After Care 1 Day

Aftercare for One-day Surgical Patients at The Hope Clinic for Women

	Medications
	Doxycycline - This is an antibiotic to prevent infection. It is to be taken twice a day for seven days, twelve hours apart and ALWAYS with food. Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds while taking this medication. If you are breastfeeding you should not take Doxycycline. Please let us know so we may substitute another antibiotic.

	Pain Medication - You may take over the counter Ibuprofen (Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve) or Tylenol. Avoid asprin products as they may prolong your bleeding.

	*Ergonovine - This medication is to contract your uterus and control bleeding. It should be taken every six hours until gone and may cause some cramping in abdomen, back or legs.

	*Flagyl - This is an antibiotic for a suspected vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis. This medication should be taken twice a day for seven days. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

*These prescriptions are given on an as needed basis.

Activities

You may go back to your normal activities as soon as you feel fine. Most women are able to return to regular activities within a day, however, avoid strenuous exercise (jogging, biking, heavy lifting) for several days. Any activity that increases your cramping and/or bleeding should be scaled back. To prevent infection, do not douche or have intercourse until after your check-up. You may take a bath or go swimming in a pool, but avoid water skiing and swimming in a lake, ocean or river, for the next 2 weeks to prevent infection.

Bleeding, cramping and sanitary protection.

Bleeding or not bleeding are both considered normal following an abortion, however, if you soak 2 maxi pads in one hour you should call our emergency number. We recommend that you use pads until your check-up. Tampon use should be avoided for at least 48 hours. If, at that time, you choose to use tampons, use cardboard applicator, non-deodorant tampons.

Cramping is normal and should be relieved with the medication or soaking in a warm tub. You may also try a deep abdominal massage.

Birth control, menstruation and two to three week check-up

Birth control pills, the patch, or Nuvaring should be started the Sunday after your abortion whether you are bleeding or not. You may or may not bleed following your first cycle of pills. The bleeding you may experience following an abortion is not your period. Your normal period should return in four to six weeks. It is essential for you to have a two to three week check-up appointment. You may do this at Hope Clinic or go to your own doctor as long as you feel comfortable telling him or her you have had an abortion. A urine pregnancy test should be negative within 3 weeks. We recommend that all patients perform a home pregnancy test 3 weeks after their procedure and call us if the test is positive.

Emergency Information

A nurse is on call to answer your questions 24 hours, seven days a week.

During clinic hours you may call (800) 844-3130. (M-F: 7am-5pm, Sat: 7am-1pm)

After hours please call our answering service at the number you were given. Leave your name and telephone number (including your area code) and your call will be returned.

Call us if you experience bleeding that soaks more than 2 maxi pads in an hour, a temperature over 101 degrees, or any other symptoms which you are concerned about.

We encourage you to call us first, as we specialize in the field of abortion. HOWEVER, if you feel your condition requires immediate care, please seek help from the emergency department at the nearest hospital.