You may have some bleeding immediately after your abortion, this is very normal. Most women have light to moderate bleeding and/or spotting that can last up to 2-3 weeks with some small clots.
It can also be normal to experience no bleeding or on-and-off bleeding after your surgical abortion.
If you have chosen to have a medical abortion:
Bleeding can vary from light to heavy. It is not uncommon for bleeding to be heavier than your regular menstrual period with the passing of blood clots and tissues.
Bleeding usually lasts for 11 days. Light bleeding or spotting can last up to 30 days or more, but usually does not go beyond your next menstrual period.
It is important to monitor your bleeding after your medical or surgical abortion. Contact the clinic or use the emergency afterhours number provided immediately if:
You are soaking 2 large pads in 1 hour for 2 hours in a row or are passing fist-sized blood clots.
If you have chosen to have a surgical abortion:
You will rest in a recovery area for at least 30-40 minutes. A nurse will observe you to ensure you are comfortable. You will be offered Advil or Tylenol Extra Strength and/or a heating pad, if you are still experiencing cramping after your abortion. A refreshing drink and snack will also be offered.
Before leaving to go home, you will receive written/digital aftercare instructions along with a prescription for antibiotics. We provide all patients with a 24 hour telephone number that will direct you to a nurse at our clinic, if you have any concerns after your abortion. If you wish to inform your health care provider, you can schedule a follow-up appointment with them 2-6 weeks after your abortion.
If you have chosen to have a medical abortion:
Most women do not have any bleeding or cramping after taking the first pill of Mifepristone. It is not until the Misoprostol tablets are taking 24-48 hours later do women have bleeding and cramping.
Cramping can be mild to severe. Bleeding can also vary from light to heavy. It is not uncommon for bleeding and cramping to be heavier/stronger than your regular menstrual period with the passing of blood clots and tissues.
It is important to be prepared for bleeding and cramping by having large overnight pads, Advil and Tylenol Extra Strength, as well as a heating pad ready at home to ensure comfort.
Abortion begins a new menstrual cycle. Your next menstrual period should return within 4-6 weeks after your medical or surgical abortion.
We answer some of the most common questions about abortion to help you decide what abortion method may be best for you
After your surgical or medical abortion it is important to avoid the following:
No tampons or diva cups for at least 2 weeks.
No sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks.
No baths, swimming or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
No douching for at least 2 weeks.
No sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks after your abortion to prevent infection.
With both the surgical and medical abortion, future fertility and childbearing ability is unaffected, barring no serious complications do not occur.
You are able to get pregnant again one week after your abortion.
So, birth control is very important and often a common concern for many women after having an abortion. We can help you decide the best contraceptive option for you or you can speak with your healthcare provider to prevent future unwanted pregnancies.
If you have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) your procedure is covered, however there are some uninsured services. Please ask the clinic staff when booking your appointment.
If you do not have an insurance plan or OHIP coverage, the abortion procedure can cost between $600 to $980 depending on the abortion method you chose and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Get in touch with us. Call our office to speak with one of our staff members about your options now.
We are located in Brampton, Ontario. Just north of Mississauga, west of York Region (Vaughan, Markham, etc.), east of Guelph, and south of Barrie.