Women's Health Services

Annual Exams

Routine annual exams include blood pressure checkup, breast and pelvic exam, and Pap smear, if necessary. Diagnosis and treatment of infections, sexually transmitted diseases and gynecological problems are provided.

Contraception

Condoms are available for purchase at the Health Services' registration desk. Bags of six can be purchased for $1.00.

Oral contraceptives and Depo-Provera are available through the Health Services dispensary. Patients must first meet with a medical provider to obtain these forms of contraception. An exam may be necessary if recent gynecological documentation is unavailable.

Oral Contraceptive Refills

Requests for oral contraceptive refills can be made by calling Health Services at 726-7865. At the voice mail prompt, leave your name, student ID number, phone number, name of contraception, and the number of cycles (months) needed. Please give 24 hours notice whenever possible.

HELPFUL LINKS

For more information about the pap test, click here:

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/Pap-test

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, click here:

www.ashastd.org

Pregnancy Testing

Confidential pregnancy testing is available through the Health Services department. The pregnancy test (urine or blood based) can detect a pregnancy 14 days following intercourse, even before a late period.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Women experiencing urinary tract infection symptoms can receive same-day treatment through Health Services. Women experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge should schedule an appointment with a medical provider.

Emergency Contraception (http://www.bhs.umn.edu/services/ec.htm)

Emergency contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure (e.g., when a condom breaks). Emergency contraception is available at Health Services with a brief medical visit.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Plan B (the most commonly used form of Emergency Contraception) is a medication used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse has occurred.

• It is most effective if used as soon as possible (or within 72 hours), but can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
• It works from 85 to 95 % of the time. It will not cause a miscarriage if you are already pregnant.
• Plan B contains progestin only and is very safe.
• Both pills may be taken at the same time, or 12 hours apart.

When should Emergency Contraception be used?

• Sexual intercourse with condom that broke or was used incorrectly
• Missed birth control pills
• Sexual intercourse without birth control
• Improper use of diaphragm
• Forced sexual intercourse or rape

How do the Emergency Contraception Pills work?

Plan B prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation (the release of the egg by the ovary) from occurring, or by not allowing the fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

What if I am already pregnant and don't know it?

If you are already pregnant, Emergency Contraception will NOT harm the fetus. Plan B can only prevent a pregnancy. It cannot cause an abortion.

What else should I know about Emergency Contraception?

• You should not rely on it for regular birth control. It does not work as well as other methods of birth control.
• Plan B does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Plan B is unlikely to give you any side effects. Rare side effects include mild fatigue, nausea, or dizziness.
• Older forms of Emergency Contraception pills contained large amounts of estrogen and caused nausea/vomiting in many women. Plan B does not.
• After taking Plan B, your period is most likely to occur at the normal time, but may be early. If you do not have a normal period within three weeks, call the Health Services Nurse Triage Line at at 218-726-7870.

How can I obtain Emergency Contraception (Plan B) at Health Services?

Contact the Nurse Triage Line at 218-726-7870 or the Registration Desk at 218-726-8155 during regular hours (Mon-Fri 8 am to 4:00 pm).

Where can I obtain Emergency Contraception (Plan B) when Health Services is closed?

Plan B is now available over the counter.  No prescription is needed to purchase this product.