Abortion Services
Surgical Abortion
How is it done?
The method used is vacuum aspiration. A small tube is inserted into the uterus and aspiration or suction is used to empty the contents of the uterus.
Does it hurt?
We make every effort to insure that you will be as comfortable as possible during the abortion. In addition to local anesthetic we offer sedation to help you relax and to decrease the cramping.
How long will I be at the office?
The entire visit takes approximately 2-3 hours. Before the procedure you will have some forms to complete, lab tests and an ultrasound examination. You are also given an opportunity to talk with the physician, a nurse, a staff member to address any questions or concerns. After the procedure, you will rest in our recovery area for approximately 30 minutes
Do I need anyone’s permission?
Texas law requires parental consent for anyone under 18. Please contact our office for instructions. If you feel that is not an option, there is an organization that can help you obtain an abortion legally with out parental consent called Jane’s Due Process. They can be reached toll free at (866) WWW-JANE or contacted on the Internet at www.janesdueprocess.org.
Is it safe?
Abortion is a very safe, procedure that has been perfected over the past 30 years. In fact, it is considered one of the safest surgical procedures when performed by a skilled physician. Our physician has close to 30 years of experience and his goal is to provide the best medical care in order to protect your future fertility. Complications are very rare and we have a "very low" complication rate. An abortion should not impact your ability to have children in the future.
Do I have to bring someone?
If you are receiving sedation, it is required that you have someone to drive you home.
How do I prepare for the visit?
We ask that you not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before your appointment. Shower or bathe as usual and dress comfortably. As a courtesy to other patients, we do not allow children in our waiting area. Be sure to bring picture ID and your payment in cash or credit card.
What does 24 hour consent mean?
Texas Law requires that you receive specific information from the clinic/physician at least 24 hours before having the abortion. You may call the office to hear the recorded message or call 210-244-1779 in San Antonio or 361-980-2002 in Corpus Christi to hear the recorded message from our doctor at least 24 hours before your abortion. When you arrive at the clinic you will sign a certification form.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most women feel fine the day after the abortion and are able to return to normal activities. You may experience some cramping and bleeding, but you can return to work/school. You should monitor your own symptoms and be sure to take all medications as you were instructed. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions, please read these carefully and call if you have any questions or concerns.
When can I have sex again?
You should not have vaginal intercourse until a week after you stop bleeding to avoid infection. You can get pregnant very soon after the abortion because your hormones in your body are at elevated levels. You should discuss birth control options with your clinician the day of your follow-up visit.
When can I resume using tampons, douching and personal deodorant sprays?
You can resume using these products after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
When can I go swimming, use hot tubs, or take tub baths?
You can resume these activities after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
Non-Surgical Abortion
What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion is one that is brought about by taking medication that will end a pregnancy. Either of two medications, Mifepristone or Methotrexate, can be used for medical abortion. Each of these medications is taken together with another medication, Misoprostol, to induce an abortion.
When is Medical Abortion Used?
Before any abortion can be done, a medical professional must confirm that a woman is pregnant and determine how long she has been pregnant. The length of a pregnancy is usually measured by the number of days that have passed since the first day of the women's last menstrual period (abbreviated as LMP). Medical abortions can be performed as early as a pregnancy can be confirmed. In fact, the shorter the time that a woman has been pregnant, the better the medications will work. Because they do not work as well later in the first trimester of pregnancy, medical abortion is not usually an option after eight weeks (or 56 days) LMP. After that time, surgical abortion is the safest and best option.
How the medication works:
Mifepristone. Mifepristone (the abortion pill or RU-486) is a medication that was developed and tested specifically as an abortion-inducing agent. It was first licensed in France in 1988, and is sometimes referred to as the “French pill”. Since then it has been used safely by millions of women worldwide. It was approved for use in the US in September 2000. Mifepristone is taken in the form of a pill. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which causes the pregnancy to stop growing. It also causes the tissues to separate from the thinning uterus lining, causing the same result as a miscarriage.
Methotrexate. The FDA approved methotrexate in 1953 to treat certain types of cancer. Since that time, medical researchers have discovered other important uses for the drug. One of these uses is to end unintended pregnancies. Although the FDA did not consider Methotrexate for this specific purpose, clinicians may prescribe Methotrexate in an early abortion. It is usually given to a pregnant woman in the form of an injection, or shot, although it also can be taken orally. It stops the ongoing implantation process that occurs during the first several weeks after conception.
Mifepristone and Methotrexate work in different ways, and they will have slightly different effects on a woman's body. A clinician can help a woman decide whether medically induced abortion is the right option for her, and which of the two medications she should use.
Misoprostol. Within a few days after taking either Mifepristone or Methotrexate a second drug, Misoprostol, is taken. Misoprostol tablets, which are usually inserted into the vagina, causes the cervix to soften, uterus to contract and bleeding to begin. This ends the pregnancy.
Contradictions:
• Do not take a vitamin with folic acid. It can interfere with Methotrexate.
• Do not take “non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory” painkillers such as ibuprofen, for example, Motrin®. It can interfere with Methotrexate.
• Do not take aspirin.
• Do not drink alcoholic drinks.
• Do not take anti-coagulant (anti-clotting) drugs.
How long does the medical abortion take?
It can take anywhere from about a day to 3-4 weeks from the time a woman takes the first medication until the medical abortion is completed. The length of time depends in part on which medications are taken and when the Misoprostol is used. Complete abortion generally occurs sooner with Mifepristone compared to Methotrexate. The majority of women who take Mifepristone will abort within four (4) hours of using Misoprostol. About 95% will have a complete abortion within a week. With Methotrexate, 80-85% of women will abort within 2 weeks of taking the first medication. Some will take longer and may need more doses of Misoprostol.
How effective is it?
Medical abortion with Methotrexate is about 90% effective. Methotrexate and Misoprostol can cause serious birth defects. If the medical abortion does not work, a surgical abortion must be performed.
During and after a medical abortions:
Some women will have vaginal bleeding after taking the first dose of Mifepristone. This bleeding may be light, or it may be like a heavy period. After inserting the Misoprostol, cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours, although it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding may be more than a normal menstrual period. The Misoprostol is inserted at home and the pregnancy is passed at home. A woman considering medical abortion will need to be prepared for this. Most women cramps for several hours, and many pass blood clots as they are aborting. Some women may see the grayish gestational sac. However, the embryo will probably not be seen among the blood clots. At 49 days LMP, the size of the embryo will be about one-fifth of an inch. In an earlier pregnancy, it might be much smaller than that. Cramps and bleeding usually begin to ease after the embryonic tissue has been passed, but bleeding may last for one or two weeks after medical abortion.
The clinic staff can answer questions about what to expect side effects to expect. It is recommended that you keep Extra Strength Tylenol, Aleve, and Emetrol on hand to manage any discomfort during this process. You will also want to have a phone, and the phone number to a local pharmacy nearby, should the doctor need to prescribe you any additional medication. Please keep our clinic phone number nearby as well, in case you have any questions or concerns.
The most common side effects of medical abortion, caused by Misoprostol are:
Possible Complications:
About 95%-98% of women will have a successful medical abortion. Complications are rare, however, a small percentage of women (approximately 0.5-2%) will need a suction aspiration (similar to a surgical abortion) because of heavy or prolonged bleeding. In about half of these cases, this heavy bleeding occurs 3-5 weeks after taking the medications. Rarely, in approximately 0.1-0.2% of cases, a blood transfusion might be required to treat heavy bleeding. Some women also choose to have a suction aspiration because they would prefer not to wait for the medical abortion to be completed on it's own. In about 1% of cases or fewer, the medications do not work and the embryo continues to grow. In these cases, a suction procedure (surgical abortion) must be done to empty the uterus and complete the abortion. Deciding to continue the pregnancy to term is not an option after taking the first medication because the medications can cause birth defects in the pregnancy. Please keep our clinic phone number nearby as well, in case you have any questions or concerns.
What do I need to do to have a medical abortion?
During your first visit, called a pre-admission appointment, you will have patient education, sign consent forms, give a medical history, have laboratory tests, and have a physical exam including an ultrasound.
Who can choose medical abortion?
You may choose medical abortion if you are less than 54 days pregnant. You must sign an agreement to have a surgical abortion if the medical treatment fails. You also need access to a telephone, transportation, and backup medical care.
Medical abortion is not recommended if you:
• Are more than 49 days pregnant.
• Taken anti-clotting medication or have blood clotting disorders.
• Have severe heart, liver, or active inflammatory bowel disease.
• Have certain severe kidney problems.
• Have a serious immune system problem, such as HIV.
• Have seizures more than once a week.
• Take any medicine that should not be combined with Methotrexate or Misoprostol.
• Unable to return for follow up visits.
When will I get my period?
Abortion begins a new menstrual cycle. You should have a regular period in four to eight weeks. Some women report that their first regular menstrual period after a medical abortion is heavier, or longer, or in some way different from normal for them. By the second period after the abortion, their cycles should be back to normal.
When can I have sex again?
You should not have vaginal intercourse until a week after you stop bleeding to avoid infection. You can get pregnant very soon after the abortion because your hormones in your body are at elevated levels. You should discuss birth control options with your clinician the day of your follow-up visit.
When can I resume using tampons, douching and personal deodorant sprays?
You can resume using these products after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
When can I go swimming, use hot tubs, or take tub baths?
You can resume these activities after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
Surgical Abortion
How is it done?
The method used is vacuum aspiration. A small tube is inserted into the uterus and aspiration or suction is used to empty the contents of the uterus.
Does it hurt?
We make every effort to insure that you will be as comfortable as possible during the abortion. In addition to local anesthetic we offer sedation to help you relax and to decrease the cramping.
How long will I be at the office?
The entire visit takes approximately 2-3 hours. Before the procedure you will have some forms to complete, lab tests and an ultrasound examination. You are also given an opportunity to talk with the physician, a nurse, a staff member to address any questions or concerns. After the procedure, you will rest in our recovery area for approximately 30 minutes
Do I need anyone’s permission?
Texas law requires parental consent for anyone under 18. Please contact our office for instructions. If you feel that is not an option, there is an organization that can help you obtain an abortion legally with out parental consent called Jane’s Due Process. They can be reached toll free at (866) WWW-JANE or contacted on the Internet at www.janesdueprocess.org.
Is it safe?
Abortion is a very safe, procedure that has been perfected over the past 30 years. In fact, it is considered one of the safest surgical procedures when performed by a skilled physician. Our physician has close to 30 years of experience and his goal is to provide the best medical care in order to protect your future fertility. Complications are very rare and we have a "very low" complication rate. An abortion should not impact your ability to have children in the future.
Do I have to bring someone?
If you are receiving sedation, it is required that you have someone to drive you home.
How do I prepare for the visit?
We ask that you not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before your appointment. Shower or bathe as usual and dress comfortably. As a courtesy to other patients, we do not allow children in our waiting area. Be sure to bring picture ID and your payment in cash or credit card.
What does 24 hour consent mean?
Texas Law requires that you receive specific information from the clinic/physician at least 24 hours before having the abortion. You may call the office to hear the recorded message or call 210-244-1779 in San Antonio or 361-980-2002 in Corpus Christi to hear the recorded message from our doctor at least 24 hours before your abortion. When you arrive at the clinic you will sign a certification form.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most women feel fine the day after the abortion and are able to return to normal activities. You may experience some cramping and bleeding, but you can return to work/school. You should monitor your own symptoms and be sure to take all medications as you were instructed. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions, please read these carefully and call if you have any questions or concerns.
When can I have sex again?
You should not have vaginal intercourse until a week after you stop bleeding to avoid infection. You can get pregnant very soon after the abortion because your hormones in your body are at elevated levels. You should discuss birth control options with your clinician the day of your follow-up visit.
When can I resume using tampons, douching and personal deodorant sprays?
You can resume using these products after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
When can I go swimming, use hot tubs, or take tub baths?
You can resume these activities after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
Non-Surgical Abortion
What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion is one that is brought about by taking medication that will end a pregnancy. Either of two medications, Mifepristone or Methotrexate, can be used for medical abortion. Each of these medications is taken together with another medication, Misoprostol, to induce an abortion.
When is Medical Abortion Used?
Before any abortion can be done, a medical professional must confirm that a woman is pregnant and determine how long she has been pregnant. The length of a pregnancy is usually measured by the number of days that have passed since the first day of the women's last menstrual period (abbreviated as LMP). Medical abortions can be performed as early as a pregnancy can be confirmed. In fact, the shorter the time that a woman has been pregnant, the better the medications will work. Because they do not work as well later in the first trimester of pregnancy, medical abortion is not usually an option after eight weeks (or 56 days) LMP. After that time, surgical abortion is the safest and best option.
How the medication works:
Mifepristone. Mifepristone (the abortion pill or RU-486) is a medication that was developed and tested specifically as an abortion-inducing agent. It was first licensed in France in 1988, and is sometimes referred to as the “French pill”. Since then it has been used safely by millions of women worldwide. It was approved for use in the US in September 2000. Mifepristone is taken in the form of a pill. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which causes the pregnancy to stop growing. It also causes the tissues to separate from the thinning uterus lining, causing the same result as a miscarriage.
Methotrexate. The FDA approved methotrexate in 1953 to treat certain types of cancer. Since that time, medical researchers have discovered other important uses for the drug. One of these uses is to end unintended pregnancies. Although the FDA did not consider Methotrexate for this specific purpose, clinicians may prescribe Methotrexate in an early abortion. It is usually given to a pregnant woman in the form of an injection, or shot, although it also can be taken orally. It stops the ongoing implantation process that occurs during the first several weeks after conception.
Mifepristone and Methotrexate work in different ways, and they will have slightly different effects on a woman's body. A clinician can help a woman decide whether medically induced abortion is the right option for her, and which of the two medications she should use.
Misoprostol. Within a few days after taking either Mifepristone or Methotrexate a second drug, Misoprostol, is taken. Misoprostol tablets, which are usually inserted into the vagina, causes the cervix to soften, uterus to contract and bleeding to begin. This ends the pregnancy.
Contradictions:
• Do not take a vitamin with folic acid. It can interfere with Methotrexate.
• Do not take “non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory” painkillers such as ibuprofen, for example, Motrin®. It can interfere with Methotrexate.
• Do not take aspirin.
• Do not drink alcoholic drinks.
• Do not take anti-coagulant (anti-clotting) drugs.
How long does the medical abortion take?
It can take anywhere from about a day to 3-4 weeks from the time a woman takes the first medication until the medical abortion is completed. The length of time depends in part on which medications are taken and when the Misoprostol is used. Complete abortion generally occurs sooner with Mifepristone compared to Methotrexate. The majority of women who take Mifepristone will abort within four (4) hours of using Misoprostol. About 95% will have a complete abortion within a week. With Methotrexate, 80-85% of women will abort within 2 weeks of taking the first medication. Some will take longer and may need more doses of Misoprostol.
How effective is it?
Medical abortion with Methotrexate is about 90% effective. Methotrexate and Misoprostol can cause serious birth defects. If the medical abortion does not work, a surgical abortion must be performed.
During and after a medical abortions:
Some women will have vaginal bleeding after taking the first dose of Mifepristone. This bleeding may be light, or it may be like a heavy period. After inserting the Misoprostol, cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours, although it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding may be more than a normal menstrual period. The Misoprostol is inserted at home and the pregnancy is passed at home. A woman considering medical abortion will need to be prepared for this. Most women cramps for several hours, and many pass blood clots as they are aborting. Some women may see the grayish gestational sac. However, the embryo will probably not be seen among the blood clots. At 49 days LMP, the size of the embryo will be about one-fifth of an inch. In an earlier pregnancy, it might be much smaller than that. Cramps and bleeding usually begin to ease after the embryonic tissue has been passed, but bleeding may last for one or two weeks after medical abortion.
The clinic staff can answer questions about what to expect side effects to expect. It is recommended that you keep Extra Strength Tylenol, Aleve, and Emetrol on hand to manage any discomfort during this process. You will also want to have a phone, and the phone number to a local pharmacy nearby, should the doctor need to prescribe you any additional medication. Please keep our clinic phone number nearby as well, in case you have any questions or concerns.
The most common side effects of medical abortion, caused by Misoprostol are:
| cramps | vomiting | ||
| bleeding | diarrhea | ||
| bleeding with blood clots | low grade fever (temporary) | ||
| headache | chills | ||
| nausea | fatigue |
Possible Complications:
About 95%-98% of women will have a successful medical abortion. Complications are rare, however, a small percentage of women (approximately 0.5-2%) will need a suction aspiration (similar to a surgical abortion) because of heavy or prolonged bleeding. In about half of these cases, this heavy bleeding occurs 3-5 weeks after taking the medications. Rarely, in approximately 0.1-0.2% of cases, a blood transfusion might be required to treat heavy bleeding. Some women also choose to have a suction aspiration because they would prefer not to wait for the medical abortion to be completed on it's own. In about 1% of cases or fewer, the medications do not work and the embryo continues to grow. In these cases, a suction procedure (surgical abortion) must be done to empty the uterus and complete the abortion. Deciding to continue the pregnancy to term is not an option after taking the first medication because the medications can cause birth defects in the pregnancy. Please keep our clinic phone number nearby as well, in case you have any questions or concerns.
What do I need to do to have a medical abortion?
During your first visit, called a pre-admission appointment, you will have patient education, sign consent forms, give a medical history, have laboratory tests, and have a physical exam including an ultrasound.
Who can choose medical abortion?
You may choose medical abortion if you are less than 54 days pregnant. You must sign an agreement to have a surgical abortion if the medical treatment fails. You also need access to a telephone, transportation, and backup medical care.
Medical abortion is not recommended if you:
• Are more than 49 days pregnant.
• Taken anti-clotting medication or have blood clotting disorders.
• Have severe heart, liver, or active inflammatory bowel disease.
• Have certain severe kidney problems.
• Have a serious immune system problem, such as HIV.
• Have seizures more than once a week.
• Take any medicine that should not be combined with Methotrexate or Misoprostol.
• Unable to return for follow up visits.
When will I get my period?
Abortion begins a new menstrual cycle. You should have a regular period in four to eight weeks. Some women report that their first regular menstrual period after a medical abortion is heavier, or longer, or in some way different from normal for them. By the second period after the abortion, their cycles should be back to normal.
When can I have sex again?
You should not have vaginal intercourse until a week after you stop bleeding to avoid infection. You can get pregnant very soon after the abortion because your hormones in your body are at elevated levels. You should discuss birth control options with your clinician the day of your follow-up visit.
When can I resume using tampons, douching and personal deodorant sprays?
You can resume using these products after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
When can I go swimming, use hot tubs, or take tub baths?
You can resume these activities after you have been released from the Doctor on your follow-up visit.
