Yeast infections are a common type of problem treated by gynecologists. Candida albicans is normal in small numbers and is a yeast fungus that lives in the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes other areas, including the vagina. However, if the yeast’s population drastically increases in the vagina, this can cause a yeast infection. Most women will experience a yeast infection at some point in their life, and about half will have more than one. However, yeast infections are a common occurrence for some women.

Recurrent yeast infections can be a result of several different causes. Obesity, conditions which affect the immune system, a small distance between the anus and vagina, frequent antibiotic use, and uncontrolled diabetes are all risk factors for recurrent yeast infections. Also, anything that affects your normal balance of hormones, such as birth control pills, pregnancy, and estrogen therapy, can lead to these recurrent vaginal infections. Finally, wearing tight-fitting and synthetic clothing can make the vagina more hospitable for yeast.

If you’re in need of gynecology services or vaginal infection treatment near Washington DC, then please call Washington Surgi-Clinic at (202) 659-9403 to schedule your appointment with one of our compassionate doctors.

Missing a period can feel alarming, but pregnancy isn’t the only possible cause of this issue. If you’re wondering if you need to see a gynecologist, then watch this video to learn about some possible reasons why your period is late.

High levels of stress can cause late periods, and being sick or taking medications can affect your menstruation schedule. Also, if you just started or stopped a birth control method, this can cause your period to be late. Drastic changes in weight, too much exercise, a fluctuating cycle, medical disorders, and pregnancy are also possible causes.

Are you concerned about a missed period? If so, then call Washington Surgi-Clinic today at (202) 659-9403 to make an appointment with one of our gynecologists serving Washington DC.

Are you concerned that you may have an STD? If so, then you shouldn’t ignore this problem. If testing reveals that you are positive for a sexually transmitted disease, then your gynecologist will advise you to start STD treatment right away. Continue reading to learn about the health risks associated with some common STDs when they aren’t treated.

Chlamydia

Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis , chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Often, this disease does not cause symptoms. However, when left untreated, chlamydia can lead to several complications, such as chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, damage to the fallopian tubes and uterus, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, gonorrhea is quite common and establishes itself in the body by infecting mucous membranes. When gonorrhea is not treated, this can increase the individual’s risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Also, this disease can cause a life-threatening infection if it spreads to the blood, some symptoms of which include arthritis, dermatitis, and tenosynovitis.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and is a very common STD that often has no symptoms. When this STD isn’t treated, infected pregnant women may experience complications such as having a baby with low birth weight, premature delivery, and transmission of the disease to the baby during delivery.

Syphilis

Syphilis is another example of a common STD that can pose serious health risks if it is left untreated. This bacterial infection is caused by Treponema pallidum and is usually spread through sexual contact. The infection commonly starts as a painless sore around the mouth, genitals, or rectum. When diagnosed early, syphilis can be cured. Without treatment, however, syphilis can be life-threatening and affect the brain and heart. Research has linked this type of infection with inflammation of the aorta, arterial aneurysms, and heart valve damage.

If you’re in need of STD testing or STD treatment near Washington DC , then please call Washington Surgi-Clinic today at (202) 659-9403 to schedule an appointment with one of our gynecologists.

Are you thinking about seeing a gynecologist regarding pregnancy termination? If so, and you are in the second trimester of your pregnancy, then continue reading to learn the answers to common questions about terminating your pregnancy at this stage.

What happens during a pre-abortion evaluation?

When you visit a clinic about a possible abortion, your vital signs and medical history will be taken. Also, blood tests will be performed to check your blood count and Rh blood type. Next, you will be informed about all your pregnancy termination options and their associated benefits and risks. You will also receive information about what alternatives to abortion are available.

How long does a second-trimester pregnancy termination take?

A second-trimester abortion is typically completed in anywhere from 1 to 3 visits. The purpose of this is to gradually dilate the patient’s cervix to prepare for the pregnancy termination.

Are there non-surgical second-trimester pregnancy termination options?

Chemical abortions, which are non-surgical and involve the use of medications to terminate a pregnancy, are an option for women who are less than 6 weeks pregnant by menstrual age. This type of termination is not an option for second-trimester pregnancies.

How is a second-trimester pregnancy termination performed?

In the first stage of the pregnancy termination, your gynecologist will use sterilized laminaria sticks to dilate your cervix. The second stage of the pregnancy termination involves what’s known as the safest way of terminating second-trimester pregnancies, called the dilation and evacuation (D&E) method. The procedure is completed with the guidance of ultrasound.

What should I expect after a second-trimester pregnancy termination?

Following your surgery, you may have some pain, discomfort, and intermittent bleeding. You may also experience emotional side effects in addition to the physical ones, so it’s important to have access to a family member, friend, or professional who can provide you with the support that you need during this time.

Do you have more questions about pregnancy termination near Washington DC? If so, then please contact Washington Surgi-Clinic today by calling (202) 659-9403.

If you are suffering from painful intercourse, you are not alone. This common complaint affects many women at some point in their lives, but help is available. Talk to your gynecologist if intercourse is painful for you to get the help you need.

Your gynecologist will ask you questions about your symptoms and when during intercourse you feel pain to narrow down the potential causes. A wide range of conditions can cause intercourse to be painful, including vaginal infections, insufficient lubrication, injuries, and STDs. Your gynecologist may recommend STD testing and treatment, treatment for vaginal infections, hormonal therapies, and a number of other solutions to make intercourse more comfortable. Emotional factors can also contribute to painful intercourse, and these can be managed with therapy and medications.

Visit a gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic if painful intercourse is affecting your relationships. Find out more about our women’s health services, including STD testing in Washington, D.C. , by calling (202) 659-9403.

Cramps are common before and during menstruation for many women, and in most cases, they don’t indicate a health problem. However, severe cramps that interfere with daily activities should be evaluated by a gynecologist to ensure that an underlying issue isn’t contributing to the symptoms.

Watch this video to learn more about menstrual cramps. They are caused by uterine contractions that occur during menstruation and can be made worse by STDs, endometriosis, and a number of other conditions. Your gynecologist may recommend STD testing among other diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of severe cramps.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic , we provide gynecology services in Washington, D.C., ranging from Pap smears to first and second trimester abortions. Make an appointment today by calling (202) 659-9403.

An unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming to face, and talking about it with your partner can be stressful. Although you are not obligated to discuss your unexpected pregnancy with your partner, if you choose to do so, he can help you navigate the process of making decisions about things like pregnancy termination and prenatal care. If you plan to discuss your unplanned pregnancy with your partner, these tips will help.

See Your Gynecologist First

Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are very reliable, but they are not foolproof. Before you discuss the pregnancy with your partner, see your gynecologist to confirm it. Your doctor can also give you information that can be helpful when you’re talking to your partner, including how far along you are and what your options are for pregnancy termination. Your gynecologist can also discuss prenatal care with you and tell you what you can expect during your pregnancy, so you can share this information with your partner.

Choose the Right Time

Pick a time to talk to your partner in which you can both talk openly and honestly without any time constraints or other pressures. Avoid bringing it up at the end of a stressful day, right before work, or in a place where you are likely to get interrupted. This will allow you both to say what you need to say thoughtfully and without distractions. Because the news may be surprising, this also allows your partner to process the information without feeling rushed.

Know Your Boundaries

Know which options are on the table for you and which are not. If you are unwilling to continue with the pregnancy, be ready to explain the termination process. If you are unwilling to consider a termination, be ready to explain how you plan to move forward with the pregnancy. Keep in mind that your partner may need some time to consider the implications of your pregnancy, so be ready to have more than one conversation.

Washington Surgi-Clinic offers comprehensive women’s health services , including morning-after pills and pregnancy termination in Washington, D.C., with complete patient confidentiality. Call (202) 659-9403 to make an appointment with a gynecologist.

There is a birth control option that will work for everyone, but that doesn’t mean every kind of birth control is right for every person. Are you and your current birth control a bad match? Here are some of the signs that you should talk to your gynecologist about different birth control methods to see if one is better suited to your needs.

You can’t remember to take it.

If you take a birth control pill, how diligent you are about taking it determines how well it protects you from pregnancy. If you routinely forget to take your pill, then you either need to use a backup method or you risk an unwanted pregnancy. Even forgetting one pill can put you at high risk of an unplanned pregnancy, so talk to your gynecologist about birth control methods you don’t have to take daily, such as an IUD, patch, or ring.

You have lost your sex drive.

Birth control pills prevent ovulation, and in doing so, they prevent your ovaries from releasing the same amount of testosterone that they normally do. For some women, that means a dramatic reduction in libido that can be distressing and put pressure on personal relationships. If this happens to you, your gynecologist may recommend another birth control method, such as a non-hormonal copper IUD or birth control pills with higher levels of progesterone, which can have a similar effect to testosterone.

You have breakthrough bleeding.

Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of birth control pills, but it usually stops when your body adjusts to the hormones. However, for some women, it persists indefinitely and can become problematic. Your gynecologist may recommend switching to a pill with a higher dose of hormones. If you are experiencing chronic breakthrough bleeding on a longer cycle pill on which are you only supposed to have a few periods per year, your doctor may recommend switching to a shorter cycle option.

If your birth control is causing uncomfortable symptoms, see a gynecologist in Washington, D.C., at Washington Surgi-Clinic to explore your options. We also provide confidential STD testing, pregnancy termination , and other women’s health services. Dial (202) 659-9403 for an appointment.

If you are considering pregnancy termination and you are less than six weeks along in your pregnancy by menstrual age, then your gynecologist may recommend a chemical abortion. Chemical abortions are non-invasive, but they are not right for every patient. Your gynecologist will help you weigh up the pros and cons of all of your options.

A chemical abortion is performed by administering medications that stop the pregnancy. The pregnancy is expelled in a way that is akin to having a miscarriage. Many women appreciate that a chemical abortion is non-invasive and has a shorter recovery time, but your gynecologist will consider many different factors when deciding which type of pregnancy termination meets your needs. For abortions later in the first and second trimesters, chemical procedures are not appropriate.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you make the right choices about your reproductive health, from STD testing to pregnancy termination in Washington, D.C. , with complete patient confidentiality. Make an appointment today by calling (202) 659-9403.

The obvious benefit of birth control pills is that they help to prevent pregnancy, but they offer other advantages to women as well. Talk to your gynecologist about some of the benefits of taking birth control pills to see if they could be right for you.

Watch this video to learn about some of the advantages of taking birth control pills. In addition to pregnancy prevention, your birth control pill can make your periods lighter and more regular, help to prevent acne, and let you skip your period when you’re on vacation.

Keep in mind that birth control pills don’t provide protection against HIV or other STDs, and you will still need STD testing if you have risk factors for contracting a disease. Explore all of your birth control options by calling Washington Surgi-Clinic for an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. You can reach us today at (202) 659-9403.