• When Can You Get a Chemical Abortion?

    Chemical abortions, also known as medical abortions, are triggered by the use of medications. Although you may hear people refer to the abortion pill, there are actually two medications that are both taken to cause pregnancy termination. You’ll take the first pill at the clinic and the second at home. If you think you might want to terminate the pregnancy with medications, you’ll need to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible. There is a short window of time to get a chemical abortion. 

    Pregnancy test on calendar background. Pregnancy care concept.

    Pregnancies less than six weeks by menstrual age may be terminated with medications. Medical abortions are highly effective. But in some cases, women still need to return to the clinic for a surgical abortion to complete the procedure. Before making the decision to have a chemical abortion, let your gynecologist know about your full health history. Women who have certain medical conditions and those who take certain medications, like blood-thinners, will need to have a surgical abortion instead. 

    Washington Surgi-Clinic performs safe, legal second and first trimester abortions. Women can call (202) 659-9403 to request a private, confidential consultation with one of our compassionate gynecologists in Washington, D.C. 

  • Steps to Take After an Unplanned Pregnancy

    Life often takes unexpected twists and turns. No matter how careful you are about using birth control pills and condoms, it’s still possible to unintentionally get pregnant. An unplanned pregnancy brings some difficult decisions. Know that even if you have a supportive partner who wants to explore your options together, it’s entirely your decision whether to continue the pregnancy or terminate it. You have the right to make decisions that affect your body. But before doing anything else, call your gynecologist and schedule an appointment. 

    Call your gynecologist. 

    Over-the-counter (OTC) pregnancy tests are usually accurate if they’re taken at least one week after a missed period. However, you’ll need a lab test to confirm the pregnancy. This is why you should call your gynecologist before doing anything else. It’s possible that you have a false positive result from the OTC test. If the lab test does confirm that you’re pregnant, the gynecologist can estimate how far along your pregnancy is. 

    Take prenatal vitamins.  

    Most women need a little time to decide whether to continue the pregnancy or get an abortion. Even if you’re leaning toward pregnancy termination, it’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins right away. If you do change your mind and continue with the pregnancy, the folic acid in the prenatal vitamins will be crucial for preventing neural tube birth defects. And if you do choose to terminate it, your overall health will still benefit from taking the multivitamin. 

    Consider your options. 

    Don’t hesitate to discuss your feelings about the pregnancy with your gynecologist. It’s perfectly alright if you aren’t sure yet what you want to do. No ethical healthcare professional will ever pressure you toward one decision or the other. However, your gynecologist will give you the medical guidance you need to make an informed decision that’s right for you. The doctor can also tell you how long you have to make a decision. For instance, if you decide to have a medical abortion, you’ll need to have it within six weeks by menstrual age. If you opt for a surgical abortion, you have until 26 weeks of pregnancy to decide. 

    Washington Surgi-Clinic treats a limited number of patients each day because it’s our top priority to provide unsurpassed, individualized care and education. Our gynecologists in Washington D.C. can help you learn about your options for pregnancy termination, but ultimately, the decision is yours to make. For respectful and compassionate women’s healthcare, call (202) 659-9403. 

  • Recovering from a Terminated Pregnancy

    Although both first and second trimester abortion procedures are safe, legal, and the right choice for many women, it is normal to experience a period of physical and emotional recovery when a pregnancy is terminated. Planning for your recovery can help you get past the procedure as quickly and easily as possible.

    The nature of your physical recovery depends on whether you have a surgical or non-surgical abortion, but post-procedure pain and discomfort are common. Intermittent bleeding is also possible for up to a few weeks after the procedure. Your gynecologist will recommend methods of treating your physical symptoms. Many women also experience a range of emotions after an abortion, from relief to grief. Find a support system in your family and friends or ask your gynecologist to refer you to a support group.

    The compassionate team at Washington Surgi-Clinic is dedicated to ensuring that each patient who undergoes an abortion in Washington, D.C. has access to the tools they need for a healthy physical and emotional recovery. Learn more about pregnancy termination, HIV testing, and birth control methods by calling us today at (202) 659-9403.

  • Answers to Your Questions about Pregnancy Termination

    The decision to seek an abortion or pregnancy termination is incredibly personal, stressful, and emotional. It’s important to make sure you understand your pregnancy termination options, and that your gynecologist or doctor answers all of your questions patiently, knowledgeably, and compassionately. An abortion can be performed surgically or non-surgically for up to 26 weeks after the date of your last period.

    A first-trimester abortion can be performed surgically or non-surgically. A surgical abortion is performed about five weeks after the date of your last period by utilizing the suction dilatation and curettage method. A non-surgical abortion utilizes a combination of medications to induce pregnancy termination when a woman is less than six weeks pregnant. A second-trimester abortion can only be performed surgically over 1-3 visits, and is a more complex method of pregnancy termination.

    If you would like more information about your options for pregnancy termination near Washington, DC , visit us at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff is committed to providing you with all of the information you need, in a safe and comforting environment. To schedule a confidential appointment with a gynecologist, call us today at (202) 659-9403.

  • A Woman’s Guide to Terminating a Pregnancy

    If you are considering terminating a pregnancy , arming yourself with the facts will help you make the right choice for you. Your gynecologist can discuss pregnancy termination services with you and answer questions you may have. This information will also help you understand what to expect on the day of your abortion.

    Medical Abortion

    Medical abortion involves taking two pills. The first pill – often a medication called mifepristone—is usually taken while you are at the doctor’s office. Six to 72 hours after the first pill, a second one—misoprostol—is taken at home. This pill must be either dissolved inside your cheek or placed vaginally, depending on the doctor’s instructions. About one to four hours after the second pill is taken, the abortion will begin. Heavy bleeding and some cramping are common and may persist for several hours. Medical abortion is an option for women up to 10 weeks after the first day of their last period.

    Aspiration Abortion

    Aspiration abortion is performed in a gynecology office. During this procedure, a doctor will terminate the pregnancy using instruments inserted into the uterus via the vagina. The procedure takes about five to 10 minutes. Pain medication can be used to manage cramping that occurs during and after the procedure. Light bleeding is possible for up to one week. Aspiration abortion is available for women up to 12 weeks after the first day of their last period.

    Both medical and aspiration abortions are between 98 and 99 percent effective. The right one for you depends on several factors, including how far along in your pregnancy you are. You can work with your doctor to evaluate your preferences and needs. At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we provide first and second-trimester abortion in Washington, DC, as well as a range of gynecological services , including STD testing and morning-after pills. To make an appointment, please call (202) 659-9403.

  • Comparing Surgical and Chemical Abortions

    Pregnancy termination may be either chemical or surgical. In Washington, D.C., chemical abortions are only available through six weeks gestation by menstrual age. Also known as medical abortions, chemical pregnancy termination involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol, which are two medications that cause the uterine lining to break down and then to be expelled as with a normal period. Chemical abortions are non-invasive, although they can cause cramping, bleeding, and dizziness. Women who had a chemical abortion are asked to return to a gynecologist for a follow-up visit to ensure the completion of pregnancy termination.

    In contrast, surgical abortion is available up to 26 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C. Although it is an invasive procedure, patients can choose from local anesthetic, light sedation, or general anesthesia. During a surgical abortion, the gynecologist will gently remove the contents of the uterus through the vagina. Both surgical and chemical abortions are safe for women, with only a low risk of complications.

    Washington Surgi-Clinic performs safe and legal chemical and surgical abortions , along with a full range of other gynecology services such as STD testing, HPV treatment, and Pap smears. You can call (202) 659-9403 to inquire about confidential pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C.

  • Reasons to Terminate a Pregnancy

    If you’re considering talking to a gynecologist about pregnancy termination , you should know that you’re certainly not alone. Over a million women in the U.S. choose to terminate a pregnancy each year. Every woman has her own personal reasons for choosing pregnancy termination; however, the following are among the most common reasons.

    Unplanned Pregnancy

    Even when couples use birth control methods as directed, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. The chances of becoming pregnant increase further if birth control methods, such as the pill, aren’t used as directed. Unplanned pregnancies frequently occur because a woman forgot to take a pill a few times or forgot to take it at the same time each day. The failure of birth control is a common reason for terminating an unplanned pregnancy; however, it isn’t the only one. Women may choose to terminate an unplanned pregnancy if they were the victim of rape or incest, or if it simply isn’t the right time to have a baby.

    Relationship Issues

    Another reason to seek pregnancy termination is experiencing problems within a relationship. In many cases, the father of the child remains in the family’s life, for better or worse. Some women may choose to terminate a pregnancy because of domestic violence issues, substance abuse, or other reasons that may make their partner an unsuitable influence.

    Maternal Health

    Sometimes, pregnancy termination is necessary to preserve the health of the mother. Women who have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, or mental health disorders may choose to have an abortion.

    Fetal Health

    In addition to maternal health, fetal health is often a concern for women who decide to terminate a pregnancy. A healthcare provider may determine through amniocentesis that the fetus has spina bifida, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, anencephaly, or other serious medical conditions.

    At Washington Surgi-Clinic , we firmly believe that every woman has the right to access safe, legal pregnancy termination services. We provide medical and surgical pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C. up to 26 weeks of pregnancy. We also provide morning after pills and STD testing. Contact us at (202) 659-9403 to schedule an appointment.

  • The Steps of Choosing the Right Abortion Provider

    When you decide to have an abortion, where you choose to get your care matters. Not all abortion clinics provide the same level of care, so you should carefully research your potential providers before selecting one. To choose a safe, quality clinic, follow these steps.

    Locate Your Options

    Depending on where you live, there may be several abortion providers near you. You can find all of the providers in your area by looking them up online or in your local phone book. Be sure to only look at clinics that are specifically identified as abortion clinics. Places that are described as crisis pregnancy centers often don’t provide abortions and try to dissuade women from getting them. If you’ve already made your decision, focus exclusively on places that offer abortion services.

    Ask Questions

    When you have a short list of places, start calling the clinics to ask questions. Ask about their processes, including how many appointments are required and what methods they use for abortions. This is also a good time to ask about other services, such as counseling, post-procedure birth control, and gynecological care. Make sure the clinic you choose meets all of your needs. For instance, if having counseling is important to you, or if want someone to come into the room with you for support, make sure these things are provided and allowed.

    Visit the Clinic

    Whether for an initial consultation or simply to evaluate the surroundings, be sure to visit the clinic before you have your procedure. Does the clinic look clean? Are you treated with care by the staff? Do you feel comfortable? It’s important for you to feel comfortable and confident in dealing with the clinic’s staff, so trust your instincts.

    Our patients’ safety, privacy, and comfort are of the upmost important to us at Washington Surgi-Clinic in DC. If you’re considering an abortion, schedule an appointment at our clinic to learn more about our services by calling (202) 683-7336.