Well Women's Clinic
The Well Women's Clinic is designed to evaluate women's health
issues. There is a clinic at both the 1604 and Downtown Campuses. You must
be an enrolled student at UTSA. The women's clinic staff
is committed to providing care and information in a friendly and supportive
atmosphere. Many women's health resources may be found through this clinic.
Students are seen by appointment only. Appointments can be made at either
campus and date/times vary. You will be asked to complete a form about your
gynecological history in order for us to best serve your needs.
Pelvic Examinations
The pelvic exam is an important part of preventative health care. It is essential
for early detection and better treatment of genital cancer, infections, sexually
transmitted diseases, or other problems.
When to Have a Pelvic/Pap Exam
You should get your first pelvic exam and PAP test in your late teens or as
soon as you become sexually active and you should make sure this is
done on an annual basis as a preventive measure for continued good health.
This evaluation should become a lifelong habit, even once menopause has been
completed. There are many questions that can be answered by your physician a
this time.
After the first pelvic exam, you should continue to have exams once a year,
especially if you are sexually active. A yearly exam will detect an abnormality
that may have developed so that it may be treated early. You may need an exam
when you:
- Have itching, redness, sores or swelling in the genital area
- Have an unusual odor and/or increased vaginal discharge
- Suffer from abdominal pain or painful intercourse
- Had sex with a person who might have an infection
- Need a contraceptive method
How to Prepare for the Exam
Schedule the exam when you are not having your menstrual period, or a few days
after. Wait until all the bleeding has stopped. Do not douche or use vaginal cream,
foam, or gel for 24 hours before your visit. Use a condom if you have vaginal
intercourse less than 24 hours before your exam. Write down any questions you
have so you won't forget to ask them. Be prepared to tell your health care provider
the date your last period started and how long it lasted.
Before the Exam
Before beginning the exam, your health care provider will ask for information
concerning your medical background and menstrual and contraceptive history. Be
sure to mention any genital symptoms you have had and ask questions about any
special concerns.
The pelvic examination provides an opportunity to talk with your health care provider
about safer sex and/or birth control methods. If you are not sexually active,
this is an opportunity for you to become well informed before having to make decisions.
If birth control is your primary concern, a contraceptive program will be tailored
to meet your individual needs. If you are concerned about sexually transmitted
diseases, you can ask your provider to discuss your concerns.
How is a Pap Test Done?
The Pap test is done as part of a pelvic exam. It is simple and takes less than
a minute. During the exam, your health care provider:
- Uses a cotton swab, small brush or thin wooden spatula to take a few cells
from your cervix
- Smears the cells onto a glass slide
- Sends the cells to a lab to be looked at under a microscope
After the Exam
You and your health care provider will discuss the findings of the examination.
The lab usually sends the test result back in 1 to 2 weeks. Your health care provider
will also advise you when to come in for your next pelvic exam and Pap test.
Available Services:
- Pap test (a cervical smear): a screening test for cervical cancer
- Contraception: prescriptions and education
- Breast self-exam instruction. Every woman over age 20 should examine her
breasts every month to check for lumps, thickening, dimpling of the skin,
or unusual discharge from the nipple. Any concerns should be brought to the
attention of a health care provider.
- Mammogram referrals. A mammogram is a procedure in which very low-dose x-rays
are passed through the breast to detect signs of breast cancer.
- Pregnancy testing and referrals
- Evaluation and management of common gynecological problems, such as:
- Vaginal infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Menstrual cramping
- Menstrual irregularities
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Pelvic pain
- Fibrocystic breast condition
- Breast masses
Obtaining Results of Laboratory Tests
When you come for your initial visit, we will ask you to self address an
enclosed postcard in order for you to obtain your PAP results. Once the
physician has reviewed your results this card will be mailed to you at
whatever address you indicated. To ensure confidentiality, lab results will
only be given to the patient. Please be certain we have your correct address
and phone number each time you visit Student Health Services.
Education, Information, or Counseling Referrals on:
- Safer sex guidelines
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Acquaintance or date rape
- Anonymous HIV testing
- Human sexuality issues
- Eating disorders
How to Make an Appointment
To make an appointment for the Well Women's Clinic, students must first
visit Health Services on 1604 Campus (RWC 1.500) or the University Health
and Counseling Services on the Downtown Campus (BV 1.308) and request a
nurse visit. After visiting with the nurse, an appointment will be made. Be specific
about your needs when you make a gynecological appointment.
Who Will I See?
The Women's General Health Clinic is staffed by a physician and a nurse who perform
routine gynecological exams. Students are referred to the local medical community
for gynecological services not available at University Health and Counseling Services.
Cost
Laboratory and pharmacy fees will be the responsibility of the student. The
student activities health fee covers a basic physician exam. Student Health
Services attempts to obtain for you the least expensive rate but with the
best quality service possible. Examples of additional laboratory fees would
be: PAP, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted diseases, etc. Pharmacy
fees would be: any prescription written by the physician.
Back to Top
|
