Health Topics
The Women's Health Clinic & Well Woman Visit
Online Birth Control Education
About The Women's Health Clinic
The Women's Health Clinic is located on the first floor. Self check-in is available in the Cowell Student Health Center Main Lobby. Services provided at the Women's Clinic include well women exams, pap smears, sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment, birth control education classes, pregnancy options counseling, and general women's health care. These visits are confidential and patients have the option of a female provider.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
To make an appointment: 530.752.2349
Well Woman Visit
The Well Woman Visit includes a general health history, a sexual health history and a physical exam. The exam includes an evaluation of the thyroid, skin, heart, lungs, breast, abdomen and pelvis. A female clinician can be requested when making an appointment and it is best not to be on your period for the Pap test. A well woman exam is not required for contraceptive prescriptions or referrals.
- The breast exam checks for any breast changes. It is a way to help screen for breast cancer. If a woman is 40 years old, a mammogram is recommended in addition to the breast exam.
- A pelvic exam begins with a visual inspection of the vulva, the outer genital area. Then a speculum is inserted into the vagina to help visualize the vagina and cervix (the opening to the uterus).
- The Pap test is a screening test for the early detection of cervical cancer and is recommended every 2 years after a woman has had vaginal intercourse for 3 years or at age 21. More frequent pap tests are recommended for women who have had certain types of abnormal pap smears or treatment for an abnormal pap. A small brush collects cells from the surface of the cervix. There may be slight pressure or cramping when this is done.
- Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is optional but strongly recommended yearly for women who are sexually active under the age of 26 or women with a new partner.
- A bi-manual exam checks the size and shape of the uterus and ovaries. The clinician inserts one or two fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on the lower abdomen to palpate the pelvic area.
Online Birth Control Education |
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last reviewed: Spring 2005