Surgical Procedures
Surgical abortion is offered at Buffalo GYN Womenservices from
5 to 20 weeks. This method is an extremely safe procedure, complications
are very rare, and our staff is highly experienced.
On the day of your appointment, you
can expect to be in the office for approximately four hours. This time
will include an ultrasound to date the pregnancy, laboratory testing,
counseling, the procedure, and recovery time. Although this may seem like
a long wait, please remember that each woman is being given individual
quality care. Your health and well-being is most important to us.
First Trimester Procedures
This simple and safe procedure usually takes from 5-10 minutes and is
usually preformed during the first 5 through 12 weeks of pregnancy. A
local anesthetic is used to numb the cervix, which is gently dilated.
A small vacurette is inserted into the uterus and suction is used to remove
the pregnancy.
Second Trimester Procedures
This procedure is usually performed from 13 to 20 weeks and may require
one or two days. If you are between 13-15 weeks pregnant, we may be able
to complete the procedure in one day using an oral medication to help
you dilate, but it will require a longer wait in the clinic. When a two-day
procedure is required, the first day, you will receive a sonogram, lab
work, counseling, and Laminaria is inserted into your cervix to assist
in the dilation process. Laminaria is an organic, sterile substance that
safely and gently dilates your cervix overnight. On the second day, a
15-30 minutes abortion will take place. If you live outside of the Buffalo
area, you must stay overnight. We will give you a list of hotel options.
Sedation Options
Local
Anesthetic
Lidocaine is used to numb just the area where the surgery is taking place.
This means your cervix will be numb, but you will still feel some cramping.
The nurse or counselor will assist you in relaxing during the procedure.
IV Sedation
Sometimes called twilight sleep. IV conscious sedation helps you relax
and dulls the discomfort. You may still feel some cramps, but they will
be lessened. Some patients find they do not remember the procedure.
Medical Abortion
Buffalo GYN Womenservices also offers medical abortions using Mifeprex
(Mifepristone, or RU-486) and Misoprostol (Cytotec). This method is only
available for healthy women who are less then 7 weeks pregnant and includes
the following steps:
- After careful medical screening,
a sonogram, and education about the procedure, Mifeprex is given
orally.
- At home approximately 48 hours
later, you will insert misoprostol into your vagina. Within
2-12 hours, you will experience significant bleeding and cramping
and will most likely pass the pregnancy.
- You will return to the clinic 7-10
days later for a sonogram to determine whether or not your abortion
is complete. If you have successfully, passed the pregnancy,
no additional visits are required. If not, you may have to return
for a third visit, or a surgical procedure may be required.
Although this method may require more steps than the surgical
procedure, it is perfect for women who feel more comfortable
having more control over the process. Of the women who have
used this method, 90% would choose this method over a surgical
procedure in the future.
Other Services
Free Pregnancy Testing
Urine pregnancy tests are provided free of charge, Monday through
Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Results
are made available that same day.
Emergency Contraception
If you have had unprotected intercourse you may be able to prevent
pregnancy by using Emergency Contraception (commonly known as
"the Morning After Pill"). The Emergency Contraception must be
taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to be most effective.
Counseling
Buffalo GYN Womenservices also provides women and families with
pregnancy options counseling and post abortion counseling upon
request. We also can refer you to pro-choice pastoral counseling.
Fetal Anomaly Abortions
In cases where severe birth defects are diagnosed, we will work
closely with you and your physician to provide an abortion beyond
20 weeks.
Follow-up Care
We request that you have a follow up exam 3-5 weeks after your
abortion. Although we do recommend that you return to your own
physician for this appointment. Buffalo GYN Womenservices does
provide this exam with our Nurse Practitioner at no additional
charge. As part of our full-service care we maintain a 24-hour
answering service for emergencies.
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