Women's Health visits offer contraception counseling, sexual health counseling, STD (sexually transmitted diseases) screening, and an annual gynecologic exam or "pap" test if indicated.
Although many women associate their annual visit with a pelvic exam or pap test (screening for cervical cancer), an annual pap test is not necessary or appropriate for all women; current recommendations are to begin pap screening at age 21. These recommendations are based on the observation that pap test abnormalities due to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are common during the first two years after the initiation of vaginal intercourse, but frequently regress without intervention. Although a pap test may not be necessary, sexually active young women should have annual screening for Chlamydia and possibly for other sexually transmitted diseases. This testing can be performed either as a part of the gynecologic or pelvic examination, or from a urine specimen if pap testing is not necessary.
According to the most recent guidelines, women between the ages of 21 to 29 should be screened every 3 years as long as pap test is normal. Women ages 30 to 65 have two options: they can undergo regular pap smears every 3 years if pap is normal. Or they can also have a pap smear along with an HPV test every 5 years, as long as both are normal. These recommendations are the same for women who have received the HPV vaccine as well as women who have not. If you are not sure which to choose it can be discussed at your women's health visit.
Contraception counseling during the women's health visit will include a review of contraception options, on-going assessment of risk for complications from hormonal contraception ("the pill" or others) and evaluation of response to previously prescribed contraception. Although you will need to receive the appropriate annual assessment and screening to receive on-going contraception prescriptions, you will not be required to have a pap test prior to starting hormonal contraception. Initiation of hormonal contraception is available by scheduling a Women's Health visit. Refills of contraception can be requested by secure message, if appropriate follow-up has been performed or has been scheduled for the near future.
When you schedule your annual Women's Health visit, you may choose whether you need a pap test based on the criteria above. If you are not sure, schedule a visit with a pap test and the need for a pap test can be assessed at the time of the appointment. Women's Health visits can be scheduled on-line via MyUHealthChart.
Annual Women's Health Clinic visits are offered at no charge to students with the University sponsored insurance plan. For students without the University sponsored insurance plan, charges can be submitted to most insurance companies and in most situations will be reimbursed without co-pay or deductible.
Once charges have been submitted to your insurance company and the claim has been processed, you will receive an explanation of benefits (E.O.B.) from your insurance provider.
If for any reason students do NOT want us to bill their insurance provider, we will accept direct payment at the time of service. Self-pay charges are $100 if a pap test is required, or $60 if a pap test is not required. For women 30 and over choosing to be screened every 5 years with a pap smear and HPV, the total cost for the pap and HPV is $165.
Other Women's Health services include emergency contraception, STD screening, pregnancy testing and evaluation of breast problems. Please note that Emergency Contraception is available at our pharmacy and most other pharmacies without a prescription for those 17 years and older.
