Preparing for Your Visit

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Nexplanon (Subdermal Implant)

Nexplanon is a 4 cm flexible plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm, after the skin is numbed. It releases progestin, which is similar to the natural progesterone your body makes.
It works for three years, is completely reversible, and is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. It works by two methods: stopping ovulation, and thickening the natural cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through. In many cases, it also improves pelvic cramping.

Nexplanon Device

Things to know about your Nexplanon insertion appointment:

  1. You will first have an appointment with a doctor to ensure you are a candidate for Nexplanon, and to get a prescription for it.
  2. Timing of insertion:
    1. Insertion can happen any time in your cycle given you have avoided unprotected intercourse for 12 days prior to your appointment – this means at minimum condom use 100% of the time – and have a blood pregnancy test 24-48 hours before your appointment.
    2. Feel free to bring a support person to your appointment if you would like.
    3. Please watch the Nexplanon Information Video

Things to know about your Nexplanon removal appointment:

  • Please avoid unprotected intercourse for five days prior to Nexplanon removal, unless you are planning to conceive.
  • Please plan to be in clinic for about 30-45 minutes
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IUD for contraception (Intra-uterine device)

At Synergy Women’s Wellness Centre, we offer IUD insertions as a highly effective form of contraception in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. If you meet all eligibility criteria, we can provide an insertion within 7 days, ensuring timely access to your chosen birth control method. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you feel comfortable every step of the way. Whether you’re considering an IUD for the first time or replacing an existing one, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

IUD Device

Eligibility for same day IUD insertion

You are within 7 days of the start of your normal menstrual period OR have not had sex since the start of your normal period OR you have had unprotected sex for 12 days prior to your appointment (100% use of condoms or non-hormonal/reliable birth control) and have a negative blood pregnancy test 24-48 hours before your blood test. This will be arranged when you call for an appointment.

***Discontinue Biotin 48 hours before your blood test. Biotin can be found in many supplements and natural food products.

Before your IUD appointment

  1. Eat a meal/snack
  2. If safe to do so, take 1000mg advil/ibuprofen or 550mg naproxen/aleve, AND 1000mg tylenol 1 hr prior to your appointment.
  3. Bring a menstrual pad with you as the procedure may cause some bleeding. The clinic does not provide pads.

During your IUD appointment

  1. You will receive counseling to determine the right IUD for you. A prescription will be given to obtain at the Synergy Pharmacy.
  2. You will be offered additional pain management if desired: cervical freezing/block +/or Penthrox gas https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/medications/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=fdb1928
  3. Expect to be at the clinic for 1-2 hours. We recommend bringing a driver (required if you choose Penthrox).
  4. STI screen will be performed during your procedure
  5. Following the insertion, you will be asked to book an appointment in 4-6 weeks for a string check
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Endometrial Biopsy

At Synergy Women’s Wellness Centre, we offer endometrial biopsies in a safe and supportive environment. This procedure is used to assess the uterus and can help diagnose conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, or cancer. Our experienced team ensures the process is as comfortable as possible, explaining each step and addressing any concerns you may have. If you require an endometrial biopsy, we strive to provide timely access and compassionate care to support your reproductive health.

Endometrial Biopsy Procedure

Before your Endometrial Biopsy appointment

  1. Eat a meal/snack
  2. If safe to do so, take 1000mg advil/ibuprofen or 550mg naproxen/aleve, AND 1000mg tylenol 1 hr prior to your appointment.
  3. Bring a menstrual pad with you as the procedure may cause some bleeding. The clinic does not provide pads.

Ruling out pregnancy

  • If pre-menopausal/age <60, we will ask for a urine sample in the clinic to rule out pregnancy. We recommend no unprotected sex for 3 weeks prior to this procedure.
  • If age >60, no testing required.

During your Endometrial Biopsy appointment

  1. Your physician will explain the procedure in detail, and you will sign a consent
  2. You will be offered additional pain management if desired: cervical freezing/block +/or Penthrox gas https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/medications/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=fdb1928
  3. Expect to be at the clinic for up to 1 hour. We recommend bringing a driver (required if you choose Penthrox).
  4. Following the procedure, your physician will contact you with results in 10-14 days
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Medical termination of unwanted pregnancy (Mifegymiso)/Medical Abortion

At Synergy Women’s Wellness Centre, we offer compassionate, confidential, and evidence-based care for individuals seeking medical termination of an unwanted pregnancy. Medical abortion is a safe and effective option using prescribed medication to end a pregnancy within the early weeks. Depending on individual circumstances, we can provide this service up to 10-12 weeks of gestation. Our team offers thorough counseling, ensures you understand the process, and supports you with follow-up care to prioritize your well-being. We are committed to a respectful, judgment-free environment where you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to our clinic for more information.

Things to know about your medical abortion appointment:

  1. You will first have a phone appointment with a nurse, to discuss your options, determine eligibility for a medical termination, and to arrange lab work and dating ultrasound if needed.
  2. You will then be booked an appointment with a physician to review test results, discuss your decision, and receive your prescription for mifegymiso. Expect to be in clinic for 30-45 minutes.
  3. Please feel free to bring a support person to your appointment if you would like.

After your medical abortion:

  1. 10-14 days after your appointment, you will be offered a follow up appointment to ensure that the termination has been effective.
  2. There will also be opportunity to discuss birth control options for future prevention of unwanted pregnancy.