Here are some questions frequently asked by our patients.  Answers are offered as a convenience to you.  If you have additional questions or need clarification please ask one of our counselors or medical staff when you come for your appointment or e-mail us at gyn@fallschurchhealthcare.com

The information  presented  throughout our website is for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided on our website and through our links should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult a health care provider. This information though deemed accurate is not guaranteed, it may be subject to interpretation, errors or omissions. 

How do I pay for services at the center?

Fees may be paid with cash, MasterCard, Visa, money orders, traveler's checks, or cashier's checks. Personal checks are accepted using the Vericheck system.  All fees are to be paid at the time services are provided.  We will be glad to provide a detailed receipt to assist you in applying for your insurance reimbursement, just ask. 

FAQ's during a GYN Appointment.  
Also see additional patient instructions

How do contraceptives work? 

They only work when you use them! and as directed!  Review a comprehensive guide or see the  Specific Q and A's for each method presented at the bottom of each method's page.  

Why should I have an annual gyn check-up?

We like R.N. Sharla Taylor's, et al, University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, answer: "Throughout our lives, we have many choices to make. These choices affect our family, friends, employers, and last but not least, ourselves. The choices we make today affect the choices we'll have to make in the future. Health care choices such as diet, exercise, health habits, and physical exams may be among our most important decisions. Our health is one of our most valuable assets, yet too often we neglect our physical needs or develop habits that may do us harm.  A smart choice that we can make to ensure good health is to have a yearly Pap smear. A Pap smear is a simple test that does not involve much time or discomfort. The Pap smear will detect potential problems of the cervix (opening of the uterus) or vagina (birth canal) early so they can be diagnosed and treated. Another good reason to have a yearly Pap is because your health professional will also do a breast exam, blood pressure check, pelvic exam and listen to your heart and lungs. Other tests may be done based on your needs and health history.  It's a good feeling knowing you're healthy and that you are doing your part to stay that way."

I never really know when my period is going to occur. If I happen to be having my period should I reschedule when the bleeding has stopped? Is a Pap test useful if it's done during menstruation? 

Because Pap test results are more accurate when a woman isn't menstruating, try to schedule, or reschedule, you appointment so it isn't during your period.  (However this may be tricky if you are having dysfunctional uterine bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.) The best time for a Pap examination is during the two weeks following the end of menstrual flow. Discuss this with one of our telephone counselors.

Who is at greater risk for abnormal Paps?

Those Women
· who have had sexual contact before age 18.
· with a history of many sexual partners.
· whose mothers took DES (Di-Ethyl-Stilbestrol) - a medication which used to be taken for certain pregnancy complications from the 1940s to the 1960s.
· with frequent infection which may be spread by sexual contact.
· who smoke.
· who become pregnant before age 18. 

FAQ's about Pregnancy Terminations
Also see additional patient instructions

How long will I be at the center?

For a medical (non-surgical) procedure  you should allow 2 hours for your visit. For surgical procedures you should allow 3 to 4 hours. For your follow up visit please allow 30-45 minutes.

Can I eat before my appointment?

It depends on your procedure.  If your appointment is for a medical (non-surgical) procedure you may eat a  meal up to1 hour prior to your appointment. If your appointment is for surgical procedures and if awake (having local anesthetic):you may eat a light meal up to 1 hour prior to your appointment . BUT if you will be asleep (general anesthesia) you must be FULL NPO.  DO NOT eat, drink (even water), chew gum, etc.  6 hours prior to your appointment

Can I eat after my appointment?

Yes, in fact you will be offered crackers, cookies, juice, tea or soda in the recovery room. After either a  medical (non-surgical) or  surgical procedure you may resume your normal eating schedule.  We do suggest that you select lighter, low fat and easier to digest foods initially.

Can I drive after my appointment?

It depends on your procedure. For a medical (non-surgical) procedure or for an awake (having local anesthetic) surgical procedure you may bring someone with you if you care to but you can drive yourself. HOWEVER if you are having anesthesia (will be asleep) for your procedure please bring someone with you to drive you home...you cannot drive yourself home. We recommend not driving for at least an additional 6 hours.

Is abortion safe?

Abortion is very safe, especially when done early in pregnancy. Many studies have been done that show that having an abortion in the first twelve weeks is many more times safer than having a baby. Even a late abortion is less dangerous than having a baby.

Will it hurt?

We all have different experiences of pain. Different doctors use different ways to control pain. With the Vacuum Aspiration method used at our center, there will usually be a few minutes of cramps. Though it is normal to fear pain,  fear of pain should not be the most important factor in your decision. You will probably be offered medication to help with pain.

When can I have sex or intercourse?

Not until after your follow-up appointment, 3 weeks after your procedure. The counselors will discuss this further with you but it is important to your health that nothing is inserted in your vagina until after your follow-up exam.

Will I be able to get pregnant again?

Yes. Your personal experience with fertility will continue as before,  antidotally many women were surprised to have found it easier to get pregnant soon after an abortion.  That is one reason why birth control options are an important part of our center's counseling and you are counseled to begin using your chosen option right away.