After Abortion Care Instructions

Intercourse

No intercourse (sex) for 2 weeks. Putting anything inside your vagina can increase your chances of getting a pelvic infection which would require additional treatment and may endanger your future fertility. Be sure to consider some form of contraception when you begin having intercourse again, as most women can get pregnant soon after an abortion procedure.

Tampons

Do not use tampons until you have been released by the physician at your follow up or after two full weeks post abortion. Again, putting anything inside your vagina following an abortion can increase your chance of getting a pelvic infection which would require additional treatment.

Bathing

No sit down baths, swimming, or hot tubs until you have been released by the physician at your follow up or after two full weeks post abortion. You may shower regularly.

Activities

You can resume regular activities such as going back to work, going back to school, etc.. the day after your abortion or as soon as you feel able. If you exercise regularly (jogging, tennis, weight lifting) you may gradually work yourself back into your program after 10 days. Use your own judgement, if an activity causes cramping or bleeding to increase, stop doing it. Sit down and put your feet up. If you need a medical excuse for work or school, please let a staff member know so it can be prepared for you.

Birth Control

Birth control is necessary following an abortion if you are having intercourse and do not want to become pregnant. A prescription for birth control can be prescribed at your follow up appointment. If you go to a private physician or a clinic for your follow up, ask about birth control while you are there.

FOLLOW UP EXAM

It is important to get a check-up within 2 weeks after your abortion. Your follow up visit at NFWS is free as long as it is within 6 weeks of your abortion. If you seek outside follow up care, please be advised that an early detection pregnancy test may remain positive for 4-6 weeks post abortion.

North Florida Women’s Services is available for emergency calls 24 hours a day (850) 877-3183. You need to leave an urgent message at this line to receive a call back.

CALL US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Temperature of 100.4 or more for more than 2 hours.
  • Totally saturating more than 2 full sized maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours.
  • Passing clots larger than a lemon.
  • Severe cramping, pain, or anything that is unusual.
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction to medication.

In order to better assist you with a possible post abortion problem, please have the following information ready for our emergency on call staff:

  • Your last temperature reading.
  • The number of pads you have used in the last 4 hours.
  • The size and amount of any clots you have passed.
  • The name and phone number of the nearest open pharmacy.

IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE HAVING A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY CALL 911

We are a proud member of National Abortion Federation (“NAF”) – an association of medical professionals who provide abortions including educational materials and financial assistance to women that qualify.