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Comparing Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis
Vaginal infections are very common. Most women will get one at some point during their lifetime, and many women get them more than once. Vaginal infections are treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. The treatment you’ll need depends on the specific infection you have. Visit a gynecologist to determine whether you have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Symptoms
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis have similar symptoms. Be sure to disclose all of your symptoms when you talk to your gynecologist, even if they don’t seem to be related. Generally, women with bacterial vaginosis may experience:
- Vaginal itching
- Burning pain with urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Foul-smelling odor
Like bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection can cause intense vaginal itching. Women can also experience a burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse. Other symptoms of a yeast infection are:
- Vaginal rash and irritation
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Causes
Yeast infections are a type of fungal infection. An overgrowth of yeast, which is normally held in check by the Lactobacillus bacteria, causes yeast infections. Some of the risk factors of yeast infections include:
- Use of antibiotics
- Use of hormone therapy or oral contraceptives
- Impaired immune system
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
Bacterial vaginosis is also caused by an imbalance. When there are more “bad” bacteria than “good” bacteria in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis can result. Some of the risk factors of bacterial vaginosis include:
- Douching
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having a new sex partner
Treatments
Yeast infection medications are available at pharmacies without a prescription. However, if you’ve never had a yeast infection before, you should go to your gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis. The medications can be taken as a vaginal suppository or in the form of a pill taken orally. But these antifungal medications don’t work on bacterial vaginosis. Instead, your gynecologist will need to prescribe an antibiotic pill or a medicated cream.
You’ll find a complete range of gynecology services at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Our highly trained providers are committed to supporting the health of each of our patients. Call (202) 659-9403 to request an appointment for vaginal infection treatment at our Washington, D.C. clinic.
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When Can You Get a Chemical Abortion?
Chemical abortions, also known as medical abortions, are triggered by the use of medications. Although you may hear people refer to the abortion pill, there are actually two medications that are both taken to cause pregnancy termination. You’ll take the first pill at the clinic and the second at home. If you think you might want to terminate the pregnancy with medications, you’ll need to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible. There is a short window of time to get a chemical abortion.
Pregnancy test on calendar background. Pregnancy care concept.
Pregnancies less than six weeks by menstrual age may be terminated with medications. Medical abortions are highly effective. But in some cases, women still need to return to the clinic for a surgical abortion to complete the procedure. Before making the decision to have a chemical abortion, let your gynecologist know about your full health history. Women who have certain medical conditions and those who take certain medications, like blood-thinners, will need to have a surgical abortion instead.
Washington Surgi-Clinic performs safe, legal second and first trimester abortions. Women can call (202) 659-9403 to request a private, confidential consultation with one of our compassionate gynecologists in Washington, D.C.
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Steps to Take After an Unplanned Pregnancy
Life often takes unexpected twists and turns. No matter how careful you are about using birth control pills and condoms, it’s still possible to unintentionally get pregnant. An unplanned pregnancy brings some difficult decisions. Know that even if you have a supportive partner who wants to explore your options together, it’s entirely your decision whether to continue the pregnancy or terminate it. You have the right to make decisions that affect your body. But before doing anything else, call your gynecologist and schedule an appointment.
Call your gynecologist.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pregnancy tests are usually accurate if they’re taken at least one week after a missed period. However, you’ll need a lab test to confirm the pregnancy. This is why you should call your gynecologist before doing anything else. It’s possible that you have a false positive result from the OTC test. If the lab test does confirm that you’re pregnant, the gynecologist can estimate how far along your pregnancy is.
Take prenatal vitamins.
Most women need a little time to decide whether to continue the pregnancy or get an abortion. Even if you’re leaning toward pregnancy termination, it’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins right away. If you do change your mind and continue with the pregnancy, the folic acid in the prenatal vitamins will be crucial for preventing neural tube birth defects. And if you do choose to terminate it, your overall health will still benefit from taking the multivitamin.
Consider your options.
Don’t hesitate to discuss your feelings about the pregnancy with your gynecologist. It’s perfectly alright if you aren’t sure yet what you want to do. No ethical healthcare professional will ever pressure you toward one decision or the other. However, your gynecologist will give you the medical guidance you need to make an informed decision that’s right for you. The doctor can also tell you how long you have to make a decision. For instance, if you decide to have a medical abortion, you’ll need to have it within six weeks by menstrual age. If you opt for a surgical abortion, you have until 26 weeks of pregnancy to decide.
Washington Surgi-Clinic treats a limited number of patients each day because it’s our top priority to provide unsurpassed, individualized care and education. Our gynecologists in Washington D.C. can help you learn about your options for pregnancy termination, but ultimately, the decision is yours to make. For respectful and compassionate women’s healthcare, call (202) 659-9403.
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How Is Chlamydia Treated?
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by bacteria. It’s transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Note that it’s possible to get re-infected with chlamydia after having previously treated it. If you’ve experienced possible symptoms of chlamydia, or you think you’ve been exposed to it, see your gynecologist right away for a test.
Treatment for this STD consists of a course of antibiotics. Your gynecologist will either give you a one-time dose of antibiotics, or prescribe antibiotics for seven days. Do not have sex until the infection goes away. If you’re taking seven days of antibiotics, don’t have sex until after the seventh day. If you receive one dose of antibiotics, wait seven days before having sex. Remember to use condoms to prevent another infection, and tell your partner that he or she should also get tested.
Washington Surgi-Clinic provides confidential STD testing and treatment near Washington, D.C. You can call our gynecology office at (202) 659-9403 to request a prompt appointment.
Do You Know All of Your Options for Birth Control?
Every woman’s health concerns are unique. The best way to determine which birth control method is right for you is to discuss your choices with a gynecologist who is familiar with your health history. Before your appointment, watch the accompanying video to get an overview of the different types.
You’ll learn the basics of the hormonal and non-hormonal IUD, implant, injection, pill, patch, and vaginal ring. This video provides a rundown of how each option could affect your period, and how effective each choice is. You’ll also learn why progestin-only and non-hormonal birth control methods may be safer choices for women with certain health concerns.
To learn more about your birth control methods available in Washington, D.C., you can schedule an appointment with a gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Call (202) 659-9403.
What Are Some Early Signs of Pregnancy?
Every girl and woman of reproductive age should be aware of the early signs of pregnancy. It’s important to get medical confirmation of a pregnancy as early as possible, no matter what your intentions are. When you know, you can make plans for either receiving obstetric care or getting a pregnancy termination. And if you wait too long to see a gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy, then your options for abortion may become limited.
Spotting
Although it seems counterintuitive, some of the early signs of pregnancy can mimic menstrual symptoms. Spotting can occur during the first few days when the fertilized egg implants onto the uterine wall. It’s easy to mistake this for being period blood. However, spotting caused by the implantation of a fertilized egg will appear less red and more brownish, and there will be very little of it.
Cramping and Bloating
The implantation of the egg can sometimes cause uterine cramping. Some women also report experiencing bloating. Implantation cramping is typically mild, although it can occasionally be accompanied by a backache.
Fatigue
Early on in a pregnancy, the body has a sudden rise in progesterone production. Progesterone is a hormone that prevents uterine contractions. It can also leave you feeling abnormally fatigued, even if you get enough sleep.
Metallic Taste
Another early sign of pregnancy that’s attributable to hormonal changes is a metallic taste in the mouth. The technical name for this is dysgeusia. Some women experience a lingering, bothersome metallic taste until hormone levels stabilize during the second trimester.
Nausea
Nausea is perhaps the most well-known sign of pregnancy. Some women suffer from very severe morning sickness. If you have problems keeping fluids down, you should tell your doctor right away, as it can lead to dehydration.
A gynecologist at Washington Surgi-Clinic can administer a pregnancy test if you think you’re showing signs of pregnancy. Our women’s health clinic also provides safe, legal pregnancy terminations for women in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas. Call (202) 659-9403 to request an appointment or to ask any questions you might have about our patient confidentiality and legal consent policies.
Taking Care of Yourself After a First Trimester Abortion
There are two options for a first trimester abortion: Chemical or surgical. Surgical pregnancy terminations can be performed as soon as the pregnancy can be visualized on an ultrasound, which is as early as three weeks after conception. The gynecologist can perform a procedure called a D & C (suction dilatation and curettage). In contrast, a chemical abortion involves taking medication at home. Regardless of which method you use, your gynecologist will give you detailed instructions for taking care of yourself during your recovery.
Anesthesia
If you’re having a surgical abortion, you’ll choose from local, conscious, or general anesthesia. Although the certified nurse anesthetist will use short-acting medications, if you’re having general anesthesia, you’ll be quite groggy for hours afterward. No matter which option you choose, you should have someone else drive you home from your appointment.
Activity
Plan to rest quietly for the remainder of the day. It’s likely that you’ll need at least one more day to recover. Some women take a few days off work, while others feel well enough to return the next day. Don’t do more than you feel up to—pay attention to your body and call the gynecologist if you have any questions about returning to work or school.
Bleeding
The amount of bleeding you can expect depends on whether you’re having a chemical or surgical abortion. If you’re having the surgical procedure, it’s possible that you won’t experience much bleeding at all. However, most women do experience bleeding—similar to menstrual bleeding—for just a few days. Women who have had a chemical abortion often report an amount of bleeding similar to a period, although it’s also common to have heavier bleeding than usual. It’s normal to pass a few blood clots. However, call your doctor if you see any very large blood clots. You should have a large supply of sanitary pads available before you take the abortion medication.
Women choose Washington Surgi-Clinic for pregnancy terminations because of our compassionate, personalized care, our commitment to patient education, and our skillful, accomplished gynecology team. Call (202) 659-9403. During your confidential appointment, you’ll learn about your abortion options available in Washington, D.C.
Preparing for a Pap Smear
Pap smears are performed during gynecological exams to screen for cervical cancer. The test involves using a brush to take a small sample of cervical cell that are then examined under a microscope to determine if there are any abnormal cellular changes. It is a very quick procedure and generally painless, though many women report feeling a little bit of pressure or cramping during and immediately after the test.
There aren’t any particular preparations you need to make to have a Pap smear, though some women prefer to schedule the exam for a time at which they are not menstruating. It can also be helpful to ask your gynecologist to explain the procedure to you in advance so you know exactly what to expect.
Pap smears are an important part of the comprehensive gynecology services we provide at Washington Surgi-Clinic. Make an appointment with a gynecologist in Washington, D.C. today by calling (202) 659-9403.
Tips for Talking to a Partner About an STD
If you undergo STD testing and find out you are positive for an STD, talking to your sexual partners about your diagnosis is important. It may not always be an easy conversation to have, especially when you’re also dealing with STD treatment. However, letting your partners know will protect their health.
This video offers tips for letting past and current sexual partners know you have been diagnosed with an STD. Being honest and direct and answering any questions your partner has is the typically the best approach.
For STD testing in Washington, D.C., make an appointment at the Washington Surgi-Clinic. We offer full gynecology and pregnancy termination services with a commitment to patient confidentiality. Schedule your appointment by calling (202) 659-9403.
Refuting Myths About Abortion
The decision to have an abortion is a significant one that is often made after careful consideration. Unfortunately, some women have their judgment clouded by myths about abortion that persist despite ample evidence to disprove them. Don’t let misinformation about pregnancy terminations impact the decisions you make. Here are the facts you need to know behind some common abortion myths.
Myth: Abortion is a risky medical procedure.
No procedure is completely without risk, but abortion is a recognized as safe for the vast majority of women. The chance of having serious complications from a pregnancy termination is less than one percent. That makes it safer than the vast majority of surgeries and giving birth. When you have an abortion, your gynecologist will consider your health history and make treatment recommendations based on your specific medical needs.
Myth: Abortions are painful for the fetus.
Research indicates that fetuses are unable to feel pain until the third trimester of the pregnancy—if they are able to feel it at all before birth. Less than one percent of abortions are done during the third trimester. The other 99% happen during the first and second trimester, when fetuses are incapable of feeling pain.
Myth: You can have an abortion at any point in your pregnancy.
Abortions are legal during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Access to later procedures can be banned by states as long as they allow abortions when the mother’s life is at risk. Women have a limited time in which they can decide to have an abortion, so access to reliable information and healthcare is important.
At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we offer first and second trimester abortions in Washington, D.C., as well as access to gynecology services, birth control, and STD testing. If you are dealing with an unwanted pregnancy and need more information about abortion, call us today at (202) 659-9403.