ContinuEM clinician speaking with a patient about gynecologic symptoms in Lakewood

SERVICES

Gynecology Urgent Care in Lakewood

Can’t get in with your regular gynecologist and something feels wrong? ContinuEM evaluates urgent gynecologic concerns, including bacterial vaginosis, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, UTIs, and STI exposure — with walk-in access in Lakewood.

What We Can Evaluate Today

Concern How we can help
Vaginal discharge, odor, itching, or irritation Evaluate common causes such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or an STI and test when indicated
Possible bacterial vaginosis (BV) Symptom review, exam/testing when needed, and prescription treatment when diagnosed
Pelvic pain Exam, pregnancy/urine testing, labs, and on-site ultrasound when medically appropriate
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Evaluate pregnancy status, anemia risk, infection, and other urgent causes; refer when specialty follow-up is needed
Chlamydia or gonorrhea exposure STD/STI testing with clinician review and treatment when appropriate
HIV concern Dedicated HIV testing and exposure-timing guidance
Burning or frequent urination Urinalysis and evaluation for UTI or overlapping gynecologic/STI causes

This is urgent gynecologic care, the bridge when you need an answer today. It does not replace annual well-woman care or cervical cancer screening with a Pap/HPV test. We do not provide prenatal care.

Pelvic Exam vs. Pap Test

They are not the same test, and one does not replace the other.

A pelvic exam is a physical exam of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and nearby pelvic organs. It may be useful when you have symptoms such as abnormal discharge, bleeding, or pelvic pain.

A Pap test or HPV test is a cervical cancer screening. Healthcare providers collect cells from the cervix and send them for testing. You can have a pelvic exam without a Pap test, and STI testing often does not require a pelvic exam at all.

If you are due for routine cervical cancer screening, schedule that preventive care with your regular OB-GYN or primary-care clinician. If you have symptoms today, we can evaluate the urgent problem.

Bacterial Vaginosis Care

BV can cause a change in vaginal discharge, a strong or “fishy” odor, irritation, or sometimes no symptoms at all. Other infections can feel similar, so the first job is making sure BV is actually the cause.

At ContinuEM we can:

  • Review symptoms and sexual/reproductive history
  • Perform a pelvic exam when it will help the diagnosis
  • Test for other infections when appropriate
  • Prescribe treatment when BV is diagnosed and treatment is indicated
  • Explain what to do if symptoms return or do not improve

If pelvic pain, fever, or significant tenderness accompanies the discharge, tell us — those symptoms can point to an infection that needs a broader evaluation.

STI Testing Without the Runaround

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause discharge, burning with urination, bleeding between periods, or pelvic discomfort. Other times, they cause no symptoms at all.

You don’t need a separate OB-GYN appointment to start the evaluation. ContinuEM can collect the appropriate urine, blood, or swab samples based on the exposure and symptoms.

For HIV-specific timing after an exposure, see HIV Testing in Lakewood.

ContinuEM clinician discussing STI testing with a patient

Urgent Care or ER?

Come to ContinuEM if you have:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge or symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
  • Burning or frequent urination.
  • Mild to moderate pelvic discomfort.
  • A possible STI exposure or symptoms.
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding without heavy bleeding, fainting or severe pain.

Call 911 if you have:

  • Heavy bleeding with fainting, severe dizziness, confusion or weakness.
  • Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or pelvic pain.
  • Severe one-sided pelvic pain with a possible pregnancy, especially with dizziness or fainting.
  • Loss of consciousness, trouble breathing or other life-threatening symptoms.
  • A pregnancy complication that feels severe or unstable.

What to Expect at Your Visit

  1. You tell us what changed. Symptoms, timing, pregnancy possibility, medications, and exposure history guide the visit.

  2. We examine only what is needed. A pelvic exam is symptom-driven — not automatic.

  3. We test on site or send the right samples. Urine, pregnancy testing, blood work, STI tests, or ultrasound may be used depending on the chief complaint.

  4. You leave with a plan. Treatment when appropriate, clear follow-up, and an OB-GYN/ER referral when the issue is outside urgent care’s scope.

Why Choose ContinuEM

Walk-ins are welcome

Open until 11 PM weekdays and 6 PM weekends

On-site lab testing and pregnancy testing

Ultrasound and other imaging available when medically appropriate

ER-trained clinicians who know when symptoms need escalation

Private, respectful care without waiting for a routine specialty appointment

ContinuEM clinician ready to see a patient with gynecologic concerns

FAQ

Gynecology Urgent Care FAQs

Yes. A clinician can evaluate vaginal symptoms, test when needed, and prescribe treatment for BV, UTIs, and STIs when it is diagnosed. Because yeast infections and STIs can cause similar symptoms, we may recommend an exam or testing before treatment.

A pelvic exam and a Pap test serve different purposes. We can perform a symptom-based pelvic exam when it helps evaluate pain, discharge, or bleeding, but it does not replace routine Pap/HPV cervical-cancer screening.

Yes. Testing can use urine or swab samples depending on your symptoms and exposure. See our STD & STI Testing page for the full process.

Not usually. Many STI tests can be done with urine, blood, or self/provider-collected swabs. A pelvic exam is more likely when you have pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or vaginal symptoms that need a broader evaluation.

Yes, if the pain is not a medical emergency. We can check pregnancy status, urine, labs, and use on-site ultrasound when medically appropriate. Severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or severe symptoms during a possible pregnancy belong in the ER.

ContinuEM focuses on urgent gynecologic symptoms that need same-day attention. For annual well-woman visits and routine cervical cancer screening with a Pap/HPV test, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. We do not provide obstetric or prenatal care.

No. Walk-ins are welcome. You can also book online if you prefer a scheduled arrival time.

COVERAGE

We’ve Got You Covered

Most in-network and out-of-network insurance accepted. You pay a $99 upfront service fee; we bill the remaining covered balance to your insurance. Self-pay options are available.

*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.

  • Aetna
  • Alignment Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Blue Shield of California
  • CareMore Health
  • Cigna
  • Health Net
  • ILWU Local 13
  • Long Beach USD
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Medicare Part B
  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Optum
  • Premier Health
  • Prospect Health
  • SCAN Health Plan
  • United Healthcare

*Anthem patients’ benefits may differ   † Kaiser commercial plans only

‡ except Humana   § except Medi-Cal

Giancarlo DiMassa, MD

Medically reviewed by

Giancarlo DiMassa, MD

Written by

ContinuEM Editorial Team

Last updated

October 30, 2026

ContinuEM Urgent Care delivers exceptional, convenient healthcare to the Lakewood community and surrounding areas. Our board-certified providers deliver expert care with compassion, transparency, and respect for your time.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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