A gynecologist serving Washington, D.C. offers many different kinds of birth control. Depending on your specific medical history, health care concerns, and personal preferences, different methods of birth control may be right for you. Today, there are many more alternatives to the birth control pill than ever before. Always speak directly to your gynecologist if you are considering changing your birth control method. Read on to gain a better understanding of the birth control patch.

Use

As your gynecologist will tell you, the birth control patch is designed to prevent pregnancy. The patch prevents pregnancy for up to 9 days, but should be changed every 7 days for maximum effectiveness. Most women wear the birth control patch on their upper arm or lower back, so it can be concealed when dressed. The patch can be worn during showers, bathing, exercise, and swimming, as the adhesion is not adversely affected by heat or water.

Effectiveness

The birth control patch is extremely effective. Like other forms of contraception, it does not prevent against vaginal infection. It also does not ward off STDs. To prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, couples should always use condoms. When used perfectly, it has a failure rate of less than half of one percent.

Advantages

Some women prefer the birth control patch over the birth control pill because they do not need to remember a daily task. If you do forget to remove your patch after a week, hormone levels will remain steady. That means you will not get pregnant for up to two additional days after forgetting to change your birth control patch.

Speak to a gynecologist directly so you can pick which birth control is best for you. Contact The Washington Surgi-Clinic by calling us at (202) 659-9403. Our experienced gynecology team is dedicated to providing superior health care for women throughout the D.C. area. If you are choosing between the birth control pill and patch or another method of birth control, set up a consultation by calling today.

Comprehensive gynecology services near Washington, D.C., include testing for sexually transmitted diseases. There are many different kinds of STDs, and some have no symptoms or side effects. STD testing is therefore required to make sure men and women maintain superior sexual health—and are not inadvertently passing on diseases to their partners. Gonorrhea is one STD that can be identified in standard STD testing. Keep reading to learn what you should know about gonorrhea, including common symptoms, simple testing, and effective treatments.

Common Symptoms

Most women who have gonorrhea never experience any symptoms, so they do not know they have an STD until they visit their gynecologist for STD testing. In contrast, 95% of men do experience gonorrhea symptoms. If you have a male sexual partner who is experiencing discharge, soreness, or swelling in the penis or testicles, cease sexual activity and visit your gynecologist for STD testing. Women may also experience burning in the throat when performing oral sex on an infected male.

Simple Testing

Gonorrhea is conclusively diagnosed with STD testing at an office that provides gynecology services. STD testing for gonorrhea is extremely accurate. The most common tests involve either urine analysis or testing of a sample of body fluid. For example, women may be tested in areas where infection might be present due to sexual activity. Body fluid can be collected from the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat.

Effective Treatments

STD treatment for gonorrhea usually involves two antibiotics. A gynecologist will inject one medication called ceftriaxone. The other medicine is called azithromycin and comes in pill form. By taking your antibiotics as prescribed and completing the entire dose, you can permanently rid yourself of gonorrhea.

Do you need STD testing? For STD testing and all your gynecology services needs, contact The Washington Surgi-Clinic today by calling (202) 659-9403. You can arrange a confidential appointment with an experienced gynecologist, who will address all your sexual health needs and concerns. We also offer both first trimester abortion and second trimester abortion .

The decision to seek an abortion or pregnancy termination is incredibly personal, stressful, and emotional. It’s important to make sure you understand your pregnancy termination options, and that your gynecologist or doctor answers all of your questions patiently, knowledgeably, and compassionately. An abortion can be performed surgically or non-surgically for up to 26 weeks after the date of your last period.

A first-trimester abortion can be performed surgically or non-surgically. A surgical abortion is performed about five weeks after the date of your last period by utilizing the suction dilatation and curettage method. A non-surgical abortion utilizes a combination of medications to induce pregnancy termination when a woman is less than six weeks pregnant. A second-trimester abortion can only be performed surgically over 1-3 visits, and is a more complex method of pregnancy termination.

If you would like more information about your options for pregnancy termination near Washington, DC , visit us at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff is committed to providing you with all of the information you need, in a safe and comforting environment. To schedule a confidential appointment with a gynecologist, call us today at (202) 659-9403.

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.

Regular STD testing and HIV testing is a crucial part of maintaining your gynecological and overall health. If you’re sexually active or are at high risk for HIV, you should visit a gynecologist for HIV testing at least once per year, possibly more if you are at high risk. Here is a look at some important facts about HIV testing.

When You Should Get Tested

Any woman who is sexually active or at high risk for HIV should visit a gynecologist for HIV testing. If your test is negative, your gynecologist can let you know how often you should come back for HIV testing. If you’re pregnant, it’s even more important that you undergo STD testing, HIV testing, and prenatal gynecology services. Your gynecologist will maintain strict patient confidentiality throughout the HIV testing process.

Who’s at High Risk

Women who are at a higher risk for contracting HIV will need to undergo HIV testing more frequently. You are at higher risk if you are having unprotected sex with more than one male partner, if you have injected drugs in the past or are doing so currently, if you are currently having sex with or have had sex in the past with someone who has had multiple partners or who has injected drugs, if you have a current STD, or if you received a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. Your gynecologist can advise you as to how often you will need HIV testing.

HIV Testing Procedures

Your gynecologist can inform you as to your HIV testing options. The most commonly used test is the enzyme immunoassay test, which provides results in one day to one or two weeks. Some gynecologists use a rapid test, which provides results within 20 minutes.

If you’re in need of HIV testing near Washington, DC , come see us at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our experienced and compassionate gynecologists can provide a wide range of affordable gynecology services, including STD testing, STD treatment, pap smears, birth control methods, and pregnancy termination. To learn more about our gynecology services, 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.

A Pap test—also called a Pap smear—is a simple test that can be performed by your gynecologist in seconds and that could save your life. Most women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have regular Pap tests on a schedule determined by their gynecologist.

Pap tests are so important to women’s health because they are the only way to diagnose cervical cancer in its early stages. During a Pap test, your gynecologist will take a swab of cervical tissue that is then screened for abnormal cells. With these results, not only can your gynecologist diagnose cancer in its most treatable stages, but he or she can also locate pre-cancerous cells so they can be treated before they become cancer. Because cervical cancer seldom causes symptoms until it progresses, a Pap test is the only way to find the disease early.

Are you due for a Pap smear in Washington, DC ? Schedule an appointment at Washington Surgi-Clinic to find out. Call (202) 659-9403 to make an appointment with a gynecologist for your Pap test and to get answers to your questions about birth control methods, STD testing, and more.

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.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, affects at least half of sexually active people. There are over 100 different strains of the virus, and while some clear up on their own without causing symptoms or complications, others are linked to cancer. Your gynecologist can determine if you are at risk for HPV and i`f you need to be tested for the virus. Here are the facts you need to know.

How Does HPV Spread?

HPV is spread through sexual contact. You can catch it by coming into contact with the genital skin, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids of an infected person during sexual intercourse or oral sex. HPV generally doesn’t cause any symptoms, so you usually cannot tell if someone has it by looking at them; many people who are infected don’t know that they carry the virus. The only visible symptom of HPV is genital warts, which may appear alone or in clusters.

How Is HPV Diagnosed?

Many cases of HPV go undiagnosed because they clear up on their own without causing any symptoms. If genital warts are present, your gynecologist can diagnose HPV with a visual exam. In some cases, your gynecologist may recommend an HPV test, which can be performed during your Pap smear. HPV tests are usually not recommended for women under 30 unless there is a reason, such as an abnormal Pap test result.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Getting HPV?

Abstaining from sexual contact is the only way to completely avoid HPV. You can reduce your risk of contracting it by using a condom and limiting your number of sexual partners. Choosing sexual partners who have also limited their own number of partners in the past will also reduce your risk.

If you are concerned about HPV, make an appointment at Washington Surgi-Clinic. We provide gynecology services near Washington, DC, including STD testing . You can schedule an appointment now by calling (202) 659-9403.

If you are considering terminating a pregnancy , arming yourself with the facts will help you make the right choice for you. Your gynecologist can discuss pregnancy termination services with you and answer questions you may have. This information will also help you understand what to expect on the day of your abortion.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two pills. The first pill – often a medication called mifepristone—is usually taken while you are at the doctor’s office. Six to 72 hours after the first pill, a second one—misoprostol—is taken at home. This pill must be either dissolved inside your cheek or placed vaginally, depending on the doctor’s instructions. About one to four hours after the second pill is taken, the abortion will begin. Heavy bleeding and some cramping are common and may persist for several hours. Medical abortion is an option for women up to 10 weeks after the first day of their last period.

Aspiration Abortion

Aspiration abortion is performed in a gynecology office. During this procedure, a doctor will terminate the pregnancy using instruments inserted into the uterus via the vagina. The procedure takes about five to 10 minutes. Pain medication can be used to manage cramping that occurs during and after the procedure. Light bleeding is possible for up to one week. Aspiration abortion is available for women up to 12 weeks after the first day of their last period.

Both medical and aspiration abortions are between 98 and 99 percent effective. The right one for you depends on several factors, including how far along in your pregnancy you are. You can work with your doctor to evaluate your preferences and needs. At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we provide first and second-trimester abortion in Washington, DC, as well as a range of gynecological services , including STD testing and morning-after pills. To make an appointment, please call (202) 659-9403.