Pregnancy termination may be either chemical or surgical. In Washington, D.C., chemical abortions are only available through six weeks gestation by menstrual age. Also known as medical abortions, chemical pregnancy termination involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol, which are two medications that cause the uterine lining to break down and then to be expelled as with a normal period. Chemical abortions are non-invasive, although they can cause cramping, bleeding, and dizziness. Women who had a chemical abortion are asked to return to a gynecologist for a follow-up visit to ensure the completion of pregnancy termination.

In contrast, surgical abortion is available up to 26 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C. Although it is an invasive procedure, patients can choose from local anesthetic, light sedation, or general anesthesia. During a surgical abortion, the gynecologist will gently remove the contents of the uterus through the vagina. Both surgical and chemical abortions are safe for women, with only a low risk of complications.

Washington Surgi-Clinic performs safe and legal chemical and surgical abortions , along with a full range of other gynecology services such as STD testing, HPV treatment, and Pap smears. You can call (202) 659-9403 to inquire about confidential pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C.

Some women are able to find the right birth control pill after just one visit to a gynecologist. For many women; however, it can take some trial and error. This is because every woman’s needs and preferences are unique; what works well for one woman may not necessarily work well for another.

Before you visit your gynecologist, consider researching your options and watching this brief interview with a gynecologist. She discusses the importance of finding an ideal balance of progesterone and estrogen.

For help finding the right birth control pill for you, you can turn to Washington Surgi-Clinic – a leading provider of gynecology services near Washington, D.C. Call (202) 659-9403 to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist for birth control, STD testing, or vaginal infection treatment.

The human papilloma virus (HPV) includes over 150 different virus types, more than 40 of which can infect the genital region. HPV is a very common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Having HPV can be associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer. If you have tested positive for HPV, your gynecologist can help you understand its possible effects on your health and your HPV treatment options.

Normal Monitoring

An HPV infection doesn’t always require treatment. If you tested positive for HPV, yet your Pap smear was normal, your gynecologist may recommend having these tests again in one year. Quite often, women who test again in 12 months do not show signs of pre-cancerous changes or HPV. If this is the case for you, your gynecologist may instruct you to resume your normal testing schedule.

Additional Testing

If you tested positive for HPV and your Pap test results were abnormal, your gynecologist may recommend that you undergo additional tests. Your doctor may perform a colposcopy, which allows him or her to examine the cervix through magnification. Your doctor might also recommend a tissue biopsy. Depending on the results of the additional tests, you may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist.

HPV Treatment

It is not possible to treat the virus itself, as there is no cure. However, a gynecologist can recommend treatment options for problems caused by the virus . Your gynecologist can treat genital warts, for example. He or she might also recommend the removal of the abnormal cervical cells to prevent them from becoming cancerous later on. Your gynecologist may remove these cells during a colposcopy. Other methods of removing abnormal cells include cryotherapy and loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP).

For HPV treatment in Washington, D.C., women can rely on the compassionate gynecology team at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our gynecology practice provides comprehensive well-woman services, including first and second trimester abortion options, STD testing, and Pap smears. Call (202) 659-9403 for an appointment.

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear , is an important health screening for women. A gynecologist can perform Pap smears to check for the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus. These abnormal cells may later become cancerous unless treated.

Do I Really Need a Pap Test?

The early stages of cervical cancer may not necessarily cause symptoms. However, detecting cancer or identifying pre-cancerous changes as early as possible is crucial for a favorable outcome. By having regularly scheduled Pap tests, you can boost your chances of detecting this deadly disease as early as possible. However, some women may not need to have Pap tests any longer. These include women who have undergone a hysterectomy to remove the cervix and uterus, provided they do not have a history of abnormal Pap smears or cervical cancer. A gynecologist may also inform a woman that she no longer needs Pap smears if she is 65 years or older, has had three normal and consecutive Pap tests, and has not had any abnormal results within the past decade.

How Often Should I Have a Pap Smear?

Your gynecologist can let you know how often you should have a Pap smear. Most women who are between 21 and 29 years old should receive a Pap test every three years. Women between 30 and 64 may have a Pap test every three years by itself or they can have a Pap test and HPV test together every five years.

Are There Any Scheduling Considerations?

Try to schedule your Pap test 10 to 20 days after you first begin your period. If your period is irregular and you begin bleeding close to your appointment date, you can reschedule your appointment with the gynecologist. To facilitate accurate test results, refrain from certain activities for two days prior to your appointment. These activities are using tampons, douching, having sex, using vaginal suppositories or creams, and using vaginal deodorant products.

Washington Surgi-Clinic continues its mission of providing safe, compassionate, and confidential women’s wellness services since our founding in 1973. Women can have a Pap smear in Washington, D.C. by appointment at our gynecology clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 or visit our website to read about our other gynecology services, including morning after pills and HPV treatment.