PELVIC EXAMS
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET
As female college students, we are in charge of our vaginal health. MOST SMITHIES should get Pelvic Exams and Pap Smears even if you have never been sexually intimate. Sexually active Smith students, heterosexual or homosexual, should be getting annual Pelvic exams. Even students who have never been sexually intimate should consider getting an exam by the age of 21. It is not about how sexual you are but about your health!
SMITH COLLEGE HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDES FREE GYN EXAMS TO STUDENTS REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE*
*The exam is free and STD tests and pap smears are covered under the student medical insurance plan and the optional plan. For those with private insurance, Pap smears ($50) are billed separately using a coded system and are often covered by insurance. Other STD tests may vary.
WHY should I get an exam?
Preventative health is what can really protect your body inside and out. Routine exams allow you to know what "normal" for your body is. GYN pelvic and breast exams are done to check your reproductive organs for cysts or abnormalities, screen for cervical cancer, prescribe and/or fit birth control devices, and check for vaginal infections and STDs. GYN exams can detect infections and abnormalities THAT MAY NOT APPEAR SYMPTOMATIC ON THE OUTSIDE! Problems gone unchecked can wreak havoc on your reproductive organs with possibilities of discomfort, fertility problems and even cancer. Don't wait! Schedule one today!
WHEN can I get an exam?
ANYTIME!!...during office hours of course. Office hours are:
M, T, Th, F 8:30-4:30, W 1-4:30
TUESDAY NIGHTS are available until 7:30 JUST FOR GYN APPTs!
Call x2823 or visit Health Services to set up an appointment. Just let the receptionist know it's for GYN.
WHAT DOES AN EXAM ENTAIL? SMITH'S GUIDE TO A PELVIC EXAM
1) Question and Answer.
Your provider will ask you questions about your GYN health and medical history. This allows the provider to better serve you and address concerns you might have. This often happens before AND after the exam.
2) External exam:
This part requires you to undress and wear a gown after the provider has left (it's a good time to use the restroom so that the exam will be more comfortable)
While laying back on the table with your feet in the foot holds, the provider will examine the external organs checking for growths, rashes or any abnormalities. Mention if you have noticed anything unusual or different.
3) Internal Exam with the Speculum
When you are ready, the provider will use the speculum. A speculum is an instrument of metal or plastic that is often warmed and then gently inserted into the vagina to spread the opening enough to see the cervix.
For the Pap smear, a cotton swab or flat wooden stick will be used briefly to take some cells from the cervix. The cell tissue will be used to examine for cellular changes and abnormalities associated with STDs, especially HPV.
4) Bimanual Exam (two hands)
The health provider will then put gel onto their sterile gloves and will insert 1 or 2 fingers into your vagina to touch the cervix.
With the other hand, the provider will gently press your abdomen, checking the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for changes in shape and size.
5) Breast and abdominal exam
The provider with palpate or press your abdomen (belly) again using just one hand, checking areas not checked in the bimanual.
The provider will then check your breasts for lumps, pressing gently around the chest and the underarm. This will teach you how to do it yourself for monthly exams
The exam only takes about 10 to 15 minutes so it is over before you know it. It is ok to feel nervous for the first time but the providers at Health Services understand this and help first timers get through the experience. Where else can you get that?
SO WHAT DO I DO?
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you should start getting pelvic exams.
Make the appointment for when you know you will not have your period.
Get the packet from Health Services so you can have your questions filled out ahead of time.
Don't have intercourse or use any vaginal creams, foams or gels 24 hours before your exam.
Relax. It's really not that bad.
SCHS 4/06
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