Why Schedule an Ultrasound Before an Abortion?

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Why Schedule an Ultrasound Before an Abortion?

When Destiny finally had the courage to look at the pregnancy test sitting next to the bathroom sink, she was devastated to see two lines. There was no way to stay in denial any longer. That nausea and extreme fatigue she had been feeling could have just been the flu. Right? Wrong. She had known all along the possibility of a pregnancy was very real.

At least I’m pretty early, she reasoned. I will just find an abortion clinic and get the abortion pill . She happened to walk into ACPC Women’s Clinic to see if they could schedule an abortion for her as soon as possible.

When she heard the receptionist tell her that the ACPC does not perform abortions but could help her gather information she would need BEFORE scheduling an abortion, she wanted to walk out. But it made sense to her. Why pay for an abortion if she might miscarry? Why go through the emotional and physical pain of abortion when up to 20% of early pregnancies end in miscarriage? She didn’t know if she really believed it, but decided to have the ultrasound just in case it were really true.

Destiny met with a client services advocate who, true to their word, did not pressure her and actually listened to her very real concerns about continuing this pregnancy. And as they looked at the screen during her ultrasound, it was obvious. She knew they were looking for a heartbeat and there was no motion at all on the screen. She knew it even before the tech explained what she was seeing. The tech explained that the medical director (an OB/GYN) would look at the pictures and the report would be coming soon, but it looked like this was not a viable pregnancy. Additional information and a referral was given to Amanda so she knew exactly what to do next.

As she left, she had mixed emotions. She realized she was kind of relieved. But also a little sad. Her advocate told her she could return if she wanted to talk or even have a referral for counseling if that was needed. She knew she didn’t feel alone though. She knew she had made the right decision and that felt good.

The details and names in the above story are fictional, of course, since confidentiality is very important to us at ACPC. But this scenario is very common when we perform ultrasounds for girls who are considering abortion as an option. We will promise that, as “Destiny” was treated in the story, we will treat you respectfully and professionally as you attempt to make a decision about a pregnancy.

ACPC Women's Clinic does not perform, recommend, or refer for abortions or abortifacients, but are committed to offering accurate information about abortion procedures and risks. We do not offer or refer for emergency contraceptives.

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Alcohol and Sexual Health: The Impact on Your Life

April 2, 2025

There is no denying the fact that alcohol has become an integral part of our lives, be it for socializing or as a stress buster. But do you know how it affects your sexual health? Let’s delve deeper into the topic. How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Body Alcohol acts as a depressant that slows down your brain’s activity. As a result, your body’s natural reaction time slows down, and your judgment and coordination are affected. Consuming alcohol affects your nervous system and brain activity, leading to a lack of control over one’s thoughts and behavior. In addition to affecting one’s inhibitions, drinking alcohol can also impair your senses. The Link Between Alcohol and Sexual Dysfunction One of the major impacts of alcohol on your sexual health is that it leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and loss of sex drive in both men and women. This happens because alcohol impairs the central nervous system and lowers the testosterone level. Furthermore, long-term heavy drinking leads to infertility in both men and women. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a healthy alcohol intake if you wish to preserve your sexual health. Increased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Consuming too much alcohol increases your vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who binge-drink (five or more drinks at one time) have higher chances of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Additionally, when intoxicated, individuals are less likely to use protection, increasing their chances of contracting STIs. Alcohol, Abuse, and Sexual Violence Alcohol abuse and sexual violence go hand-in-hand. There is an alarming rise in the number of sexual assault cases globally. Consumption of alcohol can increase one’s vulnerability and also affect one’s decision-making skills, leading to making poor judgments that may have lasting implications. In conclusion, we must acknowledge the fact that alcohol plays a vital role in our lives. Still, it’s imperative to realize that too much alcohol consumption negatively impacts our health. Alcohol intake in moderation will not only maintain our overall health but also ensure healthy sexual relationships. By maintaining healthy habits, we can take control of our lives and have healthy relationships with ourselves and our partners. So drink responsibly and take care of your health!

Collage student holding a degree in hand

3 Tips to Navigate College as a Mom

March 3, 2025

College student moms have a lot on their plate. Not only do they have to balance coursework, but they also have to manage motherhood responsibilities. This can be a daunting task, but fear not, here are some pieces of advice to help you navigate through college life as a mom. 1. Prioritize Your Responsibilities. It's crucial to keep a clear understanding of your priorities to ensure you're not neglecting your motherly duties. Stay organized by keeping a planner, where you can write down important deadlines, appointments, and assignments. Having a plan of action will not only help you avoid unnecessary stress but will also help you stay on track. 2. Seek Out Support Networks Being a mom in college can be isolating at times, but having a support system can be immensely beneficial. Connect with other student mothers through clubs, online communities, or even social media groups. Additionally, most universities offer childcare services for students, which can ease the burden of childcare responsibilities. 3. Don't Be Afraid to ask for Help This applies to both academic and personal life. College can be challenging, but seeking academic assistance can go a long way. Make use of resources like academic advisors, tutors, and professors' office hours. On the other hand, don't be shy about asking family or friends for help when it comes to looking after your children. You might also consider getting a part-time babysitter if necessary. Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is critical, especially when juggling motherhood and college. Carve out time in your day to exercise, relax, or even indulge in your hobbies. Taking breaks from studying can help you stay focused and boost your productivity. In conclusion, being a college student mom is not easy, but it's possible to navigate with these tips. Remember, prioritize, seek support networks, ask for help, and take care of yourself. Keep your end goal in sight, and don't forget to enjoy the journey!

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

February 12, 2025

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, but complications can arise that require immediate medical attention. One such complication is an ectopic pregnancy, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 50 pregnancies. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help women seek timely medical care and prevent life-threatening complications. What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. However, implantation can also occur in the ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervix. Because these locations are not designed to support a growing embryo, an ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally and requires medical intervention. Causes and Risk Factors While ectopic pregnancies can happen to anyone, certain factors increase the risk: Previous ectopic pregnancy – A history of ectopic pregnancy increases the likelihood of recurrence. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes. Tubal surgery – Previous surgeries on the fallopian tubes can lead to blockages or scarring. Endometriosis – This condition can cause tissue growth that affects the movement of the fertilized egg. Use of fertility treatments – Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can slightly increase the risk. Smoking – Studies suggest that smoking may interfere with the function of the fallopian tubes. Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy Ectopic pregnancies often present symptoms similar to those of a normal pregnancy, making early detection challenging. Common symptoms include: Abdominal or pelvic pain – Often sharp and concentrated on one side Vaginal bleeding – Light spotting or heavier bleeding unrelated to menstruation Shoulder pain – A sign of internal bleeding that irritates the diaphragm Dizziness or fainting – May indicate blood loss and shock in severe cases If you experience any of these symptoms, especially with a positive pregnancy test, seek medical attention immediately. Diagnosis and Treatment Doctors diagnose ectopic pregnancy through blood tests to measure hCG (pregnancy hormone) levels and ultrasounds to locate the pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, treatment options include: Medication (Methotrexate): If detected early, doctors may prescribe methotrexate to stop the embryo from growing and allow the body to absorb the tissue naturally. Surgery: If the pregnancy is advanced or causing internal bleeding, laparoscopic surgery may be required to remove the ectopic tissue and, in some cases, the affected fallopian tube. Emotional and Physical Recovery Recovering from an ectopic pregnancy can be both physically and emotionally challenging. While the physical recovery time varies, many women experience grief and loss. Seeking support from loved ones, counseling, or support groups can be helpful. Can You Get Pregnant Again? Having an ectopic pregnancy does not mean you cannot conceive in the future. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies, though the risk of another ectopic pregnancy is higher. Consulting a doctor before trying to conceive again can help assess risks and plan for a healthy pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious but treatable condition. Awareness of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can help ensure early detection and appropriate medical care. If you suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, seeking prompt medical attention could be life-saving.