There are different types of anesthesia, only one of which renders a patient completely unconscious. General anesthesia allows patients to have surgical procedures without feeling pain or being aware of anything. If you’re planning to have a first or second-trimester abortion , general anesthesia may be one of your options. The gynecologist will explain your choices and make sure that general anesthesia is safe for you.

Discuss general anesthesia with your gynecologist.

Your doctor will help you determine if general anesthesia is right for you. You’ll discuss your health history, including whether you have any allergies and whether you smoke. Disclose all of the medications and supplements you’re taking, as some medicines may increase the risk of anesthesia-related complications. If you’ve previously had general anesthesia with no complications, it’s likely that you’ll be able to have it again.

Follow the pre-procedure directions carefully.

Your gynecologist will give you detailed instructions to follow leading up to your pregnancy termination. For your own safety, it’s crucial to follow these directions and to let the doctor know if you had any problems with adherence. Your doctor will let you know when you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. If you have to take medications, you may be told to do so with a small sip of water. For 1 to 2 weeks before the surgery, your doctor may instruct you to discontinue certain medicines, such as blood thinners.

Make arrangements for your recovery.

All patients who have general anesthesia are unable to drive or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. You’ll need to have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you for about 24 hours. After general anesthesia, it’s normal to feel groggy, disoriented, and slightly confused. These side effects won’t last long, but don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you think you might be experiencing complications.

Patients at Washington Surgi-Clinic can choose from local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia when having a surgical abortion in Washington, D.C. We are committed to patient safety, and always have a certified nurse anesthetist present during every minute of the procedure. Call (202) 659-9403 to request a confidential pregnancy termination consultation.

A diagnosis of a life-threatening disease is never easy to cope with. If your gynecologist has recently informed you that your HIV test was positive, you may experience strong emotions that mimic the grieving process. It’s important to arm yourself with accurate information, sound medical guidance, and strong social support during this time. Remember that being HIV positive is not the same as having AIDS. With the right medical care, you can still live life on your own terms.

Find a qualified specialist.

After a positive test result, the first step is to find a doctor to coordinate your care. Your gynecologist may offer some recommendations or you can check with your health insurance carrier. Local HIV/AIDS support organizations can also be helpful for finding physician referrals. Choose a doctor who is board certified in internal medicine and has an infectious disease subspecialty. Some doctors specialize in treating HIV patients.

Get an HIV baseline evaluation.

An HIV baseline evaluation is an exhaustive medical assessment. The HIV specialist will use information secured through a baseline evaluation to assess the progression of the infection and develop a treatment plan. The evaluation includes a physical exam, medical history review, and multiple lab tests.

Begin your HIV treatment.

Early treatment is crucial for HIV patients, but your HIV specialist will take the time to ensure you are able to comply with the treatment requirements first. Once you start taking the medications, you’ll have to be committed to taking them every day for the rest of your life. If you anticipate any problems, such as inadequate health insurance, you should discuss your concerns with the doctor as soon as possible.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we understand that women often come to us for gynecology services during very difficult times in their lives . If you need an HIV test in the Washington, D.C. area, you’ll find our clinic to be a warm, welcoming, and supportive place that maintains strict standards of patient confidentiality. Call us today at (202) 659-9403.

If your gynecologist recommends surgical pregnancy termination, you have multiple anesthesia options to consider. Your doctor can help you choose the right kind for you based on multiple factors, including your overall health and your preferences.

For surgical abortions, local anesthesia, twilight sedation, and general anesthesia are all possible. With local anesthesia, you remain awake for the procedure. Twilight anesthesia is also known as conscious sedation. Patients are not fully asleep but are deeply relaxed during the procedure. With general anesthesia, patients are fully unconscious. At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we use the smallest possible dose of general anesthesia, and patients are carefully monitored throughout the process until they are fully awake after the procedure.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we understand that you likely have many questions when you decide to move forward with pregnancy termination, and our compassionate team is here to help you throughout the process. Find out more about all of our women’s health services or make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. by calling (202) 659-9403.