At a glance
- Who performs it
- A licensed OB/GYN, Dr. Yunis
- How far along
- Through 15 weeks of pregnancy
- Sedation
- IV twilight sedation
- The procedure
- Usually under 5 minutes
- When
- Often the same day or the next
- Price
- Call (602) 462-5559 for today's price
What a surgical abortion is
A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy with a short procedure done in the office. In early pregnancy, the doctor gently opens the cervix and empties the uterus with gentle suction. Later in the window, up to 15 weeks, instruments are used along with suction. Dr. Yunis chooses the method that is safest for how far along you are, and he explains it before he starts.
Who it is for
It is an option through 15 weeks. Many women choose it because it is over quickly, they are sedated and comfortable, and the recovery is short. It is also a good choice if the abortion pill is not right for your health history, or if you would rather not go through the bleeding and cramping at home.
Your visit, step by step
- Before. You talk with Dr. Yunis. He confirms how far along you are and goes over your health history, your options and your questions. You sign a consent form only if you decide to go ahead.
- Sedation. A nurse places an IV. "Twilight" sedation makes you relaxed and drowsy. Many women do not remember the procedure.
- The procedure. It usually takes less than 5 minutes. You may feel cramping, and the sedation keeps you comfortable.
- Recovery. You rest in recovery while the nurses watch you. When you are alert and feeling steady, you go home with written instructions and a number to call.
- Rides. Because you have sedation, plan for an adult to take you home. Ask us when you call how to plan your day.
How to prepare
- Follow the instructions we give you about eating and drinking before sedation. Call (602) 462-5559 if you are not sure.
- Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a sweater, since offices can run cool.
- Tell us about any allergies and every medicine you take, including over-the-counter ones and supplements.
- Plan to rest for the rest of the day. Most women are back to normal activity that afternoon or the next day.
Afterward
Cramping and light bleeding or spotting are normal for a week or two. Ibuprofen and a heating pad help. Dr. Yunis will give you instructions for what to avoid, usually tampons, baths and intercourse for a short time, and will tell you exactly how long. You can usually shower the same day.
Your fertility returns quickly, sometimes within two weeks. If you do not want to be pregnant again soon, talk to us about birth control at your visit.
An IUD at the same time
If you want long-term birth control, ask about placing a Mirena IUD during the same visit, while you are already sedated. Many women with a low pain tolerance choose this.
Blood type
Your blood type matters in pregnancy. If you are Rh negative, you may need a shot of Rh immune globulin after an abortion to protect future pregnancies. Ask Dr. Yunis about it at your visit.
Risks
Surgical abortion in the first trimester is one of the safest procedures in medicine, and serious complications are uncommon. Possible risks include infection, heavier bleeding, tissue left behind that needs treatment, injury to the cervix or uterus, and a reaction to sedation. A licensed OB/GYN, careful screening and good aftercare keep these risks low.
Price
Call (602) 462-5559 for today's surgical price. If you would rather not have a procedure, the abortion pill is $449, the lowest price in Arizona.
Call us right away if you have
- Soaking through two thick pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Severe pain that does not ease with ibuprofen or rest
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling discharge, or feeling very weak, faint or sick days afterward
Call (602) 462-5559. If you cannot reach us, go to the nearest emergency room and tell them you recently had an abortion.
Common questions
How long does the procedure take?
Usually less than 5 minutes. Plan for the whole visit to take longer, because you will talk with the doctor first and rest in recovery after.
Will I be asleep?
You receive IV "twilight" sedation. You are relaxed and drowsy, and many women do not remember the procedure.
When can I be seen?
In most cases the same day or the next. Call (602) 462-5559 and we will tell you what is open.
Can I drive home?
No. Because of the sedation, plan for an adult to take you home.
When can I go back to work?
Most women feel back to normal that afternoon. Many return to work or school the next day.
Will it affect future pregnancies?
A first-trimester surgical abortion done by a licensed doctor does not affect your ability to have children later.
Related
See prices, what a visit looks like or more answers.