Having a procedural abortion is a SAFE & EFFECTIVE option for ending a pregnancy.

A procedural abortion is also called vacuum aspiration. The procedure uses suction to gently remove the pregnancy.

While the procedure itself last only minutes, additional time is needed for registration, paperwork, lab services and recovery. Please plan to be in our office for 3-4 hours for your abortion care appointment. (If your last menstrual period was more than 12 weeks ago, please plan to be in our office for up to 5 hours).

What to Expect

  1. You will receive lab work (height, weight, blood pressure, finger prick)
  2. Our ultrasonographer will complete an ultrasound to date the pregnancy
  3. You will receive 2 pre-medications an hour before the procedure
  4. The procedure itself takes only 5-10 minutes and can be done awake or asleep
  5. You will recover in the patient lounge until you feel ready to go home
  • Cervical preparation takes place prior to the procedure through administration of misoprostol which softens the cervix
  • IV sedation is administered (asleep).
  • Sterile medical instruments, a dilator and cannula, are gently inserted through the vaginal cavity, into the cervix opening and into the uterus.
  • The cannula is connected to a device that will provide the gentle suction needed to safely remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. This may make a slight, annoying sound.
  • Following the procedure, we allow ample recovery time in our patient’s lounge. You will be discharged with written and oral instructions on how to take care of yourself and what to do if you have a problem.

Are you interested in receiving an IUD or Nexplanon during your procedural abortion?

Ask us about how you can get a long acting birth control option during the procedure.

Traveling to Falls Church Healthcare for an Abortion

  • We are conveniently located 15-20 minutes from Reagan and Dulles airports, less than an hour from Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and a half hour from Amtrak’s Union Station in Washington, DC. The DC metro has two stops in Falls Church.
  • We encourage patients to receive a procedural abortion so we can ensure success and give patients peace of mind before traveling home. All patients who are traveling will receive a post-procedure ultrasound so the doctor can confirm that a patient is no longer pregnant before going back to a ban state. For patients who choose a medication abortion, we can help with virtual follow up.
  • It is legal to travel for abortions from a ban state to a state where it is not banned.  Call the Repro Legal Helpline with legal questions: 844-868-2812
  • We can help patients with travel logistics and connect them to lodging and transportation support with nearby, pro-choice practical organizations
  • Our doctors can prescribe contraception to patients who live in other states
As you ARE having I.V. Sedation — remember:
  • NOT eat, drink, chew gum (nothing by mouth) 8 hours prior to your appointment. Be sure to drink water before you begin to fast.
  • Please bring someone with you to drive you home…you cannot drive yourself home.
  • Plan to be at the center at least 3-4 hours. You will have a 30 minute recover time in the patient lounge.

AFTER your abortion procedure

  • Use a pad for the first week after the procedure.
  • Comply with the clinician’s instructions for follow-up visits and any needed re-tests.
  • You will be given aftercare instructions that include no sexual activity for at least 1 week.
  • It is possible to get pregnant again as soon as 1-2 weeks after your abortion. Use contraception and talk to us about different birth control options.

After two (2) weeks you will complete your follow-up wellness report: either online, by phone or in person. After four (4) weeks you will take a urine hCG hormone test which will be provided to you.

How does surgical abortion work?
Watch this video on YouTube.

Please see below for Procedural Abortion aftercare instructions.

Your Care at Home

Procedural Abortion

You can also download a PDF of this form locally here.

What can I expect at home?

  • BLEEDING: You can experience bleeding that lasts for 5-7 days, then experience spotting that lasts for an additional week or more. The amount of bleeding will vary for each person. For some patients, the bleeding stops and starts for a few days at a time. Others may not have bleeding at all. It is normal to pass clots while bleeding. Spotting could persist until your next menstrual cycle.
  • CRAMPS: Many patients experience cramping similar to their menstrual cycle cramps or stronger. As needed, you may take over the counter medications containing ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen to help with discomfort. Take these medications according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • CHANGE IN HORMONES: Pregnancy hormones gradually decrease and pregnancy symptoms will subside within 10-14 days, but a Urine hCG hormone test continues to read positive for 4 to 6 weeks.

What do I need to avoid?

• Pads should be used after your procedure to monitor bleeding. FCHC suggests you avoid tampons or menstrual cycle cups until bleeding has slowed down and you are only spotting.

• Do not use vaginal medications or suppositories unless you have checked with your physician. Do not douche.

• If you had IV sedation, avoid driving for 24 hours.

• FCHC suggests refraining from sexual activity for the next 7 days.		What should I do to recover quickly and easily?

• Return to your normal activities as soon as you can. You do not need bed rest. You may shower and take baths.

• Enjoy fresh air and exercise. Regular walks and light exercise can help decrease cramping.

• Treat cramping with Ibuprofen. A cold pack or heating pad on the abdomen or lower back is helpful. You can also massage your
abdomen to relieve discomfort.

• Strenuous activity (heavy lifting, exercise) may increase bleeding. This is normal.
Additional Important Information:

• You can expect a period in 4-8 weeks after your abortion.

• Your first period will be heavier and longer, will include small clots with heavier cramping than usual. This is normal.

• Contraception information can be found here: www.bedsider.org/methods.  Pregnancy can occur before your next period.

• Urine pregnancy hCG hormone tests will be positive up to 4-6 weeks.  Call if concerned.

• Discounted fees are available for continuing GYN services		CALL US IF YOU EXPERIENCE:

• Persistent fever – 100.4 or higher for 3 hours or more

• Severe persistent cramping or pain not helped by medication

• Very heavy bleeding: SOAKING 1 maxi pads every hour and or passing 4 or more large clots walnut size or larger for 2 hours or more. 

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours

• Persistent pregnancy symptoms after 2 weeks
• If you do not have a period by 8 weeks.

IN TWO (2) WEEKS COMPLETE YOUR FOLLOW-UP WELLNESS REPORT:    

  • Online: go to www.fallschurchhealthcare.com/follow-up   or,
  • call us to complete your Wellness Report at 703 532-2500  or,
  • Falls Church Healthcare Center also offers in person follow-up appointments.  Call to make an appointment

IN FOUR (4) WEEKS COMPLETE THE URINE hCG HORMONE TEST YOU WERE GIVEN. Call us if you have any concerns.