While a medical abortion is only available for patients up to 10 weeks pregnant, Mile High Women’s Clinic provides surgical abortion for patients up to 22 weeks pregnant. The procedure we use is a D&C, a minimally-invasive outpatient surgery that we can perform right in our office.
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus. Doctors perform dilation and curettage to diagnose and treat certain uterine conditions — such as heavy bleeding — or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion.
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In a dilation and curettage — sometimes spelled “dilatation” and curettage — your doctor uses small instruments or a medication to open (dilate) your cervix — the lower, narrow part of your uterus. Your doctor then uses a surgical instrument called a curette to remove uterine tissue.
Between the two types of abortions, medical and surgical, over 75% of people choose this surgical option at Mile High Women’s Clinic. Our team has perfected this treatment after decades of performing it. This surgical procedure has one of the lowest risks of complications possible, and you can rest assured that we know what we’re doing and we’ll get you back on your feet in no time.
Your doctor will likely direct you to stop drinking alcohol and taking over-the-counter medications at least a day before your procedure. Be sure to follow these guidelines and any others they might give you regarding food intake and other physical wellness activities.
When you meet with us for your procedure, we urge you to come prepared with any questions that you haven’t had answered yet. Your physician can answer them, or you can speak with a counselor if you’d like. Your doctor will also go through your medical history, describe the procedure for you and explain any side effects and risks you might experience. We also suggest bringing in someone to support you through the process, such as a trusted friend or family member.
Once our team confirms your pregnancy one more time, they will be able to get started with your procedure. The procedure itself should only take about 10-15 minutes. When it’s complete, your physician might have you stay in a recovery room for a short time before you’re released to go home.
Consider scheduling a couple of days off following your procedure to allow you time to recover both physically and mentally. Getting an abortion can be an emotional and empowering time, and it’s important to take special care of yourself until you’re feeling back to normal.
The method used is vacuum aspiration. A small tube is inserted into the uterus, and aspiration or suction is used to empty the contents of the uterus.
We make every effort to ensure that you will be as comfortable as possible during the abortion. In addition to local anesthetic, we offer sedation to help you relax and to decrease the cramping.
The entire visit takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Before the procedure, you will have some forms to complete, as well as lab tests and an ultrasound examination if deemed necessary. You are also given an opportunity to talk with the physician, a nurse, or a staff member to address any questions or concerns. After the procedure, you will rest in our office for a short time until you are ready to leave.
Abortion is a very safe procedure that has been perfected over the past 30 years. In fact, it is considered one of the safest surgical procedures when performed by a skilled physician. Our physicians have more than 30 years of experience and our goal is to provide the best medical care in order to protect your future fertility. Complications are very rare; our complication rate is lower than that of colonoscopies. An abortion should not impact your ability to have children in the future.
It is required that you have someone with you to drive you home after a surgical procedure.
Most women feel fine the day after the abortion and are able to return to normal activities. You may experience some cramping and bleeding, but you can return to work or school. You should monitor your own symptoms and be sure to take all medications as you were instructed. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions—please read these carefully and call if you have any questions or concerns.
Our fees include everything: counseling, lab work, ultrasound, procedure, and a post-op visit. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, check cards, or cash. No checks will be accepted. If you are Rh-negative, a Rhogam injection is necessary. An additional fee of $60 will be charged for the Rhogam if necessary.
Yes, many insurance providers do cover an abortion. Our office will be glad to confirm for you. As a private doctor's office, we accept most insurance plans. We will verify insurance prior to the visit, and in some cases, a deposit may be required. Some HMOs require a referral from the primary physician. Be sure to call our office in advance in order to prevent unnecessary delays.
Mile High Women’s Clinic has provided in-clinic surgical abortions for nearly 40 years. Our team of male and female board-certified obstetricians makes it their mission to provide compassionate, quality care to patients in the greater Denver area and beyond. We’ve served people coming from all over the country for our abortion services.
If you’re ready to make your surgical abortion appointment, call us today at 303-407-9004. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We try to book all of our patients within 48 hours of their call. Call us today to get started.