Yeast infections can be uncomfortable and annoying, but most women experience them occasionally. Understanding the causes of this common vaginal infection is the first step to preventing infections in the future. In addition to providing treatment, your gynecologist can help you pinpoint the culprit behind your yeast infection.

There are many different things that can case yeast infections. A common trigger for many women is taking antibiotics. In addition to killing off the bacteria that are causing whatever illness you have, antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the vagina that help to control the growth of yeast. Wearing tight underwear, using scented feminine products, or not changing a tampon frequently enough can all also contribute to yeast infections. Women who have diabetes can suffer from frequent yeast infections when their glucose levels are high.

Don’t let the discomfort of yeast infections interfere with your life. See a gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic for vaginal infection treatment in Washington, DC when symptoms strike. Make an appointment by calling (202) 659-9403.

Seeing your gynecologist regularly for a well woman exam is one of the most impactful things you can do for your health. This exam gives you a chance to discuss birth control methods, get screened for cancer, and much more.

Watch this video to learn more about the importance of well woman exams. Women of all ages can benefit from see a doctor regularly for preventive care and to get help making choices about pregnancy prevention, STD testing, and other important aspects of your health.

Washington Surgi-Clinic offers affordable and confidential gynecology services in Washington, DC, including vaginal infection testing and Pap smears. To schedule an appointment, call (202) 659-9403.

Periods are such a common part of life for women that it is easy to overlook the importance of discussing them with your gynecologist. You don’t have to wait until you have a problem with your period to bring it up during your next gynecology appointment . When you see your doctor, consider asking these questions.

How do I know if my flow is too heavy?

There is a wide range of normal when it comes to menstrual flow. It’s even normal for the same woman to experience an extremely heavy period followed by an extremely light one. However, if you have to change a pad or tampon at least once an hour, your flow may be excessively heavy. There are a few conditions that can cause an excessive menstrual flow, which your gynecologist can easily screen you for.

What is a normal cycle?

The only kind of normal menstrual cycle is what is normal for you. Some women get their periods like clockwork, while others experience irregular periods as a rule. Keep track of your periods so you can begin to notice patterns in your cycle, and report things that seem off-kilter to your gynecologist. If you start skipping periods or if your periods are coming more often than normal, an underlying medical condition could be to blame.

Does having my period mean I can’t get pregnant?

Getting pregnant during your period isn’t likely, but it is possible. Some women ovulate early in their cycles, and because sperm can live in your reproductive tract for five days, you could have sex during your period and then have your period end and ovulate while sperm is still there. Don’t use your period as birth control if you want to avoid a pregnancy.

Getting informed about your period is an important step in taking control of your health. At Washington Surgi-Clinic, our gynecologists can help with everything from period tips to Pap smears and birth control methods. Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, DC by calling (202) 659-9403.

If you have sex without using any kind of birth control or if you think your pregnancy prevention method may have failed, the morning-after pill can reduce the chances of an unwanted pregnancy. It’s important to note that the morning-after pill is not the same thing as an abortion. It doesn’t terminate an existing pregnancy but rather makes it more difficult to become pregnant. If you take this form of emergency birth control, here is what you can expect.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common side effects women have after taking the morning-after pill. The nausea usually peaks within 24 hours of taking the medication and resolves completely within a day or two. In most cases, over-the-counter anti-nausea medications are effective in managing the symptoms, but call your gynecologist if you develop diarrhea or vomiting within a few hours of taking the morning-after pill, as the effectiveness of the medication may be impacted.

PMS-Like Symptoms

The morning-after pill contains high doses of hormones that are similar to the ones used in birth control pills. As such, side effects that mimic PMS are common. Women may experience cramps, breast tenderness, mood swings, and back pain. These symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but they usually subside within 24 hours of taking the pill.

Bleeding

Irregular bleeding is common with the morning-after pill. In some cases, spotting occurs the same day you take the pill and may continue until your next period. Some women get their next period earlier or later than normal after taking the morning-after pill. If your period doesn’t start within five days of when you expected it, talk to your gynecologist. You may need to take a pregnancy test.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we empower you to make the right choices for your reproductive health by providing variety of birth control methods and pregnancy termination services in Washington, DC . To make a confidential appointment, call (202) 659-9403.