Office of Student Life

Student Health Services

Gynecologic Services

Services

  • Annual preventive health exam
  • Breast exams
  • Pap smears and routine pelvic exams
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs and vaginitis
  • Abnormal pap follow-up, colposcopy and cryosurgery
  • Contraceptive counseling, prescription and management
  • Emergency contraception

Annual Preventive Health Exam

  • A yearly assessment is recommended, especially if sexually active or using hormonal medication
  • Exams include evaluation of the thyroid, breasts and abdomen
  • A pelvic exam includes inspection of the vulva, vagina, cervix and palpation of the uterus and ovaries
  • Cervical cancer screening (pap testing) will be added to the exam at the age of 21
  • Do not have intercourse or place anything (tampons, medication, except Nuvaring) in the vagina for 48 hours prior to your exam

For significant gynecological problems such as menstrual cramps, abdominal pain, severe PMS, irregular periods or abnormal discharge, please schedule an appointment.  

Abnormal Pap Follow-Up

  • Each year 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States
  • Cell changes are caused by human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV
  • Pap smear screening should begin at age 21 to identify cell changes
  • If abnormal cells are seen on a Pap smear, a colposcopy may be scheduled (see instruction document)
  • The doctor may take a tissue sample (biopsy) from any area that appears abnormal

HPV Information

  • HPV is a common virus found in both men and women
  • HPV can cause genital warts and although rare may lead to cervical cancer
  • Cervical cancer is preventable, early detection of abnormal cells is important
  • There is no treatment for the virus itself, however, treatments exist for symptoms

HPV Vaccine

  • Vaccination can help protect against symptoms and some cancer-causing HPV types
  • The vaccines can be effective for males and females 9 - 45 years old
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination of females ages 13 - 26, and males ages 13 - 21
  • The HPV vaccine is now licensed in the United States for women and men through age 45 years
  • For more information about the HPV vaccine visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • HPV vaccines are given at this clinic by appointment only

Appointments can be scheduled:

  • Online via My BuckMD (Select date with appointment reason: Vaccine Clinic - HPV)