After unintended unprotected intercourse, the morning after pill, or emergency contraception, reduces the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Morning after pills are simply high-dose birth control pills that prevent pregnancy in the same way birth control pills taken as pre-intercourse conception do, albeit for a short window of time. Although it used to be necessary to get the morning after pill from a gynecologist, it can now be purchased over-the-counter from pharmacies. It can be taken up to three days after unprotected sex, but the earlier it is taken, the more effective it is. If you have had unprotected intercourse and are concerned about an unwanted pregnancy, here is a look at some of the benefits of using the morning after pill.

Non-Invasive

The morning after pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg, so that it prevents a pregnancy from occurring rather than causing a pregnancy to be terminated. This means that the pill is completely non-invasive and does not require a follow-up visit with your gynecologist or any down time. Women who take the morning after pill are able to continue with their normal activities right away.

Effective

When the morning after pill is taken correctly, it reduces the chances of unwanted pregnancy by between 80 and 90%. After taking the morning after pill, about two women in 100 will become pregnant, while approximately eight in 100 women will have a pregnancy after unprotected intercourse without the pill.

Availability

The morning after pill is easily available over-the-counter for men and women over the age of 18. There is no need to wait for a gynecologist appointment, which could reduce the effectiveness of the pill. Easy access means that women can take the pill as soon as possible.

After unprotected sex, in addition to taking steps to prevent pregnancy, you should also undergo STD testing, and when necessary, STD treatment. At Washington Surgi-Clinic, you can undergo STD testing in Washington, D.C. with complete patient confidentiality. To make an appointment, call (202) 659-9403.

In all sexual relationships, it is important to discuss birth control options with your partner. When you’re considering birth control, your gynecologist can help you understanding which choices could be a good match for you. With this medical advice in hand, use these tips to have this important conversation with your partner.

Talk About STD Protection

If you are not in a monogamous relationship, or if you are but you and your partner haven’t undergone STD testing since becoming monogamous, STD protection should be part of your discussion about birth control. Your gynecologist may recommend a barrier method of birth control, such as condoms, which help to prevent STD infections as well as unwanted pregnancies. If you are in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is free of STDs, you could consider options that only prevent pregnancy. You can also combine options, such as using birth control pills to prevent pregnancy and condoms for STD protection.

Consider Short and Long-Term Needs

Could you and your partner consider starting a family in the near-future, or do you know that you want to avoid pregnancy for an extended period of time? If you know that starting a family is off the table, then your gynecologist can offer birth control options that provide protection for several years at a time. If you want more flexibility, birth control pills, patches, or shots could be more appropriate.

Be Honest About Preferences

You and your partner should openly discuss your birth control preferences, as you’ll be less likely to use a method that you’re not comfortable with. If you prefer not to use a barrier method, discuss how you will protect yourselves from STDs. If you would rather not use a hormonal method, be upfront about your need for a different solution.

Make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. at Washington Surgi-Clinic to learn about all of your birth control options. Call us today at (202) 659-9403 to schedule a visit.

Today, there are several birth control methods available if you wish to avoid a pregnancy. In addition to IUD placement and taking birth control pills, the birth control patch offers effective and easy birth control for women of all ages.

Like many other forms of birth control, the birth control patch releases hormones that prevent you from becoming pregnant. However, instead of remembering to take a birth control pill each day, the birth control patch only requires replacement once a week. You can learn more about the birth control patch and its risks and benefits by watching this short video.

Your gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic can help you choose the right birth control option for your needs. You can schedule a gynecology appointment, pap smear, or STD test by calling (202) 659-9403, or visit us on the web to learn more about our available birth control methods in Washington, D.C.

There are a variety of birth control methods available to women of all ages who are sexually active. The birth control method that your gynecologist recommends will depend upon your age, sexual history, lifestyle, medical history, and personal preferences.

Watch this video to learn more about the injectable birth control method, known as a birth control shot. A birth control shot is the perfect birth control method for women who have trouble remembering to take a birth control pill every day.

If you’re interested in learning more about your alternatives to the birth control pill in Washington, DC, come see us at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our experienced and knowledgeable gynecologists can help you determine which birth control method is best for you. To schedule a confidential appointment for gynecology services, including pap smears and STD testing, call us today at (202) 659-9403.

As soon as you become sexually active, you should visit a gynecologist to discuss birth control methods, and receive a pap smear and STD testing. The birth control method that you choose will depend upon your health, medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here is a look at the most common birth control methods recommended by gynecologists.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are available as a combination pill, progestin-only pill, or extended-cycle pill. The combination birth control pill contains estrogen and progestin, is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, and must be taken around the same time every day. The progestin-only pill doesn’t contain estrogen. Gynecologists recommend it for women who have migraines with aura, diabetes, heart disease, or who smoke or are at risk for blood clots. The extended-cycle pill allows you to only have a period every three months.

Vaginal Rings, IUDs, and Implants

If you don’t want to have to remember to take a daily birth control pill, you can opt for a vaginal ring, IUD, implant, patch, or birth control shot. Vaginal rings are placed in the vagina for three weeks, and then removed on week four to stimulate your period. IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are surgically implanted in the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Implants are placed under the skin of your upper arm, and can last up to three years.

The Morning After Pill

The morning after pill, also known as emergency contraception or Plan B, is not a typical birth control method. It is only recommended for occasional use, if your regular birth control method failed. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and has a 95% success rate if taken within 24 hours.

If you’re interested in learning more about available birth control methods in Washington, DC, come see us at Washington Surgi-Clinic . When you make an appointment with one of our caring gynecologists, you can receive affordable gynecological services in a safe, confidential, comforting environment. To make an appointment with a gynecologist, call us today at (202) 659-9403.

If you struggle with birth control pills, the birth control implant is one option you may wish to discuss with your gynecologist. Watch this video to learn about this type of contraception.

The birth control implant looks like a small stick and is placed in your arm by your gynecologist or nurse practitioner. The implant contains progesterone and prevents pregnancy for three years. Because there is no estrogen involved and no need for daily pills, it is often a good alternative for women who don’t want to use oral contraceptives.

For help choosing between different birth control methods, schedule an appointment with a gynecologist serving Washington, DC at Washington Surgi-Clinic . Call (202) 659-9403 for more information about our women’s health services.

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.

Gynecology services include birth control, such as the pill, injection, patch, and intrauterine device (IUD). While the most obvious reason to use birth control is to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, you may be surprised to learn that there are other health benefits. For example, the birth control pill can significantly reduce your risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancers. It can also provide relief of PMS symptoms.

When you watch this video, you’ll hear a gynecologist describe some of the other benefits of using birth control. She explains the pill’s effect on your periods and describes how it can even improve the appearance of your skin.

Are you exploring birth control methods , looking for STD testing services, or thinking about pregnancy termination? For complete gynecology services near Washington, D.C., you can call Washington Surgi-Clinic at (202) 659-9403.

If you’re evaluating birth control methods, you may wish to ask your gynecologist about intrauterine devices (IUDs). An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that your gynecologist can insert into your uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancies. IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so you may still want to talk to a doctor about STD testing. One type of IUD is coated in copper. It works by creating an environment in the uterus that is toxic to sperm.

As you’ll learn when you watch this video, the other type of IUD slowly releases progesterone to thicken the cervical mucus. The hormonal IUD is effective for up to five years, while the copper IUD is effective for up to 10 years. Before getting an IUD, talk to your gynecologist about the benefits and risks.

Washington Surgi-Clinic provides a comprehensive range of birth control methods in Washington, D.C., including IUDs, pills, patches, injections, and emergency contraception. Visit our website to view our gynecology services or call us at (202) 659-9403.

The birth control pill is among the most widely used birth control methods. There are actually many different formulations of birth control pills, using varying types and dosages of synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. For maximum effectiveness, it’s important to take the pill exactly as directed by a gynecologist.

As you’ll learn when you watch this interview with an OB/GYN, some birth control pills come in 28-day packs, while others come in three-week packs. The larger packs contain one week of placebo pills, which is the week during which you’ll have your period. The three-week packs lack a placebo week, which means you won’t take any pills for one week.

For help exploring your choices of birth control methods in Washington, D.C., you can turn to the trusted physicians at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 or visit our website for a list of our gynecology services , including STD testing.