Chlamydia is among the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is a bacterial infection caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. Women who suspect that they might have chlamydia should see a gynecologist for testing and treatment. Although chlamydia is easily treated and is generally not serious, it may cause medical complications if left untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors

Most often, the bacteria that cause chlamydia are transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of contracting chlamydia include having multiple sex partners within the past year, having a previous history of STDs, and not using condoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Chlamydia can be difficult to detect because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. This is why women who may be at a higher risk of chlamydia are advised to discuss STD testing with a gynecologist. When chlamydia does cause symptoms, women might notice abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and painful sexual intercourse. Women may also experience bleeding after sex or between periods.

Complications

If left untreated, it is possible for chlamydia to lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID refers to an infection of the fallopian tubes and uterus, which may result in damage to the reproductive organs. When chlamydia results in scar tissue formation in the fallopian tubes, women may suffer from infertility. If a woman with untreated chlamydia does become pregnant, she is at risk of transferring the disease to her child during vaginal delivery. The newborn may develop pneumonia or an eye infection as a result.

Treatment Options

Women who test positive for chlamydia can clear up the infection with antibiotics. However, during this time, they must refrain from sexual intercourse. The patient’s sexual partners should also be treated for chlamydia, regardless of whether they display symptoms. Otherwise, the patient may contract the infection again.

Women can trust Washington Surgi-Clinic for compassionate, confidential gynecology services near Washington, D.C. Our gynecology services include STD testing, vaginal infection treatment, and morning after pills. Call (202) 659-9403 to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained gynecologists.

Typical gynecology services include patient education regarding birth control methods. There are plenty of them to choose from, ranging from the pill to the shot to the patch, just to name a few. Yet, life is unpredictable and accidents can happen. Women who have unprotected sex can prevent an unwanted pregnancy with the morning after pill.

How the Pill Works

It’s a common misconception that the morning after pill is an abortion pill. In fact, it cannot result in pregnancy termination; it can only prevent pregnancy before it occurs. The way in which the pill works depends on where a woman is with regard to her menstrual cycle. It may work by preventing or delaying ovulation, or blocking fertilization of an egg. It may also help prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. If a fertilized egg does implant, women may choose to seek pregnancy termination services at an abortion clinic.

How to Use the Pill

Despite the name, the pill can be used for a wider window of time than just the morning after unprotected sex. Generally, the sooner a woman takes the pill, the more effective it will be. There are two types of morning after pills. Plan B One-Step contains levonorgestrel , while ella contains ulipristal acetate. Plan B One-Step should be taken as soon as possible. It is not effective after three days following unprotected sex. Taking this pill within 24 hours offers the best protection. Women who use ella can take the pill up to five days after having unprotected sex. Women who vomit after taking a morning after pill should contact a gynecologist to ask if they need to take another dose. Additionally, women should be aware that the morning after pill does not offer extended protection; another method of birth control is necessary.

Where to Get the Pill

Plan B One-Step is available over-the-counter; no prescription is necessary. However, ella does require a prescription from a gynecologist or other physician.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is a proud provider of comprehensive gynecology services to empower women in their family planning decisions and to support their overall wellness. Women who need morning after pills near Washington, D.C. can call us at (202) 659-9403. Our women’s health clinic also offers HIV testing, first and second trimester abortion, and STD treatment.

Part of taking good care of yourself involves scheduling regular wellness exams and preventive screenings, including pelvic exams and Pap smears. During a Pap test, the gynecologist takes a small sample of cells from the cervix. A laboratory tests the sample for abnormalities that may be indicative of precancerous conditions. In other words, having a Pap test can let you know if you may be at risk of cervical cancer before the cancer develops.

It’s important to visit your gynecologist for regular Pap smears because it is possible to have a false negative result. By having a Pap smear on a regular basis, you increase the chances that your gynecologist will detect any precancerous changes. General guidelines recommend that all women have a Pap test no later than their 21 ^st birthday or within three years of first having sexual intercourse, if that date is earlier than the 21 ^st birthday. Since these are general guidelines, it’s advisable to ask your gynecologist when you should start having Pap tests and how often you should have them.

Washington Surgi-Clinic has been providing compassionate, confidential gynecology services near Washington, D.C. since 1973. To schedule an appointment for a Pap test, STD treatment, or pregnancy termination, call us at (202) 659-9403.

The birth control pill is among the most widely used birth control methods. There are actually many different formulations of birth control pills, using varying types and dosages of synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. For maximum effectiveness, it’s important to take the pill exactly as directed by a gynecologist.

As you’ll learn when you watch this interview with an OB/GYN, some birth control pills come in 28-day packs, while others come in three-week packs. The larger packs contain one week of placebo pills, which is the week during which you’ll have your period. The three-week packs lack a placebo week, which means you won’t take any pills for one week.

For help exploring your choices of birth control methods in Washington, D.C., you can turn to the trusted physicians at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 or visit our website for a list of our gynecology services , including STD testing.