Finding out that you are pregnant may come as a total surprise. Most women find out they are pregnant when they miss a period and have to decide whether to keep the pregnancy or not. An abortion is a medical procedure conducted to terminate a pregnancy. It can either be a medical abortion which involves use of the “abortion pill” or a surgical abortion performed in an abortion clinic. You will need professional help to determine which procedure is appropriate for you depending on your circumstances.

At My Choice Medical we are the premier Beverly Hills abortion clinic. We can assist you or your loved one with most aspects of women's services and abortion services. Our clinic focuses on the abortion pill, abortion information, pregnancy termination, and more. The staff at My Choice Medical makes every effort to give you a comfortable and calm feeling throughout this difficult time. We are here to give you detailed information to help you make the most informed. Please call us now at (866) 397-3070 to schedule a consultation or with any questions you may have regarding your medical abortion. 

What is an abortion pill?

The abortion pill also commonly known as Mifeprex, Mifepristone or RU -486 and is used for medical abortion. You can use the pill within the first ten weeks of pregnancy.  This involves the oral ingestion of Mifepristone after an ultrasound verification of pregnancy with a ten weeks gestation or less. Misoprostol is inserted into the cheeks 24 to 48 hours later and held in place for about 30 minutes then swallowed. In most cases the abortion takes place within 24 hours.

If the abortion fails to take place within 24 hours a surgical procedure can be undertaken. This occurs like a spontaneous miscarriage, and the bleeding may continue for up to two weeks or longer. An ultrasound is then used to verify if the pregnancy termination is successful.

How safe is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is quite safe for most women and is a completely non- invasive procedure that doesn’t require local anesthesia. However, there is a risk of hemorrhage, and in rare cases, there is an incomplete passage of tissue which requires surgical evacuation.  This method has a minimal chance of infection and to prevent this patient is provided with antibiotics.

What are the results and side effects?

The abortion pill can only be used by patients not more than ten weeks pregnant. If medical abortion fails, it is advised that you undertake a surgical procedure.  The main advantage of medical abortion is that the pregnancy is terminated in the privacy of your home. Side effects of this procedure may include diarrhea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, headache, and fatigue. It is advised that you have family or friends to help you during this period.

Surgical Abortion

Before the procedure is conducted, medication is inserted into the vagina to soften the neck of the womb.  You are given an option to have a surgical abortion without local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The other option is having the procedure done while sedated. An instrument is then carefully placed through the neck of the womb and suction is used to expel the pregnancy.  In late pregnancy, the doctor uses surgical tools to remove the pregnancy.

First Trimester Abortion

  • Abortion Pill

    Also known as RU-486, the abortion pill is a safe method to terminate your pregnancy if you are ten weeks pregnant or less. Many women prefer this method because it’s more natural and gives them more control over the procedure. It is essential to have a support system when undergoing this procedure because you will be within the confines of your home. Understanding what to expect after you leave the clinic is also critical.

  • Surgical Abortion

    Surgical abortion is considered one of the safest outpatient surgical procedures. Our doctors are experts in performing the following first-trimester surgical procedures:

    • Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)

      This uses a handheld aspirator to gently expel the pregnancy without use of surgical equipment sounds.

    • Early Standard Vacuum Aspiration

      Standard surgical equipment is used for this procedure. Expert skills are required to remove the pregnancy during the early weeks.

Second Trimester Abortion

Second-trimester abortions are performed within 15-24 weeks of pregnancy and may take up to three days depending on the procedure.  These are the common methods used in the second trimester:

  • Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

    In the second trimester, the D&C procedure is performed within the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. After the cervix is dilated the embryo and placenta are sucked out of the uterus with a suction device and then with the help of a curette any remaining parts of the fetus and placenta are removed.

  • Dilation and Evacuation

    This is a pregnancy termination procedure that can be performed after 16 weeks. During this procedure, the uterine cervix is dilated. The fetus is then cut into pieces for easy removal.

  • Induction Abortion

    This procedure is conducted during the second trimester. A surgical needle is inserted into the amniotic sac, and the amniotic fluid is replaced with a strong saline solution. The strong saline solution causes the fetus to die, which is then delivered. Depending on the procedure Prostaglandins and Pitocin can also be used to induce the abortion.

Third Trimester Abortion Procedures

  • Dilation and Extraction

    This procedure can be performed from the 20th week onwards. During the first two days of the procedure, the cervix is dilated. When it is fully dilated medications are administered to induce labor.

  • Induction Abortion

    Sometimes this procedure is used. A saline solution is injected into the amniotic sac to kill the fetus. Prostaglandins and Pitocin are also used to induce the abortion.

What happens after an abortion?

You may experience cramping and abdominal pains after an abortion. Remember to take medication as prescribed by our doctor.  It is normal to have virginal bleeding after that may go on for a few days.  During the healing period, we advise that you don’t engage in sex or use a tampon. This is because you are at an increased risk getting an infection. You can also become pregnant during this period; it is, therefore, important that we discuss contraception.

Many women will at some point in their lives choose to have an abortion. However, the abortion experience is unique for every woman.  My Choice Medical offers professional services to help you make the right decision. We spend time with our patients before and after the procedure to discuss not only their physical, but also emotional healing.

We are dedicated to providing the best abortion services for women in Beverly Hills, California and we believe every woman deserves professional services when it comes to pregnancy termination. We are located at 7232 Van Nuys Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 91405. For any help or to book an appointment you can reach us at (866) 397-3070.