Welcome to Lovejoy Surgicenter, a Center for Excellence in first and second trimester abortion care.
As Oregon's only state and federally licensed abortion provider, Lovejoy Surgicenter has long been recognized as a national model, offering a level of care unmatched in scope, thoroughness and sensitivity.
At Lovejoy, we are proud to have been the pioneer in providing women in the Pacific Northwest with choice and with the highest quality medical care for more than 35 years. We continue to be the first choice for many Oregon doctors in the Portland community.
Our physicians are OB/GYN board eligible/certified or higher in their medical expertise, and our counseling program is one of the most innovative in the country, founded on the principles of empowering patients and providing a non-judgmental environment for personal decisions.
Our patient services begin at 5 weeks from the last period and we cover all options through 23 weeks (sometimes further if medically indicated). This means we rarely need to refer our patients to other providers, saving time and money and offering a continuity of care unmatched in Oregon.
In the calendar year 2008, Lovejoy Surgicenter performed nearly 55% of the abortions in the Portland Metropolitan Area of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. An additional 9% of our abortion patients were from Clark County in Washington. Lovejoy Surgicenter continues its historical leadership as the primary provider of abortion care in the Portland Metropolitan Area including Clark County, Washington.
What we offer:
First and Second Trimester Abortions through 23 weeks
Experienced Doctors Who Specialize in Surgical Abortion
Little Risk of Having to be Referred to a Different Abortion Provider due to Gestation or Medical Concerns
Fetal Anomaly Program for medically-indicated abortions
Oregon's ONLY State and Federally licensed abortion provider
Private Pregnancy Options Counseling including all options – parenting, termination or adoption
Board Certified Physicians – OBGYN and Perinatologists
Adoption Program including placement advocacy, counseling and support before, during and after delivery
Abortions done with local anesthesia (awake but medicated) or under general anesthesia (asleep)
RU486 Abortion Pill
Birth Control Counseling and start up at the time of your appointment
Oregon Health Plan, Kaiser, Washington Medical coupons and private insurance accepted
Walk in FREE Pregnancy Tests and Proof of Pregnancy for the Oregon Health Plan
Plan B (commonly known as "Morning After" Pill or "Emergency Contraceptive")
For those seeking to prevent unwanted pregnancies, there are a wealth of options available. Talk to a healthcare provider at a clinic to discuss which choice best suits your needs. Many women choose oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs) for the effective prevention of pregnancy. Keep reading for an explanation of these two popular birth control methods and a comparison of their effectiveness and safety.
IUD Basics
An IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. Once inserted, a plastic string extends from the device into your vagina, which allows you to make sure it is still in place, and allows your doctor to remove the device when needed. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. The hormonal device prevents pregnancy by interfering with fertilization, while the copper IUD prevents pregnancy by causing sperm death.
Oral Contraception Basics
Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are among the most commonly used methods of preventing pregnancy. These pills are taken once daily, and work by preventing the eggs from leaving the ovaries and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm mobility. Some birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin, while others contain only progestin.
Effectiveness
Both of these methods are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Some estimates claim that the birth control pill is about 92% effective. Pills are more effective if you remember to take them at the same time every day. Fewer than eight women out of every 1,000 will become pregnant while using an IUD. The hormonal IUD is effective for five years, at which point you’ll need a replacement, and the copper IUD is effective for 12 years.
Safety
Pills and IUDs are considered to be quite safe for most women; however, you should talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have and medications you may take. For example, if you have blood-clotting problems, you may be better off using the IUD instead of the pill. Similarly, those with a history of pelvic infections should choose the pill instead.
Learn more about preventing pregnancy with various birth control methods. Talk to a healthcare provider at Lovejoy Surgicenter today to discuss your unique needs. Schedule an appointment at our Portland practice by calling (503) 715-3509.
If you’re just starting a round of birth control, or are switching over to the pill from another method, you probably have a lot of questions. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to use your birth control pills for pregnancy prevention. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s directions carefully to help prevent unwanted pregnancies. Here are some common questions:
What Are Active and Inactive Pills?
It might sound odd at first, but some of the pills in the case do not help prevent pregnancy. They’re placebo pills, or inactive pills, that are intended to help you remember to take a pill every single day. The active pills, on the other hand, do prevent pregnancy. You might have a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack, both of which have seven inactive pills. Take all of the pills as directed by your doctor—even the inactive ones.
When Should I Start Taking the Pill?
Your doctor will give you a date to start taking your pills. Even if you get your period on that day, begin the course of medication. This method of pregnancy prevention is most effective when the pills are taken at the same time every day.
What Happens After I Finish a Pill Pack?
If your doctor prescribes a 28-day pill pack, start the new pack on the day after you took the last inactive pill from the previous pack. If you use the 21-day pack, start the new one on the same day of the week as the previous pack, seven days after taking your last pill from the previous pack. If you began taking your first pill on a Sunday, do the same for the next pack.
How Quickly Do the Pills Work?
Birth control pills take effect during the first month of their usage. For at least the first month, use a barrier method of birth control in addition to the pills as an added protection against unwanted pregnancies.
At Lovejoy Surgicenter, we are happy to answer all of your questions regarding birth control pill usage. Portland-area residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling (503) 715-3509. We also offer abortions and other reproductive healthcare services.
