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Routine Gynecological Exams at UHS

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Who should have a routine gynecological exam? All women age 21 or older (and all sexually active women) should have an gynecological exam which includes a pelvic exam and may include a Pap smear.

Women should have a Pap smear who:

  • Are 21 years of age and older
  • Became sexually active at least three years ago, even if they are younger than 21 or are not currently sexually active

Process at UHS: After you complete a medical history sheet, a nurse will escort you to an exam room to take your blood pressure, height, weight and pulse and review your history form. You will be left alone to remove your clothes and put on an examination gown.

A clinician will arrive and begin a general physical exam, which includes listening to your lungs and heart, feeling your thyroid gland and checking your breasts and abdominal organs. Based on your age and medical history, the clinician will determine whether you need a pelvic examination and/or a Pap smear.

A Pap smear is a test in which cells are taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope. Results will show if the cells are affected by the human papilloma virus (HPV), including whether there are any precancerous or cancerous changes. See Pap Smears and HPV for more information.

If you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection / disease, discuss your concerns with your clinician before the pelvic exam. Some tests can be easily completed during the exam. Please note that HIV Antibody Testing is separate at UHS.

During the pelvic exam, the clinician will examine your external genitalia and insert a speculum into your vagina in order to examine your vaginal walls and cervix. The speculum may be a bit uncomfortable but shouldn't hurt. Relaxing your pelvic muscles can help. At this time, any necessary tests will be taken (for example, Pap smear).

Next, the speculum is removed and a bimanual exam is performed. The clinician inserts one or two fingers into the vagina and/or rectum to evaluate the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other internal structures.

How to make an appointment: Call UHS at 734-764-8325 and explain that you are interested in a routine gynecological exam. Inform the scheduler whether you have experienced any recent problems and whether you are interested in a method of birth control. If you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection / disease, tell the scheduler so he/she can allow enough time for your visit.

Please note that HIV Antibody Testing is separate.

Before your appointment:

  • Do not douche or use vaginal medication for two days before the exam.
  • Do not have intercourse or use a tampon for one day before the exam.
  • Please schedule your exam for when you are not menstruating or when menstrual flow is very light.
  • If you cannot keep your appointment, please cancel at least 24 hours ahead. Failure to do somay result in a broken appointment fee. Call 734-763-3557 to cancel.
  • Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time, in the clinic where your appointment has been scheduled. You will be asked to complete a medical history form.
  • If you have questions about any of these instructions, call the Gynecology Clinic at 734-763-9184.
  • Medical reports can be faxed from other clinics to UHS at 734-936-3063.

How to receive a prescription method of contraception: An appointment is required to receive a prescription method of contraception at UHS. Recommendation for a routine gynecological exam, STD assessment and Pap smear will be tailored to the patient's individual needs.

If you have recently had an exam at another facility but did not get a prescription, you may see a UHS clinician (walk-in or appointment) to get a prescription for contraception. If possible bring the clinician's notes and exam results with you. Medical reports from other providers can be faxed to UHS at 734-936-3063.

If you have a prescription on file elsewhere and would like to have it filled at UHS, have your pharmacy transfer the information to the UHS Pharmacy by calling 734-764-7387.

Prescription methods available at UHS include:

  • Injectable Hormones (Depo Provera)
  • Diaphragm
  • Intrauterine Device (IUD)
  • Vaginal Ring (Nuva Ring)
  • Oral Contraceptive Pills (the pill)
  • The Patch (Ortho Evra)
  • Subdermal Implant (Implanon)

If you are interested in using a prescription method for the first time, or want to learn about your contraceptive options:

Test results will not be available immediately. Your clinician will contact you only if test results (e.g. Pap smear) are abnormal.

Further information:

If you have questions, please ask your clinician during your appointment or call the UHS Gynecology Clinic at 734-763-9184.

If you have an urgent health concern when UHS is closed, you may call our answering service at 734-662-5674 for advice.

See also Pap Smears and HPV.