Post-Procedure Care
You will be able to eat and drink immediately after your procedure. You may feel nausea or some cramping pain; this can usually be controlled with gravol, tylenol or ibuprofen.
You will experience bleeding after your procedure - this is normal. The bleeding may last from a few days to several weeks. Use a sanitary napkin for vaginal bleeding - do not put a tampon or any other object in your vagina for one week after the procedure. You should also not have sex for one week afterwards.
You can start using birth control immediately after your procedure. If you want to have an IUD inserted we can do it at the time of your procedure, or at your follow-up visit. We encourage women to have a check-up two to four weeks after the procedure. Follow up at the clinic is especially recommended for women with any post procedure concerns or those wishing to discuss birth control options.
Post-Procedure Advice
Safety
Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
BLEEDING
When is it excessive? If you are soaking through a maxi pad per hour for 3 consecutive hours. Call the clinic or the after-hours emergency number . The after-hours emergency phone number is in your post -op instruction sheet.
On and Off bleeding normally lasts for 3 -4 weeks and can vary from no bleeding at all to a gush of blood and clots especially upon getting up from lying position.
CRAMPING
When is it excessive? If you are experiencing discomfort that is so severe that the normal medications are unhelpful (see below)
Cramping and bleeding can become worse on the 3rd to 5th day following the abortion procedure. Cramping is very normal, as the uterus is contracting back to it’s normal size.
To manage discomfort,you may take Ibuprophen (Advil), 600 mg every 4 hours, or Tylenol ES every 4 hours.
Some people find relief by alternating Ibuprophen with extra strength Tylenol every two hours . A heating pad or hot water bottle placed on the abdomen can also relieve discomfort.
INFECTION
When to worry? If you notice pain uncontrolled by above measures, foul discharge, and fever please contact us ASAP.
To prevent infection, FOR ONE WEEK:
• NO tampons
• NO sexual intercourse
• NO baths or pools
POST PROCEDURE CHECK-UP
When to worry? In addition to the above (excessive bleeding, pain or signs of infection), if you continue to feel pregnant.
Symptoms such as nausea/ vomiting and breast tenderness should decrease in the first few days. Your normal period will return approximately 6 weeks after the procedure. Please note, urine and blood pregnancy tests can remain positive for several weeks after the procedure.
We can see you for post procedure check- up in 2 to 3 weeks. This may be an appropriate time for you to consider your birth control options ( e.g. IUD insertion, tubal ligation referral)
If you are from out of town, we can refer you to a sexual health clinic in your area for check up.
SELF CARE AFTER YOUR ABORTION
After your abortion you may have many feelings, including relief, sadness and guilt. Whatever you are feeling, it is important to know that there are ways to take care of yourself and reflect on your experience, and that you are not alone. If you would like to learn more about self-care, or you would like access to some resources to help you, this resource may be helpful for you:
After your Abortion
Call the Clinic if any concerns:
Toll free: 1-844-785-1375
Tel. 416-849-4595