ANNUAL EXAM

Women should begin scheduling annual women's health exams when they turn 18 years of age or as soon as they become sexually active, whichever occurs earlier.

Annual exams generally consist of a physical exam, including breast and pelvic exams. Routine screening tests are often recommended during these exams. See Women's Health: What happens during a pelvic exam and pap smear.  A Pap test is recommended annually for women when they become 21 or beginning 3 years after their first sexual intercourse. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing are also strongly advised for women who are sexually active or ever have been; these tests are typically performed at annual exams. For more information on test options, see Women's Health: Understanding Testing Options.

On the day of your appointment, enter by the main door of Ritenour Building and go to Check-in. Do not have intercourse or place anything (tampons, suppositories, etc.) in your vagina for 48 hours prior to your exam. This will ensure a more accurate pap smear result.

Please note: If you are experiencing significant gynecological problems such as severe menstrual cramps, severe PMS, infrequent periods or very irregular periods, you will need to first schedule an appointment to specifically address this specific problem. An annual exam for routine care can be scheduled at a later date.

CONTRACEPTIVE (BIRTH CONTROL) OPTIONS

UHS does prescribe several different methods of birth control, including birth control pills, the contraceptive vaginal ring, the contraceptive patch, DepoProvera (shots), IUD (intrauterine device), and emergency contraceptive pills (also known as the morning after pill).

If you will be requesting one of these contraceptive options at your appointment, please refer to Contraceptive Services for more specific information about each option. Becoming familiar with the information prior to your appointment will help you to discuss specific details with your health care provider. If you are still not sure at the time of your visit if you want to use a prescriptive birth control method or which method you would like, you may schedule an appointment with a nurse at a later time.

WOMEN'S HEALTH MEDICAL HISTORY FORM REQUIRED AT FIRST VISIT

Every woman who is seen for women's health care is required at the time of her first visit to complete a Medical History Form. Please print off this form, complete it in BLACK ink and bring it with you to your appointment. If you cannot print it out, please plan to come 20 minutes before your appointment to complete this form and any additional paperwork.

Women's Health Medical History Form