Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
Abortion recovery isn’t something that is always openly talked about. Still, the need for information is real. How long does it take to recover physically? What about emotional recovery, what is that like?
Sorting through all the available information can be a challenge, especially if you have recently found out you are pregnant and are trying to decide which path is best. If you or your partner are considering abortion as an option, it’s best to be prepared for the whole process, from beginning to end, and afterward.
While recovering in the first few days,
experts advise drinking a lot of fluids, resting, taking vitamins and prescribed antibiotics, eating healthily, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding aerobic exercise for two weeks. They also suggest not lifting anything over fifteen pounds, and not having sex or using tampons or anything else vaginally for two to four weeks.
One of the most obvious effects following an abortion is bleeding, which can last for one to two weeks, often including blood clots, cramping and/or bloating. If bleeding soaks two or more sanitary pads per hour, contact your doctor immediately.
After an abortion, your body will be working to get back to your normal cycle, and that happens faster than you might expect. Ovulation is likely to happen within two to three weeks following the abortion procedure. Which means, you may want to revisit your contraceptive options.
You should expect your first menstrual cycle to take place four to eight weeks after an abortion procedure and it’s possible for it to be somewhat abnormal initially.
The emotional recovery from an abortion looks different for everyone. Some women and men will feel relief, while
others report feeling regret or experiencing depression.
These mixed emotions are common, and you are not alone. The medical professionals at
Mt. Sinai in New York say, “It is normal to feel sad or depressed after this procedure. Seek help from your healthcare provider or a counselor if these feelings do not go away. A family member or friend can also provide comfort.”
It’s not uncommon for women to say that the procedure affected them more than they expected. Those who have been coerced, forced, or persuaded to get an abortion may struggle more than those who freely make their decision. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, contact the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, it’s important to find a trusted person to walk alongside you, answer your questions, and listen as you evaluate your options based on your individual circumstances.
At
Avail NYC, our client advocates will help you, whether you are still deciding your path, or need emotional support after having an abortion. We are here to provide the services, space, and support you need without any judgment.
Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
ABOUT AVAIL
Avail NYC provides free, compassionate support for women and men navigating unexpected pregnancies or seeking support after an abortion. Our trained Personal Advocates offer a safe, confidential space online or in-person to process emotions and explore options. Equipping clients with personalized coping strategies and resources, we empower them to move forward with confidence at their own pace. Avail NYC is not a medical provider. To learn more or meet with a personal advocate, visit Avail NYC.
Our office is conveniently located at 115 W 45th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036. To see directions and hours, please read more about our location.
For your online appointment, please check your email for the link to join the appointment via Zoom. This link was sent when you scheduled the appointment and is included in your appointment reminders. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll resend the information quickly.
You can always cancel or reschedule your appointment if you need to. Simply select “Manage Appointments” via our online booking system or contact us directly to move your appointment to a time that better fits your schedule.
If you miss your appointment, there’s no need to worry. We understand that things can come up unexpectedly. Simply reschedule at your earliest convenience through our online system or by reaching out to us.
Absolutely, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support during your appointment. We aim to make you as comfortable as possible, and having your partner or a supportive friend or family member by your side can be part of that. Just add a note when you make the appointment and we will have a male or female advocate there to support them.
Our personal advocates are highly trained, trauma-informed professionals who have been trained on counseling techniques, confidentiality, and sensitivity to diverse needs, and how to help others make a decision.
We're here to make sure you feel fully supported. We do encourage you to work with one advocate, but if you feel you need to make a change at any time, learn more about our team of qualified personal advocates or just reach out to us.
A safe place for confident decisions.
115 W. 45th St., 4th Floor
NY, NY 10036
Text us: 234-201-0532 or Call us: 212-689-1705
© Avail 2024