If considering abortion, you need three things: a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound scan, and a negative STD test. Taking the proper steps will help protect your health.
When making an abortion decision, it is critical to understand the risks associated with the procedure. Abortion is a serious medical procedure, so for your own safety, you must understand the potential side-effects of the abortion you qualify for.
Three Things Needed
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A Positive Pregnancy Test, Preferably from a Medical-Grade Source
According to the Mayo Clinic, about ten to twenty percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and the number could even be higher. Certain medications and other factors can lead to false-positive pregnancy test results.
Some women may begin with a positive pregnancy test, but then later have a negative test. This could be due to a false result, or possibly a chemical pregnancy, a name for a very early miscarriage.
Whether you had a positive result or think you might be pregnant, schedule a no-cost appointment to get a medical-grade pregnancy test and we can verify for you.
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An Ultrasound Scan
Your best next step after receiving a positive result from a medical-grade pregnancy test is to undergo an ultrasound scan. The scan will tell you how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable, and rule out ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are extremely dangerous for women, so an ultrasound will help keep you safe.
Understanding how far along you are will help you understand which pregnancy options you’re eligible for. Medication abortion (the abortion pill) is only available for women who are 10 weeks pregnant or less. After this timeframe, women only qualify for a surgical abortion in a clinical setting. The price of the abortion procedure will increase the farther along you are into your pregnancy.
If the pregnancy isn’t viable or you do have an ectopic pregnancy, we’ll point you in the right direction to make sure you get the medical care and help you need.
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A Negative STI Test
Many women have STIs without any visible signs or symptoms, and their health is protected when they undergo periodic STI testing. If you proceed with an abortion without STI testing and treatment beforehand, you run the risk of spreading an infection deeper into your reproductive system. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause permanent damage that threatens your fertility.
We offer STI testing at our center for no cost to the women in our community.
You Are Strong Enough
Only you can make your pregnancy decision, and you are strong enough to make the decision that is best for you. As you move through this process, we can support you by offering guidance and free pregnancy services.
Schedule an appointment at Turlock by filling out our online form. We’re here to help you.