FAQs

At FemiCare Surgery Center, we’re committed to providing clear, accurate information to support your decision-making process.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about abortion care, what to expect, and general women’s health services. If your question isn’t listed here, don’t hesitate to contact us before your appointment or speak with one of our counselors during your visit.

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General FAQs

The exact time will depend on the services you need, but in general, plan to spend 3–6 hours at our office. This can include:

  • Filling out paperwork.
  • Completing lab work and a consultation with the physician and nurse anesthetist.
  • A brief procedure lasting about 5 minutes.
  • Recovery time of 20–30 minutes before being discharged.

Bring the following items:

  • A photo ID.
  • Your insurance card, if applicable.
  • Exact payment if paying with cash (we do not provide change).

Leave valuables at home to ensure their safety during your visit.

We accept:

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

For more info, please visit our Fees page

Maybe, depending on the procedure. A 2-week follow-up appointment may be scheduled before you leave for medication abortions. Procedural (surgical) abortions don’t require a follow-up unless there are any issues or need birth control counseling. If required: 

For surgical abortion patients: This ensures your body is healing properly and is free of infection.

For medication abortion patients: A follow-up sonogram to confirm all tissue has passed.

FAQs About Abortion Care

We typically recommend waiting until you are at least 5 weeks pregnant, as this is when the gestational sac becomes visible on an ultrasound, but can be performed earlier if appropriate follow-up is setup. Medication abortion (commonly known as the abortion pill) is a preferred method for early pregnancy.

Bleeding may occur off and on until your next menstrual period, which usually returns 4–6 weeks after the procedure, but varies by person. This is normal unless:

  • You are passing large clots (bigger than a lemon).
  • You are bleeding a lot heavier than a menstrual period.

Contact our office 24/7 if you have any concerns.

In Maryland, minors are considered emancipated in matters of pregnancy, meaning they can make their own decisions about prenatal care and abortion. Parental consent is not required in the following situations:

  • The physician’s attempt to notify the parent or guardian has failed.
  • The physician determines that notifying the parent or guardian may lead to physical or emotional abuse.
  • The minor is considered mature enough to give informed consent.
  • Notification is not in the best interest of the minor.

That being said, there are some special considerations we take with minors. Please call our office to discuss your unique situation. 

FAQs About Insurance and Costs

The amount will vary based on your insurance plan. Please contact our office, and we will verify your benefits before your appointment. For more information visit our Fees page or call our office.

Yes, we work closely with organizations like the Baltimore Abortion Fund and the National Abortion Federation. While we cannot apply on your behalf, our staff can guide you through the process of securing financial assistance.

For information on some of the specific funds we work with, visit the Financial Resources page or call our office.

FAQs About Birth Control

We offer a range of birth control options depending on your personal needs, preferences and lifestyle. Our experienced medical team provides compassionate, confidential care to help you take control of your reproductive health.

Yes, we provide a range of birth control options, including:

Sample packs of birth control pills to get you started. Begin taking these the first Sunday after your procedure.

Depo-Provera injections for $50 if not covered by insurance.

Prescriptions for long-term methods like IUDs (Mirena, Liletta) or Nexplanon.

For IUD or implant placement, you will need to wait until your next menstrual period. Consultations can be scheduled during your 2-week follow-up appointment.

Fees page or call our office.

Getting an IUD placed can cause some discomfort, but the experience varies from person to person. Most patients describe the sensation as mild to moderate cramping that lasts only a few minutes. Here’s what to expect during the process:

  • Before Placement: A local anesthetic may be used to minimize discomfort, and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can be taken beforehand to reduce cramping.
  • During Placement: You may feel pressure or a brief, sharp cramp as the IUD is inserted into your uterus. This sensation is similar to menstrual cramps for many.
  • After Placement: Mild cramping or spotting is common for a few hours or days as your body adjusts to the device.

Our experienced providers at FemiCare prioritize your comfort and will guide you through the procedure with care. If you’re concerned about pain, let us know during your consultation, and we can discuss additional pain management options to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. We have a variety of options available. For more about IUDs at Femi-care, click here. To learn more about our Birth Control options, please visit our Birth Control page.

Emergency contraception (EC), such as Plan B or Ella, is designed for occasional use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is not intended to be a regular birth control method. Here’s why:

  • Effectiveness: While effective at preventing pregnancy after a single incident, EC is less reliable than regular birth control methods like pills, IUDs, or implants for ongoing prevention.
  • Timing Limitations: EC must be taken within a specific time frame (typically within 72 hours for Plan B or up to 5 days for Ella) to work.
  • Hormonal Load: Frequent use of EC involves high doses of hormones, which may cause side effects such as irregular periods, nausea, or headaches.

For regular contraception, methods like birth control pills, IUDs, implants, or injections are more effective and better suited for long-term prevention.

Yes, you can become pregnant as soon as your IUD is removed. Fertility typically returns immediately, regardless of whether you had a hormonal or copper IUD. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Liletta): The hormones leave your system quickly after removal, so ovulation may resume within weeks.
  • Copper IUDs (e.g., ParaGard): This non-hormonal option does not impact ovulation, allowing for immediate fertility upon removal.

If you’re not planning to conceive, it’s important to switch to another birth control method right after your IUD removal.

  • Effectiveness: While effective at preventing pregnancy after a single incident, EC is less reliable than regular birth control methods like pills, IUDs, or implants for ongoing prevention.
  • Timing Limitations: EC must be taken within a specific time frame (typically within 72 hours for MyWay – a medication like Plan B) to work.
  • Hormonal Load: Frequent use of EC involves high doses of hormones, which may cause side effects such as irregular periods, nausea, or headaches.

For regular contraception, methods like birth control pills, IUDs, implants, or injections are more effective and better suited for long-term prevention.

The effectiveness of birth control methods depends on proper use. Here’s a comparison of common options:

  • IUDs (Hormonal or Copper): Over 99% effective. Provides long-term protection (3–10 years).
  • Implants (e.g., Nexplanon): Over 99% effective. Lasts up to 3 years.
  • Birth Control Pills: 91% effective with typical use (99% with perfect use). Requires daily adherence.
  • Injections (e.g., Depo-Provera): 94% effective with typical use. Requires an injection every 3 months.
  • Condoms: 85% effective with typical use. Protects against STDs in addition to pregnancy.
  • Emergency Contraception (MyWay): 75–89% effective depending on the method and timing of use.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants are the most effective methods because they eliminate the risk of user error. Short-term methods like pills and condoms require consistency for optimal effectiveness.

Missing a birth control pill can reduce its effectiveness, but the impact depends on how many pills you missed and when. Here’s how to handle it:

  • If You Miss 1 Pill:

    • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day.
    • Continue taking the rest of your pills at the regular time.
    • Backup contraception is not typically necessary.
  • If You Miss 2 or More Pills:

    • Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible.
    • Skip the other missed pills and continue your pack as scheduled.
    • Use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days.
  • If You Miss Pills in the Last Week of Your Pack:

    • Skip the placebo pills and start your next pack immediately after finishing the active pills.

For any uncertainties, refer to the instructions provided with your pill pack or contact your healthcare provider.

Yes, hormonal birth control can significantly reduce heavy or painful periods for many individuals. Here’s how:

  • Birth Control Pills: Regulate hormones to make periods lighter, shorter, and less painful.
  • Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Liletta): Can reduce or even stop menstrual bleeding over time.
  • Birth Control Injections (e.g., Depo-Provera): Often reduce period frequency and flow.
  • Birth Control Implants (e.g., Nexplanon): May decrease menstrual bleeding and pain.

These methods work by stabilizing hormone levels, thinning the uterine lining, and reducing the production of prostaglandins (compounds that cause menstrual cramps). For those with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, birth control is often a first-line treatment.

Yes, most forms of birth control can be started immediately after an abortion, regardless of whether it’s a medication or procedural abortion. Here’s how:

  • Hormonal Methods (Pills, Patch, Ring): Can begin the day of the procedure or the first Sunday afterward.
  • IUDs (Hormonal or Copper): Can be placed immediately after a procedural abortion.
  • Implants (e.g., Nexplanon): Can be inserted the same day as your abortion.
  • Injections (e.g., Depo-Provera): May be administered right after the abortion.

Starting birth control right away ensures continuous pregnancy prevention and allows you to plan your reproductive health according to your goals.

FAQs About Your Visit

We are available 24/7 to address any urgent questions or concerns. Contact us or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:

  • Fever over 100.4°F.
  • Heavy bleeding soaking 2 maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Foul-smelling discharge.

After the procedure, you will rest in our recovery room for approximately 20–30 minutes. Our staff will monitor your vitals and provide aftercare instructions before discharge.  For more information about what to expect after your procedure, please visit this page.

If you receive sedation, you must have a support person or driver accompany you to check in and drive you home. Patients receiving local anesthesia can usually drive themselves. You will be given clear instructions after your appointment, but please feel free to call us and ask us any questions you have.

Why Choose FemiCare Surgery Center?

At FemiCare Surgery Center, we are devoted to providing confidential and compassionate women’s health care in a supportive, private environment. We understand the difficult decisions that may bring you to our office, and our dedicated team is here to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

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Certified, Experienced Physicians

Our certified physicians bring years of expertise in abortion care & women’s health, ensuring the highest standard of medical attention.

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Experienced Medical Staff

Our caring and skilled medical professionals prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout your experience at FemiCare.

Same Day Appointments often available

Minimal wait times that ensure timely access to the care you deserve.

Affordable and Accessible Services

Most insurance accepted, financial assistance available, payment plans discussed during consultation