A common sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea has long been treatable by antibiotics. Now, the bacterial infection has become increasingly resistant to medications provided by your gynecologist. Preventing gonorrhea infection is more important than ever before because of this new, treatment-resistant strain.

To reduce your chances of contracting gonorrhea, use a condom every time you have sex. If you are entering a new relationship, talk to your partner about you both undergoing STD testing before becoming sexually active. Limiting your sexual partners and only having one sexual partner at a time can also reduce your risk of contracting gonorrhea. Keep in mind that approximately 72 million people have gonorrhea , and you can’t tell by looking at someone if they are infected.

Being informed about your sexual health is important for you and your partners. Talk to your gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic to see if STD testing is right for you. We also provide birth control, well woman exams, and abortion services in Washington, D.C. Call us at (202) 659-9403 for more information or to make an appointment.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Because this kind of pregnancy can be life threatening, it is important to talk to your gynecologist about your risk and the signs of a problem you should look for.

Watch this video to learn more about ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and should be terminated by your gynecologist before it ruptures. Ruptures can cause heavy, life-threatening blood loss and shock and require immediate emergency care.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is committed to empowering women with knowledge they need about healthy pregnancies and their sexual health. Our gynecologists in Washington, D.C. can assist with pregnancy termination, birth control, and STD testing. To make an appointment, please call (202) 659-9403.

In order to restrict access to abortion , lawmakers have turned to laws that indirectly affect the ability of women’s clinics to perform pregnancy terminations rather than trying to overturn Roe vs. Wade outright. These efforts force women to put themselves at risk when they decide abortion is the right choice for them. Women’s clinics exist to give women the information they need to make an informed choice about their pregnancy and access to safe abortions when they decide to terminate. Here is a look at the risks of having abortions elsewhere and how laws are affecting women’s clinics.

Unsafe Abortion Risks

There are approximately 42 million abortions per year worldwide , and approximately 68,000 women die from unsafe abortions. In developing nations, where access to women’s clinics is limited or non-existent, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a woman dies every 8 minutes from complications from unsafe abortions. These rates of death from unsafe abortions make it one of the top causes of maternal mortality.

Abortion Restriction Laws

Texas’ H.B 2 law is an example of ways politicians opposed to abortion are chipping away at women’s access to clinics that perform safe terminations. The bill requires physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges in a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic—an impossibility in many rural areas—and that women’s clinic meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers, which means many clinics cannot operate without spending millions on renovations. The law also restricts chemical abortion access. Women around the world turn to dangerous, untrained providers to perform abortions and to drinking turpentine and bleach to try to end pregnancies, all at great risk to their own health.

The Role of Women’s Clinics

Women’s clinics represent the only option many women have for affordable, safe gynecological care and pregnancy termination services. Clinics also provide birth control, an important factor in reducing the number of abortions. They play a central role in women’s health and safety.

Washington Surgi-Clinic provides the support women need to make their own choices about abortion, birth control, and more. Make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. today by calling (202) 659-9403.

The birth control shot, also called Depo-Provera, is a popular contraception option, but as with all kinds of birth control, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Only you and your gynecologist can determine if the birth control shot is safe for you. Here are the facts you need to know.

What is the birth control shot?

Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening the mucus in your cervix to prevent sperm from entering your Fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. It contains the hormone progestin and is taken via injection every three months. When used correctly, about three in 100 women will get pregnant when using the birth control shot.

What are the side effects?

The birth control shot can cause abdominal pain, acne, depression, breast soreness, low libido, and weight gain. Some people experience breakthrough bleeding that may clear up after prolonged use. Nervousness, weakness, and fatigue are also possible. Not everyone who gets the birth control shot will experience side effects. It’s important to discuss your side effects with your gynecologist. If they are troublesome to you, he or she may recommend that you switch to a new kind of birth control.

Is it safe?

The birth control shot is safe for most women, but your gynecologist will discuss your medical history with you before deciding if it is right for you. You shouldn’t take the shot if you have a history of breast cancer. One potential complication of the birth control shot is osteoporosis, so if you have osteoporosis, have a medical condition that increases your risk, or take other medications that cause bone thinning, you may need another form of birth control.

To explore birth control methods that could work for you, make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our providers also perform STD testing and treatment and pregnancy termination services. Schedule your visit today by calling (202) 659-9403.

Despite ongoing efforts by some legislators to curb reproductive rights, women do still have the legal right to choose in the U.S. Pregnancy termination is legal in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., although state laws can impose some restrictions. Since these laws are subject to change over time, you can consult a gynecologist regarding the current regulations on first and second trimester abortions.

It’s important for all women to understand their reproductive rights. Pregnancy termination rights do not apply to men. It is not lawful for a man to prohibit a woman from seeking an abortion, regardless of whether the couple is married or whether the man was the person who impregnated the woman. Similarly, it is not lawful for a man to force a woman to have an abortion against her will.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is committed to maintaining strict patient confidentiality at our clinic in Washington, D.C. Call (202) 659-9403 to request a consultation for a safe, legal pregnancy termination .