QuestionHi Dr,
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 preg 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's 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, first of all thanks for your question. I am not a doctor but a welfare worker and have a nursing background also. I am also vary familiar with the abortion procedure so am happy to answer your question.
Ok first of all it's great you have a supportive partner! Accidents can happen to anybody, myself included!
As for which type of abortion is best I have heard that a surgical abortion is the best option in terms of less chance of bleeding and complications. It is a very simple procedure. With your anemia I think you should be fine, just mention it at the clinic when you get the abortion done. Planned parenthood is a good option, I am guessing you are in the USA. Marie Stopes is another excellent organisation however you will have to google them and see if one is located close to you.
I can totally understand your reluctance to tell your parents. You sound very mature and it seems like you have really thought about this and made the best choice for you.
To put abortion into perspective for you- it actually safer to have an abortion than to go through labour. So someone in labour has a higher chance of something going wrong than someone who has an abortion. Physically you should be fine. Infection is rare, they may give you antibiotics so just make sure you take them and follow all the instructions they give you.
The best time to have a surgical abortion is around 7-8 weeks as the fetus is really small before then and the abortion may not work. Some clinics will do it at 6 weeks.
You shouldnt be to worried about the physical side of it, it is safe and you should have no problems afterwards with your health. many women go through this every day. I myself had a termination and have had no problems as a result. If by chance you do get an infection ( unlikeley though) it is simple to fix with more antibiotics.
Its realy good you have a list of questions to ask. The doctor you see should be able to answer them all and put your mind at ease.
I hope that I have been of some help even though I am not a doctor! If you have any further questions now or even after the abortion please feel free to ask and I will get back to you. Good luck and I wish you and your boyfriend all the best!
