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Reasons why women choose Dr. Goodrick's office:
Medical care is in the private office of Gabrielle Goodrick, M.D.
Dr. Goodrick is a board certified family physician with over 10 years experience providing quality abortion services. She offers a complete range of family planning, gynecological and family practice services including routine women's health care and comprehensive care for the entire family.
Due to the wide range of services she provides, the purpose of each patient's visit is completely confidential. You will meet with Dr. Goodrick before the procedure. This is an excellent opportunity to address any questions or concerns.
Dr. Goodrick's background in family medicine makes her uniquely qualified to not only provide the highest quality care but also be very sensitive to the emotional needs of her patients.
Each patient has a private discussion with one of our medical assistants regarding the procedure and after care. This is a private discussion, however at the patient's request; a support person may be included.
Patients find it reassuring to have a female doctor catering to their most personal needs. You can feel confident that Dr. Goodrick will personally take the time to make you feel at ease and address all your concerns. After all, another woman understands your situation best.
Our patients describe our office as "warm and caring". This explains why so many women who have been to our office bring their friends and loved ones to our office if they need help.
There is minimal waiting at our office. Because we are not a clinic, we do not schedule a great number of patients. This means less waiting, with the total time at our office less than two hours for most procedures. We also can be available for completely private appointments after hours and on weekends.
Is this confidential and private?
We are a private office in a medical office building and there are no protestors. All of our records are completely confidential. No one can find out whether or not you were here unless you give us written permission to release your records (for instance, to your doctor for your follow up care). We refuse to confirm appointments over the phone and will not acknowledge that you are a patient at the office unless you give us the OK.
Will the surgical abortion hurt?
We make every effort to insure that you will be as comfortable as possible during the abortion. Most patients tell us that they have no memory of the procedure.
How safe is the procedure?
Abortion is a very safe, quick procedure that has been perfected over the past 30 years. As long as an abortion remains legal, it will remain safe. Complications are very rare. In fact, our clinic has a "very low" complication rate. Having an abortion in no way interferes with your ability to have children in the future.
How much bleeding will I have after the abortion?
Again, this varies for every woman. Some women bleed for several days, others for several weeks. Some women do not bleed at all. We state that any bleeding is considered normal for 4-6 weeks after the abortion, unless, it is very heavy.
When will I have my next period?
If you begin using the Pill the Sunday after your abortion, you should expect your period on the 4th week, although it may not resemble your normal period. If you are not on the pill, you could get your period any time between 4-6 weeks after the abortion. It may take 2 cycles before your period resumes normally.
When can I resume normal activities?
Most women feel fine the day after the abortion. You may experience some cramping and bleeding, but you can return to work/school. You should monitor your own symptoms. If, after exercise or activity, you experience increased cramping or bleeding, you should rest. The only activity we ask you to refrain from is intercourse for 2 weeks.
Why can't my boyfriend/mother/friend be in the procedure room with me?
We feel strongly that during surgery only medical personnel should be present in the operating room. Remember, our priority is the patient. Our concern is that your friend or loved one may get nervous or anxious. We do not want anything to divert attention away from your medical needs.
Will a doctor be able to tell I had an abortion?
After an abortion, it takes approximately 3 weeks for your cervix to heal. After that time period, a physician most likely will not be able to tell you had an abortion. We strongly recommend that you inform your doctor of your complete medical history including abortions. If you feel your doctor may "judge" you, we can recommend very good Pro Choice gynecologists.
Why will I be at the office so long, if the procedure only
takes 5-15 minutes?
To provide the best patient care possible, we don't rush anything. There are forms to fill out, lab work, ultrasound, counseling, the procedure itself and recovery time. Each woman is treated as an individual and is given individualized care.
For Significant Others
If you have a friend or loved one who is having an abortion, we know you are concerned and have questions so we have listed some of our most frequently asked questions below. Please remember you can do a lot to assist in this process.
It is very normal to experience sadness, apathy, or the "blues" after an abortion. This can be related to the drastic change in hormones in the body. Your friend or loved one may appear moody or tired, with an increase in appetite and perspiration. It is important to realize that these are normal and acceptable reactions.
Your friend or loved one may also feel a sense of relief that the problem she is having is resolved. Remember, less than 10% of women experience any serious adverse emotional responses after an abortion. Most women make this decision after much consideration. Have confidence that your friend or loved one is making the decision that is best for her.
After her abortion, they may need additional understanding and someone to listen to her talk about her thoughts and feelings. You can help by being non-judgmental and letting her know that you accept her feelings and that you are there to listen and provide support. |
