AFTER YOUR ABORTION

You may resume normal activities by tomorrow, including showers. You will also be likely to experience some bleeding and cramping for the next week or two. It should not be heavier than a normal period, and could even be quite light.

IN ORDER FOR YOU TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF, REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take your temperature at bedtime every day until your follow-up visit. Record your temperature.
   
   
2. You may use Ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve as needed for cramps. We advise you to take the Colace tablets or similar stool softeners to prevent constipation. Dulcolax suppositories may also be used if needed and are available over the counter.
   
   
3. Do NOT drink alcohol or use Aspirin AT ALL for 2 weeks, as this will increase the chance of excessive bleeding or hemorrhaging.
   
   
4. Do NOT put anything in the vagina for the next 2 weeks. This means no intercourse, no douching, and no tampons, as these things can cause vaginal infection. Keep these things out of the vagina to allow your body time to heal.
   
   
5. Do NOT run a pregnancy test as it will come out positive for up to 30-40 days until the pregnancy hormone clears from your system.
   
   
6. YOU NEED TO COME IN FOR YOUR FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATION WITHIN 7 TO 10 DAYS FROM THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THE REDUCED FEE OF $40.00. THE FOLLOW UP EXAM INCLUDES A REPEAT PREGNANCY TEST, PELVIC EXAM AND VAGINAL ULTRASOUND DONE BY THE PHYSICIAN, AND DISCUSSION OF FURTHER CONTRACEPTIVE MEASURES. A PAP SMEAR IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE. IF YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE AND IT IS VERIFIED AHEAD OF TIME, YOU MAY USE THIS FOR YOUR FOLLOW UP VISIT AND TUBAL LIGATION IN A HOSPITAL SETTING FOR THOSE PATIENTS THAT DESIRE PERMANENT CONTRACEPTION (STERILIZATION PROCEDURE).
   
   
7. If you come after the 10 day deadline, you will pay the regular fee of $110.00 for the office visit, pelvic exam, vaginal ultrasound, pregnancy test, and consultation.
   
   
8. PLEASE WATCH FOR THE FOLLOWING DANGER SIGNS:
   • Recorded temperature higher than 100.4°F.
   • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
   • Bleeding heavier than a normal period
   • You may also pass a few blood clots. Do not be alarmed; this is normal.
   • Unusual vaginal discharge or odor
   • Allergic reaction such as skin rash or severe respiratory difficulty

This facility informs all patients as follows:
In the event any of the complications outlined above should occur, patients may reach the physician on call through the answering service at (713) 940-5928 after hours, or through the office during office hours at (713) 772-6422.

This center will make every reasonable effort to respond to the patient within 30 minutes of the patient's call, through a physician or a licensed nurse, and the patient may also contact the emergency medical service (By calling 911 for TRUE EMERGENCIES), or present for care at the emergency room of the nearest hospital IN ADDITION to contacting this facility without delay.

REMEMBER, IF YOU SEEK MEDICAL CARE ELSEWHERE, WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF OTHERS OR THE RESULT.