FAQs

We all have different experiences with and reaction to pain. Different doctors use different ways to control pain.

With the aspiration D&C method used at our center, there may only be a few minutes of cramps. Though it is normal to fear pain, the fear of pain should not be the most important factor in your decision.

You will be offered medication to help with pain and given several remedial measures to increase your comfort.

Our health educators will help you determine which option is best for you: procedural abortion while awake with medicines to aid in your comfort, while asleep, or medical abortion using the abortion pill at home.

Yes. All of these terms refer to the same safe and effective abortion method we provide up to a gestational age of 11 weeks.  For more information, see our Medical Abortion page.

A procedural abortion, also known as aspiration abortion, is usually administered by a method called vacuum aspiration. The procedure itself usually takes only five to ten minutes, and is a common in-office gynecology service. You can find out more at our Procedural Abortion page. Procedural abortions are offered to a gestational age of 15 weeks, 6 days.

An approximate measurement of weeks of pregnancy can be calculated from the date of your last menstrual period. We have provided a Pregnancy Calculator which allows you to enter the date of your last period provide an estimate.

Please remember: Only an exam, pregnancy test, or ultrasound by a physician can confirm pregnancy and approximate length of pregnancy. A missed period does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant, and having a period does not mean you are not pregnant.

Medical Abortion: Please prepare to be at the office for up to 2-3 hours to complete lab services, ultrasound, patient education and your medical abortion.

Procedural Abortion: Please prepare to be at the office for up to 3-4 hours to complete lab services and your procedure.

Each person’s blood is one of four major types: A, B, AB, or O. Blood types are determined by the types of antigens on the blood cells. Antigens are proteins on the surface of blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system.

The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Most people who have the Rh factor are Rh-positive. Those who do not have the Rh factor are Rh-negative.

The Rh factor test is a routine test that is included in your blood test. If your blood lacks the Rh antigen, it is called Rh-negative. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive.

If you are Rh-negative, you will receive a medicine called Rh immunoglobulin after an abortion. The Rh immunoglobulin is a blood product that can prevent sensitization of an Rh-negative mother.

Approximately 15% of people are Rh-Negative.

The Rh factor does not affect a person’s general health. However, problems can occur during pregnancy when the baby’s blood has the Rh factor and the mother’s blood does not, however it can be prevented in most cases with the immunoglobulin (RhIg) medication.

It depends on your procedure. If your appointment is for a medication (“the pill”) or “awake” procedure, you may eat a light meal prior to your appointment.

If your appointment is for an I. V. sedation procedural abortion (while asleep) DO NOT eat, drink, chew gum or smoke 6 hours prior to your appointment time. You may take your required medications with a sip of water.

HOWEVER, if you are having sedation/anesthesia (will be asleep) for your procedure, you cannot drive yourself home.

Please have someone drive you home (preferably someone who will help you get inside and get settled) as you cannot drive yourself home. We recommend not driving for at least an additional 6 hours.

The D&C procedure has many uses in gynecology including a first step to fertility treatments. That is one reason why birth control options are an important part of our center’s Health Education. We suggest that you begin using your chosen option right away.

Everyone’s emotional response to their abortion varies — and all of them are valid. Studies have shown that over time, most who have chosen abortion do not feel regret about their decision, but rather relief.

The Abortion Conversation Project has a comprehensive section about Healthy Coping After an Abortion which we suggest you read. We also suggest you look at Before and After Abortion which includes several counseling videos and resources.

If you feel that it would help to speak with someone about your experience, we can suggest the following resources who have experience with post-abortion counseling and who will not be judgmental of your decision.

Maria Ines Butler, MSW, LCSW
https://thrivetherapycenter.com/therapists
10560 Main Street Suite# PH4
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-507-0963 | Se habla español

Danille S. Drake, PhD
https://www.danilledrakephd.com/
131 Great Falls Street, Suite 101
Falls Church, VA, 22046
703-532-0221

Bonnie R Sobel, RN, LCSW, BCD
http://www.bonniersobel.com/
7643 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA, 22043
703-969-7871