• How Is Chlamydia Treated?

    Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by bacteria. It’s transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Note that it’s possible to get re-infected with chlamydia after having previously treated it. If you’ve experienced possible symptoms of chlamydia, or you think you’ve been exposed to it, see your gynecologist right away for a test.

    Treatment for this STD consists of a course of antibiotics. Your gynecologist will either give you a one-time dose of antibiotics, or prescribe antibiotics for seven days. Do not have sex until the infection goes away. If you’re taking seven days of antibiotics, don’t have sex until after the seventh day. If you receive one dose of antibiotics, wait seven days before having sex. Remember to use condoms to prevent another infection, and tell your partner that he or she should also get tested.

Washington Surgi-Clinic provides confidential STD testing and treatment near Washington, D.C. You can call our gynecology office at (202) 659-9403 to request a prompt appointment.

  • Do You Know All of Your Options for Birth Control?

    Every woman’s health concerns are unique. The best way to determine which birth control method is right for you is to discuss your choices with a gynecologist who is familiar with your health history. Before your appointment, watch the accompanying video to get an overview of the different types.

    You’ll learn the basics of the hormonal and non-hormonal IUD, implant, injection, pill, patch, and vaginal ring. This video provides a rundown of how each option could affect your period, and how effective each choice is. You’ll also learn why progestin-only and non-hormonal birth control methods may be safer choices for women with certain health concerns.

    To learn more about your birth control methods available in Washington, D.C., you can schedule an appointment with a gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403.

  • What Are Some Early Signs of Pregnancy?

    Every girl and woman of reproductive age should be aware of the early signs of pregnancy. It’s important to get medical confirmation of a pregnancy as early as possible, no matter what your intentions are. When you know, you can make plans for either receiving obstetric care or getting a pregnancy termination. And if you wait too long to see a gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy, then your options for abortion may become limited.

    Spotting

    • Although it seems counterintuitive, some of the early signs of pregnancy can mimic menstrual symptoms. Spotting can occur during the first few days when the fertilized egg implants onto the uterine wall. It’s easy to mistake this for being period blood. However, spotting caused by the implantation of a fertilized egg will appear less red and more brownish, and there will be very little of it.

    Cramping and Bloating

    The implantation of the egg can sometimes cause uterine cramping. Some women also report experiencing bloating. Implantation cramping is typically mild, although it can occasionally be accompanied by a backache.

    Fatigue

    Early on in a pregnancy, the body has a sudden rise in progesterone production. Progesterone is a hormone that prevents uterine contractions. It can also leave you feeling abnormally fatigued, even if you get enough sleep.

    Metallic Taste

    Another early sign of pregnancy that’s attributable to hormonal changes is a metallic taste in the mouth. The technical name for this is dysgeusia. Some women experience a lingering, bothersome metallic taste until hormone levels stabilize during the second trimester.

    Nausea

    Nausea is perhaps the most well-known sign of pregnancy. Some women suffer from very severe morning sickness. If you have problems keeping fluids down, you should tell your doctor right away, as it can lead to dehydration.

    A gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic can administer a pregnancy test if you think you’re showing signs of pregnancy. Our women’s health clinic also provides safe, legal pregnancy terminations for women in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas. Call (202) 659-9403 to request an appointment or to ask any questions you might have about our patient confidentiality and legal consent policies.

  • Taking Care of Yourself After a First Trimester Abortion

    There are two options for a first trimester abortion: Chemical or surgical. Surgical pregnancy terminations can be performed as soon as the pregnancy can be visualized on an ultrasound, which is as early as three weeks after conception. The gynecologist can perform a procedure called a D & C (suction dilatation and curettage). In contrast, a chemical abortion involves taking medication at home. Regardless of which method you use, your gynecologist will give you detailed instructions for taking care of yourself during your recovery.

    Anesthesia

    • If you’re having a surgical abortion, you’ll choose from local, conscious, or general anesthesia. Although the certified nurse anesthetist will use short-acting medications, if you’re having general anesthesia, you’ll be quite groggy for hours afterward. No matter which option you choose, you should have someone else drive you home from your appointment.

    Activity

    Plan to rest quietly for the remainder of the day. It’s likely that you’ll need at least one more day to recover. Some women take a few days off work, while others feel well enough to return the next day. Don’t do more than you feel up to—pay attention to your body and call the gynecologist if you have any questions about returning to work or school.

    Bleeding

    The amount of bleeding you can expect depends on whether you’re having a chemical or surgical abortion. If you’re having the surgical procedure, it’s possible that you won’t experience much bleeding at all. However, most women do experience bleeding—similar to menstrual bleeding—for just a few days. Women who have had a chemical abortion often report an amount of bleeding similar to a period, although it’s also common to have heavier bleeding than usual. It’s normal to pass a few blood clots. However, call your doctor if you see any very large blood clots. You should have a large supply of sanitary pads available before you take the abortion medication.

    Women choose Washington Surgi-Clinic for pregnancy terminations because of our compassionate, personalized care, our commitment to patient education, and our skillful, accomplished gynecology team. Call (202) 659-9403. During your confidential appointment, you’ll learn about your abortion options available in Washington, D.C.