Choosing to have an abortion can be a very personal decision. If you’re thinking about abortion as an option, it’s normal to have questions. You may be wondering about the safety of the procedure. Or, there may be questions about what steps you might need to take before having an abortion. Your reasons for considering abortion may be complicated. It’s possible there are still concerns about whether or not this is the choice you want to pursue. This is why having access to reliable information and support can be important. Learning more about abortion can help you factor your needs into your decision. If you’re looking into having an abortion at Planned Parenthood, what are the three things needed beforehand?
As you look into having an abortion at Planned Parenthood or another clinic, know you are not alone. Avenue Women’s Center has been a trusted resource for clients facing an unexpected pregnancy since 1981. Our expert staff will help you process your next steps. Before you schedule an abortion at Planned Parenthood, we’ll answer your questions about abortion procedures, potential risks, and alternatives. We’ll help you build confidence in your decision by providing you with quality care within a nonjudgmental environment.
Contact us today to receive the services and support you deserve from one of our six locations throughout the Chicagoland area!
1. Should I Seek Consultation Before Having an Abortion at Planned Parenthood?
Scheduling an abortion procedure can be stressful. It may be a good idea to meet with a healthcare provider or a pregnancy consultant. These resources can assist you with formulating a care plan to safely prepare for the procedure. Taking the time to learn about the different abortion procedures can provide you with useful information.
This can help you weigh your level of comfort alongside the potential risks. For example, would you prefer to have a surgical or non-surgical abortion? Having an in-clinic, surgical abortion at Planned Parenthood means there could be a few extra steps involved. Surgical abortion may involve scheduling a time to visit the center to undergo surgery. This means the process could take a little longer than a non-surgical abortion.
How do you feel about this? Alternatively, if you opt for a non-surgical abortion, are you comfortable with taking medication to administer the abortion?
Talking about a potential abortion decision can be beneficial in another way. Closely examining your thoughts can help determine if this is the right choice for you. You may want to analyze your feelings about being pregnant with a professional resource. Within a nonjudgmental setting, you can voice your concerns and have your questions answered.
Once you’ve gathered information about yourself and your options, you can feel confident you’re making a choice that aligns with your needs.
2. Will I Need To Have an Ultrasound Exam Before an Abortion?
Having an ultrasound prior to scheduling an abortion can provide important information that may impact your decision. The scan can be arranged through a healthcare provider or a first-step options clinic.
The type of abortion procedure you undergo is often dependent on the pregnancy’s gestational age. How far along you are typically plays a role in the cost of an abortion as well. An ultrasound exam is usually the most accurate way of measuring how much your pregnancy might have advanced.
After confirming your pregnancy, having an ultrasound can be beneficial to identify early pregnancy risks. This is because complications such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy typically require immediate treatment. Being alerted to these risks can inform you if you need to seek care.
It should be noted the detection of one of these conditions will likely make you ineligible for an abortion. Which means there is unlikely to be a need to schedule one. This is why knowing ahead of time the pregnancy is likely to end on its own can be useful information. You will not need to bother setting up a time to have an abortion. Instead, you can focus on accessing any necessary treatment.
3. Do I Need to Have an STD Test Before an Abortion?
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can go undetected because they do not have symptoms. It’s still advised you get screened for an STD even if there are no signs of one. Left untreated, the infection may worsen or start to spread. Having an abortion with an undiagnosed STD can increase your risk of contracting conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
PID can lead to long-term pelvic or abdominal pain, pregnancy complications, and other health concerns. Being screened for STD prior to an abortion can reduce your risk of PID. This is why managing your health can be crucial when you’re thinking about having an abortion.
Taking steps to move forward with an unexpected pregnancy option can be challenging. You deserve to know where you can go to access the care you need. You do not have to undergo this journey alone. There are plenty of nonjudgmental resources that can support you as you learn more about your health and your options.
Facing an unexpected pregnancy alone can be stressful. Avenue Women’s Center can provide you with the supportive setting you need to figure out an unexpected pregnancy plan. If you’re considering having an abortion at Planned Parenthood, we can assist with some of your first steps. Our limited medical ultrasound exam will let you know how far along you are and identify early pregnancy risks. During your appointment, we’ll supply you with the answers you need to feel empowered about putting your plan into action.
Reach out today for quality care and information at no cost!
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References:
- American Pregnancy Association. (2017, April 25). Ultrasound: Sonogram. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/ultrasound-720
- National Institutes of Health Medline Plus. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pelvicinflammatorydisease.html.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.