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Tips for Choosing a Gynecologist
When you choose a gynecologist serving Washington, D.C., you deserve to work with a caring and experienced physician. Your gynecology services should also be comprehensive and affordable.
Not every gynecologist is alike, and it is essential to choose a physician with whom you feel comfortable. When you select your gynecologist, you are often selecting a lifelong health care provider. Your gynecologist will guide you through all your sexual wellness concerns, perform STD testing, prescribe your birth control pill, and be by your side throughout your pregnancy. When it comes to choosing a gynecologist, always take your own needs into account. For example, if you would like to get pregnant within the next few years, look for an obstetrician-gynecologist. If you simply need an annual well-woman exam, you may not need an in-depth consultation. Almost any doctor’s office that offers gynecology services offers standard STD testing and HIV testing. When you select your provider, you should also make sure that you and your gynecologist share the same values when it comes to abortion.
The Washington Surgi-Clinic is proud to offer superior gynecology services to women throughout the D.C. area. If you need to speak to a gynecologist, call us at (202) 659-9403 today.
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IUDs: Safe and Effective
IUDs, or intra-uterine devices, are becoming increasingly popular in gynecology in Washington, D.C. Watch this video to learn why this birth control device is both safe and effective for many women.
A gynecologist recommends IUDs for healthy women of all ages who would like to prevent pregnancy. An IUD does not ward off vaginal infection or STDs and is only effective in preventing pregnancy. An IUD may be suggested for women who prefer not to take the birth control pill or who have had negative side effects from birth control pills or patches.
To learn whether an IUD or the traditional birth control pill is right for you, contact a gynecologist with The Washington Surgi-Clinic . You can reach us at (202) 659-9403.
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Understanding the Birth Control Patch
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.
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What You Should Know About Gonorrhea
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 .
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Answers to Your Questions about Pregnancy Termination
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.
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What is a Birth Control Shot?
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.
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Getting Tested for HIV
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.
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A Look at Your Birth Control Options
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.
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Why Most Women Need a Pap Test
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.
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What Is a Birth Control Implant?
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.
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