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505-242-7512 |
Southwestern Women's Options |
522 Lomas Blvd. NE |
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Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| En Español |
Pre & Post-Op Instructions for Patients
Pre-Operative Instructions
- Do not eat for 4 hours before your appointment
- Do not drink for 2 hours before you appointment
- Dress comfortably – bring socks and 2 sanitary pads
- Expect to be in the clinic 3-5 hours
- Have someone available to drive you home
- Bring your full payment --- We accept cash, money orders, and credit cards. The cardholder must be available to sign the charge slip. No personal checks.
- Please call for an appointment as we work by appointment only
Post-Operative Instructions for a surgical abortion
Now that the procedure is over, you may eat or drink
anything you like and return to your usual activities tomorrow. It is best
to avoid especially
strenuous activities. Don't lift anything heavier than 10 pounds, exercise
or spend a lot of time on your feet; be guided by how your feel. It is
important that you carefully read these instructions and follow them
closely. Do not hesitate to call us if you have a problem or a question; we
are available 24 hours.
Precautions: Nothing in your vagina for at least
one week
- Use sanitary pads only - NO TAMPONS - for one week
- Do not have intercourse for one week
- Do not go swimming, douche, or take tub baths for one week
- Showers or sponge baths are fine
Take your oral temperature twice a day for one week. If your temperature is ever 100.4 degrees or over, CALL US.
If you cannot see us for your two week check-up, please plan to see your gynecologist or physician two weeks after your procedure for a check-up.
What to Expect
Every woman bleeds differently. Your bleeding should be like a normal period
or lighter. There may be no bleeding at all for 2-3 days. then it may begin
like a normal period for a week. Or you may begin bleeding immediately and
this can last 7-10 days. A few women do not bleed at all which is also
normal.
You may experience breast pain or a feeling of congestion or fillness. This is a normal response to the hormonal changes occurring in your body. Applying an ice pack to your breasts, or wearing a snug bra, may offer relief. Try to decrease your salt and fluid intake for a few days. The symptoms should pass in a few days.
Your next normal period should begin in 4 to 8 weeks. If you do not have a period within 8 weeks from the procedure date, please call us. It is possible to get pregnant before your first period begins. Therefore, if you want to avoid another pregnancy now, you should use the means of birth control which has been advised for you by our counselors and/or your physician.
Hormonal birth control methods such as pills, the Depo Provera injection, the Nuva Ring, and the Ortho Evra Patch, may change your cycle. If you have questions please call the office.
Medications
You will be taking DOXYCYCLINE 100 mg (unless your medical history indicates
otherwise). It is an antibiotic and will help prevent infection, taken as
directed. It is especially important to avoid heavy exposure to sunlight.
Also avoid alcohol, antacids, iron products and laxatives while taking it.
Take it every 12 hours, with food and plenty of fluids.
Be Sure to Report If:
- Your bleeding is heavier than the heaviest flow of a normal period.
- You continue bleeding longer than two weeks (although it is normal to spot longer)
- Your temperature is ever 100.4 degrees or more.
- You have any foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- You have severe pain, or pain unlike menstrual cramps.
- You soak through a maxi-pad in 1 hour or less
- If you pass clots that are quarter-sized or larger.
CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS
505-242-7512 / 505-242-9592 / 800-777-7630
The office is open Monday-Friday between 9:00 and 5:00. An answering service
will take your call at any other time.