A medical abortion involves taking two pills at home to terminate your pregnancy. They are usually recommended for pregnancies less than six weeks along according to menstrual age. Although having the abortion at home makes many women more comfortable, there are side effects to the pills. Follow this advice to manage the side effects and to stay as comfortable as possible during the abortion.

Take Pain Medicine

Because medical abortion causes cramping that can last for several hours, use an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to ease your discomfort. It can help to take the pain medicine about 30 minutes before you take the second pill in the abortion procedure, since it causes the most intense cramping. Talk to your gynecologist about which pain medicine he or she recommends, but avoid taking aspirin, which will intensify your bleeding. In addition to pain medications, a heating pad or hot water bottle can also help with cramping.

Discuss Nausea Medication

Some women experience nausea and vomiting during a medical abortion. Ask your gynecologist if you should take an anti-nausea medicine to help you feel more comfortable. Although you can eat or drink as normal during the procedure, you may not feel up to it. Eating a small meal before you start taking the pills can help. During the abortion, try to drink liquids even if you can’t eat so you don’t risk dehydration. Ginger ale can help to keep you hydrated and settle your stomach.

Give Yourself Time to Rest

You will need to rest during the abortion itself, as the medications can make you feel tired. Set yourself up in a comfortable place and make sure you have things to distract you, like movies, snacks, and books. Although you can return to your normal activities the next day, you may be more comfortable if you give yourself a few days to recover.

If you’re considering abortion in Washington, D.C., Washington Surgi-Clinic can help. Visit our office to get the facts you need about your options for first and second-trimester abortions , morning after pills, and more. To make an appointment, dial (202) 659-9403.

Gynecologists are on the front lines of helping teens avoid pregnancy. There are many things doctors can do to help teens understand how to prevent pregnancy and what to do if they think they could be pregnant. Here are some steps that gynecologists can take to support their teenage patients and help them make the right choices about their sexual health.

Create a Safe Zone

Teens who visit the gynecologist often have concerns that they are reluctant to discuss with their parents. If a teen visits the gynecologist with a parent or guardian, allow time in the appointment for a confidential conversation directly with the teen. If a teen visits without a parent, reassure her that your discussions are completely confidential. Give teens the opportunity to talk about birth control and STD testing without any fears of parents finding out. Teens who are worried that their parents will find out if they take birth control or think they could have an STD are less likely to ask for help.

Discuss All Aspects of Sexual Activity

For teens who are sexually active, discuss ways of being intimate that don’t include a pregnancy risk and carefully review all birth control options. Remind teens that having been sexually active doesn’t mean that they need to continue to be if it doesn’t feel like the right decision. If a teen is not sexually active, highlight the advantages of delaying sex. Remind teens about the steps they should take before becoming sexually active, such as making a decision about which birth control to use.

Provide Teens with Options

Teens aren’t excluded from taking any kind of birth control because of their age, so discuss all appropriate pregnancy prevention methods with them. Make sure teens understand their options if they do become pregnant, including abortion.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, our gynecologists provide completely confidential care to patients of all ages. Whether you think you need STD treatment or need help choosing a birth control method, make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C . today by calling (202) 659-9403.

A common sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea has long been treatable by antibiotics. Now, the bacterial infection has become increasingly resistant to medications provided by your gynecologist. Preventing gonorrhea infection is more important than ever before because of this new, treatment-resistant strain.

To reduce your chances of contracting gonorrhea, use a condom every time you have sex. If you are entering a new relationship, talk to your partner about you both undergoing STD testing before becoming sexually active. Limiting your sexual partners and only having one sexual partner at a time can also reduce your risk of contracting gonorrhea. Keep in mind that approximately 72 million people have gonorrhea , and you can’t tell by looking at someone if they are infected.

Being informed about your sexual health is important for you and your partners. Talk to your gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic to see if STD testing is right for you. We also provide birth control, well woman exams, and abortion services in Washington, D.C. Call us at (202) 659-9403 for more information or to make an appointment.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Because this kind of pregnancy can be life threatening, it is important to talk to your gynecologist about your risk and the signs of a problem you should look for.

Watch this video to learn more about ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and should be terminated by your gynecologist before it ruptures. Ruptures can cause heavy, life-threatening blood loss and shock and require immediate emergency care.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is committed to empowering women with knowledge they need about healthy pregnancies and their sexual health. Our gynecologists in Washington, D.C. can assist with pregnancy termination, birth control, and STD testing. To make an appointment, please call (202) 659-9403.

In order to restrict access to abortion , lawmakers have turned to laws that indirectly affect the ability of women’s clinics to perform pregnancy terminations rather than trying to overturn Roe vs. Wade outright. These efforts force women to put themselves at risk when they decide abortion is the right choice for them. Women’s clinics exist to give women the information they need to make an informed choice about their pregnancy and access to safe abortions when they decide to terminate. Here is a look at the risks of having abortions elsewhere and how laws are affecting women’s clinics.

Unsafe Abortion Risks

There are approximately 42 million abortions per year worldwide , and approximately 68,000 women die from unsafe abortions. In developing nations, where access to women’s clinics is limited or non-existent, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a woman dies every 8 minutes from complications from unsafe abortions. These rates of death from unsafe abortions make it one of the top causes of maternal mortality.

Abortion Restriction Laws

Texas’ H.B 2 law is an example of ways politicians opposed to abortion are chipping away at women’s access to clinics that perform safe terminations. The bill requires physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges in a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic—an impossibility in many rural areas—and that women’s clinic meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers, which means many clinics cannot operate without spending millions on renovations. The law also restricts chemical abortion access. Women around the world turn to dangerous, untrained providers to perform abortions and to drinking turpentine and bleach to try to end pregnancies, all at great risk to their own health.

The Role of Women’s Clinics

Women’s clinics represent the only option many women have for affordable, safe gynecological care and pregnancy termination services. Clinics also provide birth control, an important factor in reducing the number of abortions. They play a central role in women’s health and safety.

Washington Surgi-Clinic provides the support women need to make their own choices about abortion, birth control, and more. Make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. today by calling (202) 659-9403.

The birth control shot, also called Depo-Provera, is a popular contraception option, but as with all kinds of birth control, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Only you and your gynecologist can determine if the birth control shot is safe for you. Here are the facts you need to know.

What is the birth control shot?

Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening the mucus in your cervix to prevent sperm from entering your Fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. It contains the hormone progestin and is taken via injection every three months. When used correctly, about three in 100 women will get pregnant when using the birth control shot.

What are the side effects?

The birth control shot can cause abdominal pain, acne, depression, breast soreness, low libido, and weight gain. Some people experience breakthrough bleeding that may clear up after prolonged use. Nervousness, weakness, and fatigue are also possible. Not everyone who gets the birth control shot will experience side effects. It’s important to discuss your side effects with your gynecologist. If they are troublesome to you, he or she may recommend that you switch to a new kind of birth control.

Is it safe?

The birth control shot is safe for most women, but your gynecologist will discuss your medical history with you before deciding if it is right for you. You shouldn’t take the shot if you have a history of breast cancer. One potential complication of the birth control shot is osteoporosis, so if you have osteoporosis, have a medical condition that increases your risk, or take other medications that cause bone thinning, you may need another form of birth control.

To explore birth control methods that could work for you, make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our providers also perform STD testing and treatment and pregnancy termination services. Schedule your visit today by calling (202) 659-9403.

Despite ongoing efforts by some legislators to curb reproductive rights, women do still have the legal right to choose in the U.S. Pregnancy termination is legal in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., although state laws can impose some restrictions. Since these laws are subject to change over time, you can consult a gynecologist regarding the current regulations on first and second trimester abortions.

It’s important for all women to understand their reproductive rights. Pregnancy termination rights do not apply to men. It is not lawful for a man to prohibit a woman from seeking an abortion, regardless of whether the couple is married or whether the man was the person who impregnated the woman. Similarly, it is not lawful for a man to force a woman to have an abortion against her will.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is committed to maintaining strict patient confidentiality at our clinic in Washington, D.C. Call (202) 659-9403 to request a consultation for a safe, legal pregnancy termination .

Emergency contraception isn’t intended to be a primary method of birth control. Unfortunately, primary birth control methods aren’t always 100% reliable, which is one reason why gynecologists may recommend the morning after pill. This medication may be obtained from your gynecology clinic. It works by preventing ovulation, which you can learn more about when you watch this featured video.

This presentation explains that the fertilization of a woman’s egg doesn’t occur immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse. It may take up to five days, which is why using emergency contraception during this time can prevent conception. However, the sooner you use the pill after unprotected sex, the more effective it’s likely to be. Emergency contraception has no effect on an egg that is already fertilized.

If you think you need morning after pills and you live near Washington, D.C., you can turn to Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403 to inquire about our women’s healthcare services .

Your gynecologist can help you with much more than just cervical cancer screenings through pap smears. During your appointment, you should feel free to discuss any health concerns you may have. Perhaps you’ve noticed unusual symptoms or you’re thinking about switching your birth control method. Your doctor genuinely wants to help you enjoy better health.

Atypical Vaginal Symptoms

Women can often tell when they have a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection based on their symptoms. But if your discomfort doesn’t go away, or it’s the first time you’ve experienced these symptoms, you should speak up. Your gynecologist can give you an accurate diagnosis, prescribe medications if necessary, and recommend lifestyle changes or at-home remedies to relieve itching and burning.

Sexual Discomfort

Pain during sex shouldn’t be perceived as normal, but many women feel a little awkward discussing it with their doctors. Often, painful sex is caused by vaginal dryness. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are other possible causes. Your doctor can explain your treatment options.

Menstrual Abnormalities

Periods differ from woman to woman, but in general, they shouldn’t last longer than seven days, and they shouldn’t occur more than 35 days or less than 21 days apart from each other. Other abnormalities to tell your gynecologist about include:

• Very heavy or very light menstrual flow
• Bleeding after menopause, between periods, or after sex
• Absence of three consecutive periods
• Very painful periods
• Periods accompanied by nausea and vomiting

Your treatment options will depend on the cause of the abnormalities, but may include birth control pills to regulate your period.

Sexual Assault

A significant percentage of sexual assaults go unreported. Even if you’re hesitant to seek help from the police, you should talk to your gynecologist. Your doctor can check your physical health, provide morning after pills if the assault occurred recently, and offer a sympathetic ear. Your provider can also point you in the direction of local resources you may be interested in, such as anonymous support groups or crisis hotlines.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic , we firmly believe that every woman deserves compassionate and sensitive healthcare delivered within a supportive environment. Our gynecology services are available in Washington, D.C. for ladies who need health screenings, birth control, or pregnancy termination. New and current patients can reach us at (202) 659-9403.

In the U.S., women have the legal right to choose not to continue an unintended pregnancy. When a pregnancy test comes back positive and the news is unwelcome, consulting a gynecologist quickly can keep certain options open to you, such as a nonsurgical abortion. Talk to the doctor about the pros and cons of choosing a chemical abortion or a surgical procedure.

Availability

Some women prefer to end an unintentional pregnancy as quickly as possible. Surgical abortions are available during the first trimester, which is up to 12 weeks. However, the doctor has to wait until an ultrasound exam can detect the pregnancy, which will be no sooner than five weeks by menstrual age. Up to six weeks of pregnancy, women may choose the chemical method. Second-trimester abortions take place between 12 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, only the surgical method is available.

Method

Both types require the care of a gynecologist, but chemical abortions won’t take place in the clinic. Instead, the doctor will prescribe medications that you’ll take at home. These medications cause your body to expel the pregnancy in the same way that your uterus naturally sheds its lining during menstruation. After this point, you’ll have another appointment to confirm the termination. The surgical method does not require any incisions—it is minimally invasive. The gynecologist inserts specialized, sterile instruments through the cervix into the uterus to empty the contents of the uterus.

Effectiveness

Both chemical and surgical abortions are highly effective, but the surgical approach does have a slightly higher success rate. On the rare occasion that a woman doesn’t respond well to the medications, she can choose to have the procedure instead.

Safety

Both methods have a well-established, longstanding safety record. It’s well-known that pregnancy termination actually has a lower rate of medical complications compared to bringing a pregnancy to term. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that an abortion will affect fertility or future pregnancies in any way.

Surgical and nonsurgical abortions are available at Washington Surgi-Clinic , up to 26 weeks of pregnancy. Our pregnancy termination services fully comply with Washington, D.C. and federal regulations, and are delivered by friendly, courteous providers. Call (202) 659-9403.