Questions We Hear Most Often
Medication abortion is highly effective, but occasionally the pregnancy continues. If this happens, additional medication or a procedural abortion may be recommended.
Because continued pregnancy after exposure to misoprostol requires individualized medical counseling, contact a qualified healthcare professional promptly if you believe you may still be pregnant after taking abortion medication.
A procedural abortion may be recommended or preferred for several reasons, including gestational age, certain medical conditions, heavy bleeding or complications, an unsuccessful or incomplete medication abortion, or personal preference.
The appropriate option depends on your medical circumstances and how far along the pregnancy is.
Plan B and abortion pills are not the same medication and work differently.
Plan B (levonorgestrel) is emergency contraception. It is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure primarily to delay or prevent ovulation before a pregnancy is established. It does not end an established pregnancy.
Medication abortion is used after pregnancy has begun. It typically involves mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue, and misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty.
Rh factor is a protein found on red blood cells. If you have the protein, you are Rh-positive. If you do not, you are Rh-negative.
Rh factor can matter during pregnancy because an Rh-negative person may develop antibodies after being exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood. Whether you need Rh testing or an Rh immune globulin (RhIg) injection after an abortion may depend on how far along the pregnancy is and current medical guidelines.
If you know you are Rh-negative—or you do not know your blood type—ask your healthcare professional whether Rh testing or Rh immune globulin is recommended for you.
Some bleeding and significant cramping are expected with a medication abortion. However, seek medical advice promptly for symptoms that are severe, worsening, persistent, or concerning.
Contact your healthcare professional or seek urgent medical care for symptoms such as very heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, persistent fever, fainting or severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, or feeling seriously unwell.
Emotional responses after an abortion can vary widely. Some people experience relief, sadness, grief, regret, mixed emotions, or little emotional change at all. Feelings may also change over time and can be influenced by personal circumstances, relationships, beliefs, previous mental health concerns, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, and the amount of support available afterward.
There is no single way a person is expected to feel. Some people move forward without significant emotional difficulty, while others may find that certain feelings become stronger later or are harder to work through than expected.
If emotions feel overwhelming, last for a long time, or begin to interfere with sleep, relationships, work, school, or daily life, talking with a qualified mental health professional may be helpful.
Circle of Hope offers confidential counseling and emotional support after abortion. Whether you are experiencing grief, sadness, regret, anxiety, relationship concerns, or simply want a safe place to talk through what you are feeling, support is available.
No. Circle of Hope does not provide or refer for abortions.
Our mission is to care deeply for every person who comes through our doors while also protecting and supporting developing human life.
We believe every person deserves the opportunity to make this decision with accurate information, compassionate support, and genuine choices—not because fear, pressure, financial hardship, or lack of resources has made them feel there is no realistic path forward.
We also understand that some people who come to Circle of Hope will ultimately choose abortion.
No matter where you are in your decision-making process, you will be welcomed with kindness and treated with genuine care. You will never be pressured, shamed, judged, or made to feel guilty.
You do not have to agree with us, and we do not have to share the same beliefs or make the same choices for you to be met with kindness, honesty, and understanding.
Whatever you decide, you will always be welcome to come back, reach out, ask questions, or simply talk with us. A difference in beliefs will never close our doors—or our hearts—to you.
Treatment may include:
- An initial medical evaluation
- An ultrasound, when appropriate
- A review of your medical history
- Progesterone prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider
- Follow-up appointments and ultrasound examinations to monitor the pregnancy
No. It is not uncommon for someone to have second thoughts after taking mifepristone.
You will be treated with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of your decision. Our goal is to provide honest information, compassionate medical services, and thoughtful support so you can make the decision that is right for you.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, respectful, and confidential medical services throughout your care.
In Florida, a birth mother generally cannot sign a valid consent to adoption until 48 hours after the baby’s birth or the day she is notified in writing that she is medically fit for discharge from the hospital or birth center—whichever occurs first.
A man whose consent is required may generally sign after the child is born. Florida law also requires specific formalities when adoption consent is signed.
You do not have to sign simply because you made an adoption plan during pregnancy. Florida’s required adoption disclosure specifically states that payment of permitted living or medical expenses before birth does not obligate a parent to consent to adoption.
Making an adoption plan while you are pregnant does not by itself require you to complete the adoption.
Florida’s required adoption disclosure expressly recognizes alternatives to adoption, including parenting, relative care, and foster care, and states that payment of living or medical expenses by prospective adoptive parents before birth does not obligate a parent to sign an adoption consent.
If you change your mind before signing a legally valid consent, tell your adoption professional immediately and ask about your rights and next steps.
Florida’s required adoption disclosure recognizes a birth parent’s right to receive supportive counseling, including support from a counselor, social worker, physician, clergy member, or attorney. Florida law also permits certain qualified professional counseling services to be included among adoption-related expenses.
The exact counseling offered—and how long it continues after placement—depends on the adoption professional or agency you choose.
Before making an adoption plan, ask specifically about counseling during pregnancy, immediately after placement, and long-term support if difficult feelings or questions arise later.
Support should not end simply because the adoption is complete.
Not knowing the birth father’s identity or current location does not automatically prevent you from making an adoption plan.
If you identify a possible birth father but his location is unknown, Florida law requires the adoption entity to conduct a diligent search. The Florida Putative Father Registry is also searched as part of the legal process. If he still cannot be located and no matching registry claim is found, the adoption may be able to proceed without his consent after the required legal steps are completed.
Be as open and accurate as possible with your adoption professional about what you know. They can help determine what steps are required in your particular situation.
Possibly. A birth father’s disagreement does not automatically prevent an adoption in Florida, but his legal rights must be addressed.
Whether his consent is required depends on several factors, including whether you are married to him, whether his paternity has been legally established, and, for an unmarried biological father, whether he has taken the steps Florida law requires to establish and protect his parental rights.
For a child six months old or younger, Florida places specific requirements on an unmarried biological father who wants to protect his right to consent to an adoption, including requirements involving the Florida Putative Father Registry, responding to legal notice, demonstrating commitment to parenting, and providing support according to his ability and circumstances.
Because birth-father rights can become legally complicated very quickly, a Florida adoption attorney should evaluate your individual circumstances before anyone tells you whether his consent is—or is not—required.
Yes. You do not have to make an adoption plan during pregnancy. You can consider adoption after your baby is born, including if you originally planned to parent and later decide you want to explore adoption.
In Florida, a birth mother generally cannot execute consent to adoption until 48 hours after the baby’s birth or the day she is notified in writing that she is medically fit for discharge from the hospital or birth center, whichever occurs first.
Florida’s required consent language also makes clear that before signing, a birth parent can choose alternatives—including taking the baby home, caring for the baby, exploring available community resources, or placing the child with a willing friend or family member.
There is no requirement that you have an adoption plan in place before giving birth. If you begin considering adoption afterward, a licensed adoption professional can explain your options, rights, and the process from that point forward.
Yes. Adoption does not always mean choosing a family you don’t already know. In Florida, a relative may be able to adopt your child, allowing your child to remain within the extended family while creating a permanent legal parent-child relationship. Florida law also has specific provisions for relative adoptions, and some procedural requirements differ from non-relative adoptions.
A relative adoption might involve a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or another qualifying relative, depending on the circumstances and Florida law. Once an adoption is finalized, it generally creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship between the adoptive parent and child, so it is important to understand how adoption would affect everyone’s legal rights and responsibilities.
If keeping your child within your family feels important to you, a relative or kinship adoption may be worth exploring. A Florida adoption attorney can explain who may qualify, whose consent is required, and whether adoption—or another legal arrangement such as guardianship—best fits your family’s circumstances.
Not necessarily. Open adoption can look very different from one family to another. For some birth parents, it may include occasional in-person visits. For others, staying connected may mean photos, letters, emails, texts, phone calls, or updates about how the child is doing.
The amount and type of contact can be discussed as part of the adoption planning process and should reflect what feels comfortable and appropriate for everyone involved. Choosing an open adoption does not automatically mean you will be expected to have regular in-person visits.
Absolutely. Many women who consider adoption are already mothers and are thinking not only about the baby they are carrying, but also about the children who already depend on them and the needs of their entire family.
Considering adoption for one child does not lessen your love for that baby or for the children you are already raising. Every pregnancy and every family situation is different, and you are allowed to take the time you need to think carefully about what feels right for you, your baby, and your family.
If adoption is something you are considering, we are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand what your options could look like.
There is no single way you are supposed to feel after placing a child for adoption. You may experience love, grief, sadness, relief, peace, pride, uncertainty—or several of these emotions at the same time. Your feelings may also change as time passes, and that is okay.
The emotions surrounding adoption can be very personal and may continue to change over time. You may need someone to talk with, reassurance on difficult days, or continued support as you adjust to the changes that follow.
That is why we believe support after placement matters just as much as support during pregnancy. Counseling is available through Circle of Hope, and mothers who place their child through Lifetime Adoption can also receive ongoing counseling and post-placement support through their agency.
Your care should not end when the adoption is finalized—and neither should the support available to you.
It is completely okay to feel unsure. Many women, men, and teens do, especially when a pregnancy is unexpected or life already feels complicated.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you come in. At Circle of Hope, you’ll have space to talk openly about what you’re feeling, what concerns you most, and what you may need moving forward.
We will help you explore your options and understand the support available to you so you can think clearly and make a choice that is truly your own.
There is no pressure to decide right away. You can take the time you need, share only what you feel comfortable sharing, and move forward one step at a time.
Absolutely not. You never need to explain, justify, or defend your decisions—past or present.
People come to Circle of Hope from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some are considering abortion. Some are planning to parent or exploring adoption. Others have experienced one or more abortions and simply want someone to talk with.
Whatever has brought you here, you will be warmly welcomed and treated with genuine kindness, sensitivity, and great care. We will take time to listen, answer your questions honestly, and help you better understand what may come next.
If you’re struggling after a past abortion and would like someone to talk with, we also offer abortion recovery support whenever you’re ready.
We understand that trust has to be earned. We work to earn yours through honesty, transparency, and consistency in the information and care we provide.
We will:
- Never exaggerate, minimize, withhold, or misrepresent medical facts in an effort to influence your choice.
- Never intentionally delay an ultrasound or other appropriate care to affect what you decide.
- Base recommendations on your health and individual needs—not on persuading you toward a particular outcome.
- Answer your questions honestly and provide current, medically accurate, evidence-based information. We’re always happy to share the sources behind what we tell you.
- Be transparent about what is known, what remains uncertain, and when further evaluation may be appropriate. If evidence is limited or professional recommendations differ, we’ll tell you.
- Respect your right to accept or decline any optional service, conversation, or resource. You choose what feels right for you.
You deserve honest answers, accurate information, timely care, and the freedom to make your own pregnancy decisions.
No. Circle of Hope is not a crisis pregnancy center.
We provide high-quality medical care, practical resources, and personalized support for women and families facing an unexpected pregnancy. We understand the concerns many people have about practices associated with crisis pregnancy centers, and we have intentionally built Circle of Hope to offer a different kind of experience.
We will never take advantage of a vulnerable moment to pressure you toward a particular outcome. We do not use fear, shame, religious guilt, graphic or shocking images, misleading advertising, inaccurate or exaggerated medical claims, one-sided information, pressure tactics, or deliberate delays in medically appropriate care to influence your pregnancy decision.
We will not hide who we are, present opinions as medical facts, or withhold information that may be important to you. You will never be required to participate in religious conversations, watch videos, attend classes, or complete activities to receive care, resources, or assistance. What we offer is not something you have to earn.
Instead, you can expect us to listen carefully, answer your questions honestly, provide accurate medical information, acknowledge uncertainty when it exists, and respect your right to make your own choices. Spiritual support is available if you would like it, but it is never required.
Our care also extends beyond a pregnancy decision. We are here for the real-life challenges that may come next—including concerns about your health, housing, finances, education, work, relationships, parenting, adoption, emotional well-being, and other practical needs.
Whatever you believe, whatever you are considering, and whatever you are facing, you are welcome here. You will be met with kindness, treated with dignity and respect, and cared for as a whole person—not simply as a pregnancy decision.
You’re welcome to bring your partner, spouse, family member, or trusted friend with you.
We’ll spend a few minutes with you one-on-one first, giving you a private opportunity to share any concerns, questions, or information you may prefer to discuss on your own. Then, with your permission, your guest is welcome to join you.
Our goal is for you to feel comfortable, heard, and genuinely cared for throughout your visit.
Yes. You can come to Circle of Hope without a parent or guardian.
Florida law allows minors to consent to certain pregnancy-related medical care without a parent or guardian’s permission. Our team can explain which services you may receive on your own and answer any questions you have.
Minors may also receive confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without a parent or guardian’s permission.
Before providing any service, we will explain what it involves, answer your questions, and let you know what to expect.
Your privacy matters deeply to us. If there is ever a situation in which information must be shared for your safety or because the law requires it, we will explain that to you openly and respectfully.
You are welcome at Circle of Hope, no matter your immigration status.
We do not ask about immigration information, and you never need to share it to receive care. Insurance is not required, and all services are provided at no cost to you.
From the moment you reach out, we want you to feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. Whether you have questions, need medical services, or simply need a quiet, private place to talk, we would be honored to help.
Yes. Circle of Hope is a Christian, faith-based organization, and our beliefs inspire us to serve every person with love, humility, grace, and excellence.
You do not need to share our beliefs to feel comfortable, genuinely cared for, and fully accepted here. People of every religion—and those with no religious beliefs—are equally welcome to receive our medical care, resources, and assistance.
Spiritual conversations are always optional and will never be pushed on you. If you would like to talk about God, your beliefs, or questions you may have, we are always happy to listen—but the choice is entirely yours.
You are free to say yes, no, or not right now. Whatever you choose, you will be valued, respected, and always welcome here.
You already understand how demanding parenting can be, which may make your concerns particularly concrete.
Rather than looking only at the cost and responsibility of another child, consider what specifically would become harder: childcare, housing, work schedules, transportation, food, healthcare, sleep, or having enough help.
Then look at those concerns individually.
The needs of the children you already have matter, too. A good support plan should consider your entire family.
You don’t have to know everything before your baby arrives.
Newborn care, feeding, safe sleep, bathing, soothing, car-seat safety, infant development, postpartum recovery, and many other parenting skills can be learned.
Circle of Hope offers parenting classes, practical education, one-on-one support, and connections to trusted community resources to help you prepare for life with a baby. We can also help with topics like newborn care, feeding, safe sleep, car-seat safety, child development, postpartum adjustment, and other everyday questions that come with parenting.
You can also learn from healthcare professionals, experienced mentors, and other parents as your child grows.
Good parenting isn’t knowing everything. It’s being willing to learn, ask questions, and reach for support when you need it.
Probably less than the enormous baby registries online might make you think.
A newborn’s essential needs are relatively straightforward: a safe place to sleep, appropriate clothing, diapers, feeding supplies as needed, a properly installed car seat, healthcare, and attentive care.
Many other products are conveniences rather than necessities. Circle of Hope can help with baby supplies, practical resources, parenting education, and connections to community programs that may provide additional support.
You do not need a perfectly furnished nursery to be ready for your baby. What matters most is having the essentials, a safe environment, and support you can turn to when you need it.
You don’t have to feel completely ready or have all the answers to become a good parent.
Parenting is something you grow into. It involves learning, adjusting, making mistakes, asking questions, and discovering what your child needs as they grow.
If some of your worries come from your own childhood or difficult experiences, counseling or parenting support can help you think about what you want to carry forward—and what you want to do differently.
At Circle of Hope, you can bring the questions, worries, and situations that feel hardest. We can help you work through them, build practical parenting skills, and find support as new needs come up.
Being a good parent isn’t about being perfect. It’s about continuing to learn, grow, and care for your child along the way.
Your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s.
Pregnancy, childbirth, lack of sleep, relationship changes, financial stress, and the everyday demands of caring for a baby can affect how you feel. Depression and anxiety can also occur during pregnancy or after delivery, and sometimes emotions that seemed manageable at first can become harder over time.
You do not have to wait until you are overwhelmed to ask for help. Having someone to talk with, getting enough practical support, and knowing when to reach out for professional care can make an important difference.
Circle of Hope offers confidential counseling and emotional support during pregnancy and after your baby is born. Whether you are struggling or simply need a place to talk honestly about how you are doing, you are welcome to reach out. When additional care is needed, we can also help connect you with appropriate healthcare and community resources.
Taking care of yourself is an important part of caring for your child.
Absolutely. Having your baby does not mark the end of our support.
The first weeks with a newborn may bring one set of needs. Six months later, life may look completely different. You may need help finding childcare, returning to work or school, stretching your budget, getting baby supplies, navigating a relationship, learning a new parenting skill, or simply figuring out what to do next.
That is why Circle of Hope’s support extends well beyond pregnancy and birth. As your family grows and your needs change, you can come back for parenting support, material assistance, counseling, education and career resources, childcare connections, healthcare resources, and help finding other community services.
And sometimes you may not need a program at all. You may simply have a question and need someone who knows you to help you find an answer.
We want Circle of Hope to be a place you know you can return to as your child grows.
You don’t have to be sure before you learn more.
Finding out what parenting could realistically look like does not mean you have chosen it. You can ask questions, look at your finances, explore childcare and housing, learn about available benefits and resources, and think through school, work, relationships, and the support you would have around you.
At Circle of Hope, we can help you look at your actual circumstances—not an idealized version of parenting and not the worst-case scenario. Together, we can identify what feels manageable, what feels difficult, and what resources may be available to address the concerns weighing most heavily on you.
You may decide parenting is right for you. You may decide it isn’t. Learning what support is available simply gives you more information before you decide.
You deserve the chance to see what parenting could actually look like for you.
Yes. Spotting or bleeding can occur during pregnancy, especially early on, and does not always mean that something is wrong. At the same time, bleeding during pregnancy can have several causes, so it is important to pay attention to how much you are bleeding, how long it lasts, and whether you are experiencing pain or other symptoms.
Spotting usually means a small amount of blood—often pink, red, or brown—that you may notice when wiping or as a few spots on your underwear. It is generally not enough to soak a pad. Spotting can occur because of changes to the cervix, after sex or a pelvic examination, or for other reasons during early pregnancy.
Bleeding generally refers to a heavier flow that may require a pad and may be similar to, or heavier than, a menstrual period. Bleeding can have many possible causes, including cervical changes, a collection of blood near the pregnancy (sometimes called a subchorionic hematoma), miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy. The amount or appearance of the blood alone cannot tell you what is happening or whether the pregnancy is developing normally.
If you are pregnant—or think you may be pregnant—and experience spotting or bleeding, you are welcome to contact Circle of Hope. We can listen carefully to what you are experiencing, help determine what evaluation may be appropriate, and guide you toward the next step. Depending on your circumstances, that may include pregnancy testing, ultrasound, blood testing, follow-up evaluation, or referral for additional medical care.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you have heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, significant one-sided pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, or other severe or concerning symptoms. These symptoms can sometimes occur with serious complications, including ectopic pregnancy.
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is spotting or bleeding—or if something simply does not feel right—please reach out to us at Circle of Hope. We are here to listen, help you understand what may be happening, and guide you toward the appropriate next step. You do not have to figure this out on your own.
Pregnancy symptoms can change from day to day, become less noticeable, or even disappear for a while—and this does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and other early symptoms can naturally fluctuate as hormone levels and your body change.
Symptoms alone, however, cannot tell us whether a pregnancy is developing normally. A noticeable or sudden change may understandably feel concerning, particularly if it happens along with bleeding, persistent or worsening cramping, or pelvic pain.
If your symptoms have changed and you are worried, please reach out to us at Circle of Hope. Depending on your circumstances, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, bloodwork, follow-up evaluation, or additional medical care may help provide clearer information.
Seek prompt medical attention for heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, significant one-sided pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, or other severe symptoms.
A change in symptoms can be unsettling, especially when you do not know what it means. You are always welcome to contact us with questions or concerns, even if you simply need reassurance about what you are experiencing.
Pregnancy symptoms can change from day to day, become less noticeable, or even disappear for a while—and this does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and other early symptoms can naturally fluctuate as hormone levels and your body change.
Symptoms alone, however, cannot tell us whether a pregnancy is developing normally. A noticeable or sudden change may understandably feel concerning, particularly if it happens along with bleeding, persistent or worsening cramping, or pelvic pain.
If your symptoms have changed and you are worried, please reach out to us at Circle of Hope. Depending on your circumstances, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, bloodwork, follow-up evaluation, or additional medical care may help provide clearer information.
Seek prompt medical attention for heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, significant one-sided pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, or other severe symptoms.
A change in symptoms can be unsettling, especially when you do not know what it means. You are always welcome to contact us with questions or concerns, even if you simply need reassurance about what you are experiencing.
Most early pregnancy concerns do not become emergencies, but some symptoms should be evaluated immediately.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you are pregnant or may be pregnant and experience:
- Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
- Severe one-sided pain, particularly with bleeding, dizziness, or weakness
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, especially if you are soaking through pads or passing large clots
- Shoulder pain accompanied by abdominal or pelvic pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting
- Fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, or significant weakness
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
These symptoms can sometimes be associated with ectopic pregnancy, significant blood loss, miscarriage, or another condition requiring urgent medical care.
If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, do not wait for an appointment with Circle of Hope or for symptoms to improve. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
For concerns that do not appear to be an emergency, you are always welcome to contact Circle of Hope. We can help you understand what type of evaluation may be appropriate and where to seek care.
An unexpected pregnancy can bring many emotions at once. You may feel surprised, frightened, overwhelmed, hopeful, uncertain, relieved—or you may not know what you feel yet.
Whatever is going through your mind, you do not have to sort through it all at once. You are welcome to come in, ask questions, talk through what is weighing on you, and take the time you need to understand your situation.
We’ll listen with care, provide clear and medically accurate information, and help you consider your next steps without rushing the conversation. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out.
That is completely understandable. You do not have to make every decision right away.
Taking time to confirm the pregnancy, gather accurate information, ask questions, and understand your circumstances can be an important first step. Our team is here to help you make sense of what is happening and identify a next step that feels manageable.
Sometimes the first thing you need is simply a calm place to talk and someone who will truly listen.
You may be carrying questions, fears, hopes, or thoughts you have not shared with anyone yet. You may not even know where to begin. That is okay.
You are welcome to reach out exactly as you are. We’ll give you time to talk, listen without rushing you, and help you feel a little less alone in whatever you may be facing. You do not need to know exactly what you need before contacting us.
Many STIs can be successfully treated. Some bacterial infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can usually be cured with appropriate antibiotics.
Viral infections, such as herpes or HIV, cannot currently be cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and lower the risk of transmission. If treatment is needed, we’ll explain your options and help coordinate appropriate follow-up care.
A positive result is not a reason to panic. We’ll carefully explain your results, answer your questions, discuss any recommended treatment or follow-up, and help coordinate additional medical care if needed.
Our goal is to make sure you understand your results and know what comes next.
Yes. Depending on the infection, it may be important for your partner to be tested and, in some cases, treated as well. This helps reduce the chance of reinfection and protects both of your long-term health.
Most STIs do not go away without treatment. Even if symptoms improve or disappear, the infection may still be present and can continue to affect your health or be passed to someone else.
If you think you may have an STI, it is important to be evaluated rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
In many cases, yes. Most people who receive timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment go on to have healthy pregnancies and children.
However, some untreated STIs can damage the reproductive organs and affect fertility. Early testing and treatment are the best ways to help protect your future reproductive health.
Yes. It only takes one exposure to acquire an STI if one partner has an infection. Having one sexual partner does not automatically eliminate the possibility of an STI, which is why testing may still be recommended in some situations.
Many people feel nervous, awkward, or embarrassed talking about sexual health. You are not alone, and there is nothing unusual about feeling that way. These are conversations our team has every day, and we approach each one with genuine compassion, professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity.
You can take your time, ask anything that is on your mind, and share only what is relevant to your care. There is no need to feel rushed, uncomfortable, or worried about saying the “wrong” thing. No question is too small, and no concern is too embarrassing to bring up.
Our goal is for you to feel completely at ease, genuinely heard, and comfortable asking the questions that matter to you from the very beginning.
Often, yes—but not every first appointment will include an ultrasound. Whether an ultrasound is appropriate depends on your pregnancy test result, how far along you may be, your symptoms, medical history, and whether the scan is likely to provide useful information at that time.
If an ultrasound is appropriate, we will make every effort to provide it during your first visit whenever possible. If it is simply too early to see enough clearly, we may recommend waiting and scheduling the ultrasound for a little later rather than putting you through a scan that may leave you with more questions than answers.
If you are experiencing bleeding, pelvic pain, or other concerning symptoms, we will take that seriously and help determine whether additional or more urgent medical evaluation is needed.
We understand how much you may be hoping for answers at that first visit. We will take the time to explain what we recommend, why, and what comes next so you leave knowing there is a clear plan in place.
The type of ultrasound recommended depends on how far along you are, what needs to be evaluated, and which approach will provide the clearest medical images.
At Circle of Hope, pregnancies that are approximately 8 weeks gestation or earlier are typically evaluated with a transvaginal ultrasound, because this approach often provides the clearest images during very early pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound uses a slender, specially designed, covered ultrasound transducer that is gently inserted into the vagina.
Later in pregnancy, an abdominal ultrasound can often provide the information needed and is performed by moving an ultrasound transducer over the lower abdomen. In some situations, the recommended approach may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the quality of the images obtained.
Before anything begins, we will explain which type of ultrasound is recommended, why it may be helpful, and what you can expect. You will have time to ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with the plan before the ultrasound begins.
Our goal is to obtain the medical information needed while helping you feel informed, respected, and as comfortable as possible throughout the examination.
It depends on how far along you are and whether your ultrasound will be abdominal or transvaginal. A fuller bladder can sometimes help improve images during an abdominal ultrasound, while a transvaginal ultrasound typically does not require one.
When you schedule your appointment, we’ll let you know exactly how to prepare so there is no guesswork. And if you have any questions beforehand, we are always happy to help.
Most pregnancy ultrasounds are not painful. You may feel some mild pressure or discomfort, especially if a transvaginal ultrasound is recommended early in pregnancy. This type of ultrasound uses a small, specially designed probe that is gently inserted into the vagina to provide clearer images of an early pregnancy.
Your comfort matters to us. Your sonographer will explain everything before beginning, answer any questions you have, and help you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your ultrasound. We want your experience to feel reassuring, unrushed, and as comfortable as possible.