Expert: Diane Cheryl - 9/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm 19 years old, and I am 6 weeks pregnant. I have the Paragard IUD that was placed properly and I was using condoms, so you can obviously see how much of a shock this came to me. I have already talked with my doctor, who is setting me up for a surgical abortion next week. Considering my IUD and the placement of the gestational sac, I have to get an abortion or it could put my life at risk (I've attached a picture of the ultrasound showing the placement, it's actually pretty neat).

When I get the abortion, I will be 7 weeks and 2 days. What sort of procedure should I be expecting? Will I be under anesthesia? Will they remove my IUD before or after? How much pain will I be in for the week after that?

ANSWER: Hello Jill,

I just found your question in the question pool. It was some time ago and directed to someone else. Evidently, they could not answer you. I'm sorry that I just was made aware of your question but how are you doing? Did you have the abortion? Are you seemingly ok at this point? Are you having any problems after abortion, physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual? You may email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com if you like.
If I can help in any way, please contact me.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The surgery went well. I had a D&C abortion and removed my IUD. I had no pain all week, minimal bleeding/spotting, and immediately felt so much better. I was having horrible morning sickness and I could feel the IUD pushing against something, causing me pain when I was lying down or even putting my shoes on. I made the mistake of eating a big meal after the surgery and I almost got sick in the car. But all in all, it was an extremely pleasant post-op experience.

As for the emotional and psychological sides, I am feeling much better. The (ex) boyfriend was quite the jerk about it and was telling me, "You better not keep it". It messed with my head pretty bad, not to mention the feeling of being a huge letdown to my family and feeling like a harlot. I had so much guilt and little to no support besides my father. After the surgery, I felt 1000% better. I know that many women who have abortions go through guilt and regret (and I thought I was going to as well), but thankfully I didn't. I made the right choice for me.

Answer
Hi Jill,

I'm sorry you had to go through some of the aspects of the experience. If you ever would like to share your story, feel free to email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
And if you find any need for emotional, spiritual, psychological counseling just let me know. I have volunteered in this subject for almost 20 years now and would like to help however I can.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl