• What Women Should Know About Plan B

    Emergency contraception isn’t intended to be a primary method of birth control. Unfortunately, primary birth control methods aren’t always 100% reliable, which is one reason why gynecologists may recommend the morning after pill. This medication may be obtained from your gynecology clinic. It works by preventing ovulation, which you can learn more about when you watch this featured video.

    This presentation explains that the fertilization of a woman’s egg doesn’t occur immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse. It may take up to five days, which is why using emergency contraception during this time can prevent conception. However, the sooner you use the pill after unprotected sex, the more effective it’s likely to be. Emergency contraception has no effect on an egg that is already fertilized.

    If you think you need morning after pills and you live near Washington, D.C., you can turn to Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 to inquire about our women’s healthcare services .

  • Top Concerns to Discuss with Your Gynecologist

    Your gynecologist can help you with much more than just cervical cancer screenings through pap smears. During your appointment, you should feel free to discuss any health concerns you may have. Perhaps you’ve noticed unusual symptoms or you’re thinking about switching your birth control method. Your doctor genuinely wants to help you enjoy better health.

    Atypical Vaginal Symptoms

    Women can often tell when they have a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection based on their symptoms. But if your discomfort doesn’t go away, or it’s the first time you’ve experienced these symptoms, you should speak up. Your gynecologist can give you an accurate diagnosis, prescribe medications if necessary, and recommend lifestyle changes or at-home remedies to relieve itching and burning.

    Sexual Discomfort

    Pain during sex shouldn’t be perceived as normal, but many women feel a little awkward discussing it with their doctors. Often, painful sex is caused by vaginal dryness. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are other possible causes. Your doctor can explain your treatment options.

    Menstrual Abnormalities

    Periods differ from woman to woman, but in general, they shouldn’t last longer than seven days, and they shouldn’t occur more than 35 days or less than 21 days apart from each other. Other abnormalities to tell your gynecologist about include:

    • Very heavy or very light menstrual flow
    • Bleeding after menopause, between periods, or after sex
    • Absence of three consecutive periods
    • Very painful periods
    • Periods accompanied by nausea and vomiting

    Your treatment options will depend on the cause of the abnormalities, but may include birth control pills to regulate your period.

    Sexual Assault

    A significant percentage of sexual assaults go unreported. Even if you’re hesitant to seek help from the police, you should talk to your gynecologist. Your doctor can check your physical health, provide morning after pills if the assault occurred recently, and offer a sympathetic ear. Your provider can also point you in the direction of local resources you may be interested in, such as anonymous support groups or crisis hotlines.

    At Washington Surgi-Clinic , we firmly believe that every woman deserves compassionate and sensitive healthcare delivered within a supportive environment. Our gynecology services are available in Washington, D.C. for ladies who need health screenings, birth control, or pregnancy termination. New and current patients can reach us at (202) 659-9403.

  • Choosing Between a Chemical and Surgical Abortion

    In the U.S., women have the legal right to choose not to continue an unintended pregnancy. When a pregnancy test comes back positive and the news is unwelcome, consulting a gynecologist quickly can keep certain options open to you, such as a nonsurgical abortion. Talk to the doctor about the pros and cons of choosing a chemical abortion or a surgical procedure.

    Availability

    Some women prefer to end an unintentional pregnancy as quickly as possible. Surgical abortions are available during the first trimester, which is up to 12 weeks. However, the doctor has to wait until an ultrasound exam can detect the pregnancy, which will be no sooner than five weeks by menstrual age. Up to six weeks of pregnancy, women may choose the chemical method. Second-trimester abortions take place between 12 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, only the surgical method is available.

    Method

    Both types require the care of a gynecologist, but chemical abortions won’t take place in the clinic. Instead, the doctor will prescribe medications that you’ll take at home. These medications cause your body to expel the pregnancy in the same way that your uterus naturally sheds its lining during menstruation. After this point, you’ll have another appointment to confirm the termination. The surgical method does not require any incisions—it is minimally invasive. The gynecologist inserts specialized, sterile instruments through the cervix into the uterus to empty the contents of the uterus.

    Effectiveness

    Both chemical and surgical abortions are highly effective, but the surgical approach does have a slightly higher success rate. On the rare occasion that a woman doesn’t respond well to the medications, she can choose to have the procedure instead.

    Safety

    Both methods have a well-established, longstanding safety record. It’s well-known that pregnancy termination actually has a lower rate of medical complications compared to bringing a pregnancy to term. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that an abortion will affect fertility or future pregnancies in any way.

    Surgical and nonsurgical abortions are available at Washington Surgi-Clinic , up to 26 weeks of pregnancy. Our pregnancy termination services fully comply with Washington, D.C. and federal regulations, and are delivered by friendly, courteous providers. Call (202) 659-9403.

  • Why You Still Need to See a Gynecologist After a Hysterectomy

    It’s a common misconception that a woman no longer has a reason to see a gynecologist if she has undergone a hysterectomy. The truth is that women should continue to see a gynecologist once per year even after this type of procedure because other aspects of their health should be regularly evaluated.

    During an annual checkup, your gynecologist can look for palpable masses in the pelvis, as well as assess the vaginal and vulvar tissues, which can be especially important for women who have undergone HPV treatment. Also, depending on the reason for your hysterectomy, it may be important that you continue to receive Pap smears. Finally, during your appointment, your gynecologist can discuss any necessary screenings and tests that can help promote your health.

    Washington Surgi-Clinic offers comprehensive gynecology services in Washington, D.C. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our gynecologists, then please call (202) 659-9403.