QuestionHi Dr Joan,
I am currently a senior in college (21 years of age). I have been on the pill since I became sexually active and for the first time last month, I decided to go off for cost. My boyfriend and I had always been very careful about birth control. We used condoms to make up for the lack of BC but one slipped off during sex. Unfortunately, I thought that everything was okay (because it seemed as though nothing spilled out), however I was wrong.
A few days ago (Thurs to be exact.. today is Tues), I was supposed to get my period. Sad that it didn't come (but also not too concerned since I was just going off the pill), I decided to take a pregnancy test. 4 Positive tests later I was laying on my bathroom floor balling with my boyfriend. I can't have a child, I can't afford one, and I can't give this child everything that a they would deserve.
I have thought greatly about adoption, but have decided that I would have an extremely hard time giving up my child for an adoption. Getting attached to something inside of me for nine months then giving it away instantaneously would kill me... and being pregnant in college for nine months would do some serious damage on my body.
I have talked this over with my boyfriend, who I can praise for being NOTHING but supportive of whatever I want. We have decided, well I have, he just supports me, that we want to go through an abortion. I say we because we are in this together.
I am asking you these questions now because I am concerned about getting an abortion. I have read many places that surgical abortions are a better option because they are more affective, induce less bleeding, and get you back on your feet more quickly than the medical abortion. I am also worried because I have suffered from anemia in the past, however I just had my hemoglobin checked recently and it was 12.4 (which is normal range). Are the things I have listed about surgical abortion true? Is medical abortion a better idea for me? Also, will it be a problem that I used to have issues with anemia? I have no other serious medical problems. Also, I am truly concerned about who will go through with the abortion. I have decided to go with planned parenthood because they seem to be the trusted name. Is this a good idea? Is there somewhere I should look for a better option? I do not want to tell my parents and therefore I can't use their health-care insurance, so cost is somewhat of an issue. I am really scared but know that this is what I want/need to do. I am not worried about my emotional state but definitely my physical state. I have already compiled a list of things to ask when I go in for my first appointment next week so that I can get some clearer answers.
I am seriously worried that this will really ruin me physically and I just want some reassurance that it will be okay. I swear that I will follow all of the post-abortion guidelines and that I will be careful to not get an infection or complicate anything.
Just for more information I had my last normal cycle on 9-25-08, so I am around 4 weeks. When is the earliest someone can have a surgical abortion?
I am really sorry for all of the questions but I TRULY appreciate your time and respect in answering these questions. Thank you so much and I hope to hear from you soon.
AnswerHi Jenn,
What is the best method to end early pregnancy? That is a very good and important question. It is good that you are taking time to research your options.
You are early in your pregnancy, so you have more options. My recommendation for early abortion is: 1)(the best option) the nonsurgical aspiration abortion; 2) the abortion pill; 3) surgical abortion. The aspiration method (or Manual Vacuum Aspiration, MVA) is the most safe, natural and gentle way to end an early pregnancy. It is a wonderful method, and only takes a few minutes to complete. There is no scraping necessary, so there is no scarring and no possibility of interfering with future pregnancies. The only problem with the Aspiration procedure is finding a doctor who offers it. The best resource for this information is earlyabortion.com. I am one of the only doctors in PA, NY, CT, and NJ offering the aspiration procedure. Many women travel to NYC to see me, and it is worth it. I would be glad to see you for a reasonable cost if you want to make the trip to NYC.
The abortion pill is also a very good method. The earlier you take it, the better your experience will be. The abortion pill is more widely available, and should be available at a Planned Parenthood near you. I would recommend this if you don't want to travel.
I am not a proponent of surgical abortion for early pregnancy, unless you don't have these other options. It is not necessary to have the scraping of the uterus or the stronger electric suction with an early pregnancy. If you do get a surgical abortion, you can make sure that the doctor does not scrape with a curette - it is completely unnecessary.
I hope this is helpful.
You are not alone - many women find themself in this situation. Ask your friends and talk about it.
I hope this is helpful.
You can also call my office and talk to someone and ask questions.
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City
