Pregnancy termination may be either chemical or surgical. In Washington, D.C., chemical abortions are only available through six weeks gestation by menstrual age. Also known as medical abortions, chemical pregnancy termination involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol, which are two medications that cause the uterine lining to break down and then to be expelled as with a normal period. Chemical abortions are non-invasive, although they can cause cramping, bleeding, and dizziness. Women who had a chemical abortion are asked to return to a gynecologist for a follow-up visit to ensure the completion of pregnancy termination.

In contrast, surgical abortion is available up to 26 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C. Although it is an invasive procedure, patients can choose from local anesthetic, light sedation, or general anesthesia. During a surgical abortion, the gynecologist will gently remove the contents of the uterus through the vagina. Both surgical and chemical abortions are safe for women, with only a low risk of complications.

Washington Surgi-Clinic performs safe and legal chemical and surgical abortions , along with a full range of other gynecology services such as STD testing, HPV treatment, and Pap smears. You can call (202) 659-9403 to inquire about confidential pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C.

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.

The human papilloma virus (HPV) includes over 150 different virus types, more than 40 of which can infect the genital region. HPV is a very common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Having HPV can be associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer. If you have tested positive for HPV, your gynecologist can help you understand its possible effects on your health and your HPV treatment options.

Normal Monitoring

An HPV infection doesn’t always require treatment. If you tested positive for HPV, yet your Pap smear was normal, your gynecologist may recommend having these tests again in one year. Quite often, women who test again in 12 months do not show signs of pre-cancerous changes or HPV. If this is the case for you, your gynecologist may instruct you to resume your normal testing schedule.

Additional Testing

If you tested positive for HPV and your Pap test results were abnormal, your gynecologist may recommend that you undergo additional tests. Your doctor may perform a colposcopy, which allows him or her to examine the cervix through magnification. Your doctor might also recommend a tissue biopsy. Depending on the results of the additional tests, you may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist.

HPV Treatment

It is not possible to treat the virus itself, as there is no cure. However, a gynecologist can recommend treatment options for problems caused by the virus . Your gynecologist can treat genital warts, for example. He or she might also recommend the removal of the abnormal cervical cells to prevent them from becoming cancerous later on. Your gynecologist may remove these cells during a colposcopy. Other methods of removing abnormal cells include cryotherapy and loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP).

For HPV treatment in Washington, D.C., women can rely on the compassionate gynecology team at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our gynecology practice provides comprehensive well-woman services, including first and second trimester abortion options, STD testing, and Pap smears. Call (202) 659-9403 for an appointment.

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear , is an important health screening for women. A gynecologist can perform Pap smears to check for the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus. These abnormal cells may later become cancerous unless treated.

Do I Really Need a Pap Test?

The early stages of cervical cancer may not necessarily cause symptoms. However, detecting cancer or identifying pre-cancerous changes as early as possible is crucial for a favorable outcome. By having regularly scheduled Pap tests, you can boost your chances of detecting this deadly disease as early as possible. However, some women may not need to have Pap tests any longer. These include women who have undergone a hysterectomy to remove the cervix and uterus, provided they do not have a history of abnormal Pap smears or cervical cancer. A gynecologist may also inform a woman that she no longer needs Pap smears if she is 65 years or older, has had three normal and consecutive Pap tests, and has not had any abnormal results within the past decade.

How Often Should I Have a Pap Smear?

Your gynecologist can let you know how often you should have a Pap smear. Most women who are between 21 and 29 years old should receive a Pap test every three years. Women between 30 and 64 may have a Pap test every three years by itself or they can have a Pap test and HPV test together every five years.

Are There Any Scheduling Considerations?

Try to schedule your Pap test 10 to 20 days after you first begin your period. If your period is irregular and you begin bleeding close to your appointment date, you can reschedule your appointment with the gynecologist. To facilitate accurate test results, refrain from certain activities for two days prior to your appointment. These activities are using tampons, douching, having sex, using vaginal suppositories or creams, and using vaginal deodorant products.

Washington Surgi-Clinic continues its mission of providing safe, compassionate, and confidential women’s wellness services since our founding in 1973. Women can have a Pap smear in Washington, D.C. by appointment at our gynecology clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 or visit our website to read about our other gynecology services, including morning after pills and HPV treatment.

Cervical cancer is often a preventable disease. Your gynecologist can perform a Pap test, which checks your cervix for abnormal cellular changes that may lead to cervical cancer. This allows your gynecologist to recommend early treatment before the abnormality becomes cancerous. Even if you are not sexually active, your gynecologist is likely to recommend that you get a Pap test if you are between the ages of 21 and 65. Your doctor can also provide recommendations on how often to get a Pap smear. Some women might have this test every year, while others might only have it every three years.

Certain women may no longer need a Pap test. Your gynecologist might inform you that you do not need this test if you underwent a hysterectomy for reasons other than reproductive cancer and your cervix was removed. Women who are 65 or older who have not had abnormal test results in the past 10 years may no longer need to have this test.

Washington Surgi-Clinic, a center for gynecology in Washington, D.C., provides a full range of well-woman healthcare services , including Pap smears. Call us at (202) 659-9403 or visit us online to read about our commitment to patient confidentiality.

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.

The cervix is the lower part of your uterus, above the vagina. The endocervix is the section of the cervix that is near the uterus and the part of the cervix next to the vagina is the exocervix. The transformation zone is the place at which the main cells of the endocervix (glandular cells) and the main cells of the exocervix (squamous cells) meet each other. Most types of cervical cancers originate in this transformation zone. However, cervical cancer doesn’t begin suddenly. Your gynecologist can detect pre-cancerous changes of the cervical cells, such as dysplasia and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. You could also consult your gynecologist about ways of reducing your risk of cervical cancer.

Have Regular Pap Tests

A Pap smear is a sample of cells from your cervix that is analyzed in a lab. The results of the Pap test may indicate whether you could have abnormal changes of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. If your Pap test results are normal, your chances of developing cervical cancer in the near future are low. If your test results are abnormal, your gynecologist may recommend monitoring or treating the potentially pre-cancerous changes.

Get Vaccinated

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a significant risk factor of cervical cancer . There are vaccines available that can protect you from acquiring the HPV strains that can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina. Since the HPV vaccine is only recommended for individuals of a certain age, it’s important to speak with your gynecologist about getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Practice Safe Sex

In addition to receiving the HPV vaccine, you can reduce your risk of acquiring HPV by practicing safe sex. Always use a condom even if you take birth control pills. Limiting your number of sexual partners and avoiding having sex at an early age are other steps that may reduce your risk.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of squamous cell cervical cancer. If you smoke and you would like to quit, a healthcare provider can help you.

The gynecologists at Washington Surgi-Clinic are your partners in well-woman care. Our providers of compassionate gynecology services near Washington, D.C. offer extensive patient education to help women take control of their wellness. Give us a call at (202) 659-9403 if you would like to schedule an appointment for STD testing, HPV treatment, or other gynecology services.

If you’ve scheduled your first Pap smear at a gynecologist’s office, you’re taking an important step toward safeguarding your health. Pap tests allow your gynecologist to check for abnormal changes of the cervix, some of which may lead to cervical cancer. It’s perfectly normal to experience a little anxiety about having a Pap smear. However, staying relaxed and easing muscle tension in your lower body can make the test proceed more quickly.

Preparing for Your Appointment

When you call the gynecology office to schedule the Pap test, be sure to choose a date on which you do not expect to have your period. It’s generally best to schedule the test 10 to 20 days after the first day of your period. During the two days prior to your appointment, you should avoid certain things that may interfere with the results of your test. This includes using tampons, vaginal deodorant sprays or powders, vaginal creams, and vaginal suppositories. You should also avoid douching and having sex.

Undergoing the Exam

At the gynecology office, you’ll have privacy while you disrobe and put on a hospital gown. Then, you’ll sit on the edge of the exam table, place your feet in the stirrups, and lie back on the table. You’ll be asked to separate your legs and to relax your muscles. Some women may experience some minor discomfort during the exam. It can be helpful to take deep, steady breaths. Your gynecologist will examine your external genitalia before gently inserting a speculum. This device widens the opening so that the gynecologist can examine the cervix and vaginal walls. Then, the gynecologist uses other medical tools to collect a sample of cervical cells. After the provider collects the sample and removes the medical devices, he or she performs a manual internal examination. The gynecologist inserts two fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on your abdomen. This allows your gynecologist to check for any abnormalities in the pelvic region.

If you have any questions about your upcoming appointment at Washington Surgi-Clinic , you can call us at (202) 659-9403. Our state-of-the-art medical facility provides an unparalleled level of professional and courteous personal care for women. In addition to annual Pap tests and pelvic exams, our gynecology team provides STD testing, morning after pills, and pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C.

During the first trimester, or up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, women may choose to undergo pregnancy termination with chemical or surgical abortions. If the pregnancy is less than six weeks by menstrual age, the patient may choose the chemical method. With this type of first trimester abortion, the patient takes a pill that contains mifepristone, which breaks down the uterine lining by inhibiting progesterone. After 24 to 48 hours, the patient takes misoprostol, a pill that results in the expulsion of the pregnancy in a manner similar to miscarriage. It may take a few hours to abort the pregnancy or it may take a few days. Women can expect to have a follow-up appointment with a gynecologist.

A gynecologist can perform a surgical abortion as soon as the pregnancy can be visualized on an ultrasound exam, which is usually five weeks by menstrual age or three weeks after conception. For a first trimester abortion, the gynecologist will perform suction dilatation and curettage (D&C), which involves gently suctioning out the uterine contents.

For safe, confidential, and legal pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C., you can turn to the gynecology team at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 to arrange an appointment or visit us on the Web to read more about chemical and surgical abortions , along with our other services, which include STD testing.

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.