The birth control patch releases a combination of hormones to prevent unintended pregnancies. It works by preventing ovulation, and altering the uterine lining and cervical mucus. For many women, the patch is an ideal birth control method because it doesn’t involve remembering to take a pill at the same time every day. For maximum effectiveness, it’s important to follow the prescribing instructions as given by your gynecologist or pharmacist.

Applying the Patch

The birth control patch must be applied to clean, dry skin that is free of lotions, powders, and other products. Press the patch to your skin firmly for 10 seconds and ensure the edges adhere well to your skin. You can place the patch on your stomach, buttocks, upper back, or the outside of your upper arm. Avoid placing it over irritated or broken skin, or where it will be underneath tight clothing such as a waistband. Your gynecologist will instruct you to either apply the patch on the first Sunday after the start of your period or on the first day of your period.

Discarding the Patch

Each patch is worn for seven days . After removing an old patch, fold it in half and discard it in a manner that makes it inaccessible to children and pets. It should not be flushed. You should remove the old patch and apply the new one on the same day each week for three consecutive weeks. After three weeks, remove the old patch and do not apply a new patch for seven full days. This is the week that you will have your period.

Following Special Instructions

Your gynecologist may ask that you check the patch every day to ensure it is still adhering well to your skin. If it becomes loose, discard it and apply a new patch. If you are referred for any medical tests, surgical procedures, or bed rest, inform the provider that you’re using the birth control patch. You may be advised to discontinue its use temporarily. It’s recommended that women avoid consuming grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and other grapefruit products while using the patch because these may interfere with its effectiveness. Women should not smoke while using hormonal birth control due to the risk of blood clots.

You can discuss the various birth control methods available in Washington, D.C. by scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist. Call Washington Surgi-Clinic at (202) 659-9403. Our clinic is dedicated to maintaining the strictest standards of patient confidentiality.

Roe v. Wade is among the most well-known Supreme Court cases because it affirmed the reproductive rights of women in the U.S. The right of women to obtain pregnancy terminations has long been a controversial subject. Because of this, it is important for every woman, currently pregnant or not, to understand her right to have a pregnancy termination performed in a safe, legal manner by a gynecologist.

Case Background

In 1971, Norma McCorvey filed a case against the District Attorney of Dallas County, Henry Wade. In the court documents, McCorvey was identified as “Jane Roe.” At the time, Texas prohibited abortions except in cases where it was necessary to save the patient’s life. To fully understand this issue, it’s helpful to go back further in time. Abortion was legal in the U.S. at the country’s founding. It only became a subject of legal restrictions in the mid-1800s. But many states began reforming these restrictive laws and by the 1960s, pregnancy termination was more widely accessible in 17 states. Yet, countless women still did not have access to safe, legal pregnancy termination services—because of both financial and legal restrictions. Low-income, minority women were disproportionately affected. According to the Guttmacher Institute , abortion was the official cause of death for 2,700 women in 1930 because of the lack of healthcare accessibility.

Supreme Court Ruling

In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of personal liberty and privacy extended to a woman’s right to decide whether to bear a child. Roe v. Wade has undoubtedly helped to save the lives of countless women who otherwise would have tried dangerous methods to end pregnancies.

State Laws

Each state establishes its own pregnancy termination regulations. Some, for example, require the consent of a parent if the patient is legally a minor. Washington, D.C. does not have restrictive abortion laws. As of January 2017, the only restriction in the District of Columbia is a prohibition on public funding of abortions. However, public funding is still available in cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment of the mother.

The gynecology team at Washington Surgi-Clinic firmly believes that every woman should have access to high-quality healthcare delivered by compassionate providers . We provide nonsurgical and surgical pregnancy terminations in Washington, D.C. Call (202) 659-9403 to request a confidential appointment to discuss a first or second trimester abortion.

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.