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Sexual and Reproductive Health

Routine screening exams

  • Cervical cancer screening
    • A pap test (or papanicolaou smear) is a diagnostic test used to screen individuals for cervical cancer.  Cells of the cervix are collected during a pelvic exam and examined for pre-cancerous or cancerous changes.   All people with a cervix are recommended to have cervical cancer screening starting at age 21.
    • For more information on the recommended type, timing, and frequency of cervical cancer screening can be found at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/cervical-cancer-screening
  • Breast/chest cancer screening
    • Breast/chest self-awareness begins around age 20 with regular self-exams.  Starting at age 25, clinical breast exams with the medical provider should be done along with routine check-ups, and annually after age 30.
    • Cancer screening using mammography begins at age 40 for most people with breast tissue unless there is a reason to begin screening earlier.  Current guidelines recommend mammograms to be done every 1-2 years depending on your individual risk factors.
    • More information about breast cancer screening recommendations can be found here:  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-ea...
  • Testicular cancer screening
    • Clinical testicular exams (performed by a medical professional) are normally done as part of regular medical check-ups for all individuals with testes.  Regular self-exams are also recommended for the purposes of early detection.
    • More information on how and when to perform a testicular self-exam can be found here:  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/detection-diagnosi...

Birth Control and Emergency Contraception

  • A side by-side comparison of different birth control options can be found here:  https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/06/2020-09-con...
  • For more information or help in choosing a birth control option, visit https://www.bedsider.org/birthcontrol
  • Emergency contraception
    • Emergency contraception (aka “Plan B” or “the morning after pill”) is contraception which is taken after an episode of unprotected intercourse.  Emergency contraception can be either an oral medication, or a non-hormonal IUD.
    • UCM SHS carries levonorgestrel emergency contraception to be dispensed on-site to students in need.  Advanced prescriptions for emergency contraceptive pills are also available from SHS medical providers.
    • More information on emergency contraception options can be found here:  https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2021-03-Em...
  • Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (i.e. the Pill, Patch, and Vaginal Ring)
  • ProgestinOnly Contraceptive Pill
    • The progestin-only pill (aka “mini pill”) is a type of hormonal birth control pill which contains only the progestin hormone and no estrogen.  This pill is an option for those who desire a contraceptive pill but have medical or personal reasons why they cannot use the combined hormonal pill.  The progestin-only pill is slightly less effective than the combined hormonal pill and requires even more careful adherence to dosing schedules in order to be effective.  For this reason, progestin-only pill is usually not recommended unless there is an indication.
    • More information about the progestin-only pill can be found here:  https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/factsheet_...
  • Depoprovera injection
    • Depo-provera (depo-medroxyprogesterone, aka “the shot”) is a progestin-only hormonal method which is administered by intramuscular injection every 12-15 weeks.  Many people like the shot because they do not have to remember to take a medication on their own.  A common side effect of the shot is that the menstrual period will stop partially or completely for most people within 3-6 months.
    • https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/factsheet_...
  • Contraceptive implant (Nexplanon)
    • The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is a “long-acting reversible contraception” or “LARC” which contains a progestin hormone.  It is placed by a trained medical professional just under the skin on the upper arm.  The implant is approved to prevent pregnancy for 3 years, however research supports that it may be used up to 5 years with no decrease in efficacy.  The implant is one of the safest and most effective birth control methods available.
    • More information on the contraceptive implant can be found here: https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/factsheet_...
  • Intrauterine contraception (Kyleena, Mirena, and Paragard)
    • Intrauterine contraception (aka “intrauterine devices” or “IUDs”) considered “long-acting reversible contraception” or “LARCs.”  They are small, T-shaped devices which are placed into the uterus by a trained medical professional and last between 3-12 years, depending on which IUD you choose.  IUDs are very effective and are an excellent option for individuals looking for long-term contraception with either no hormones or very low level of progestin hormone.  IUDs are generally excellent choices for people who cannot tolerate hormones for one reason or another.
    • More information on the non-hormonal IUC can be found here:  https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/factsheet_iud_copper.pdf
    • More information on hormonal IUCs can be found here: https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2022-01-Ho...

Pregnancy Services

Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment and Prevention

  • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening
    • STIs often cause no or minimal symptoms in affected individuals.  For this reason, routine screening for STIs is recommended at least annually for most sexually active individuals, even if they are asymptomatic.   During your visit, a health care provider will assess your individual risks and testing needs to determine which STI screening is indicated and how frequently it should be done.
    • More information on STIs and screening recommendations can be found here:  https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
  • Medical evaluations for STI symptoms
    • SHS medical providers evaluate, test, and treat individuals with symptoms of STIs.  You should considering coming in for a medical evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms:
      • Burning with urination
      • Abnormal genital or rectal discharge
      • Genital or rectal itching, irritation, or pain
      • Skin bumps or sores around the genitals or anus
      • Other skin rashes without a known cause
    • More information about STI symptoms and treatment can be found here:  https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/fact_sheets.htm
  • Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
    • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves taking an antiviral medication on a regular basis in order to prevent acquiring an HIV infection in case of exposure.  PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV infection through sex, and up to 74% effective at preventing HIV acquired through injection drug use.  UCM SHS currently only offers oral PrEP at this time.
    • Anyone who is at increased risk of acquiring HIV may benefit from PrEP.  Some indications for PrEP include people who:
      • have a sexual partner with HIV
      • have engaged in unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse in the past 6 months
      • have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months
      • have an injection partner with HIV or share injection equipment with others
      • have used multiple courses of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) due to continued risky behaviors
    • More information on PrEP can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html
  • Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention
    • Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking a combination of antiretroviral medications after a single high-risk exposure to prevent acquiring an HIV infection.
    • The following are a few examples of situation where PEP may be desired:
      • Condom failure during intercourse with known HIV-positive partner with unknown or detectable viral load.
      • Shared use of injection drug paraphernalia with an injection partner is HIV-positive or who has an unknown HIV status.
      • Unprotected anal intercourse with an anonymous partner or one for whom HIV status is unknown.
      • Any type of non-consensual vaginal or anal receptive intercourse, especially if the perpetrator is unknown to the individual.

Other types of sexual health visits, including but not limited to:

  • Sexual problems
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Premature Ejaculation
    • Sexual Arousal Disorder
    • Orgasmic Disorder
    • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
    • Sexual Pain Disorder
  • Menstrual problems
    • PCOS
    • Irregular menstrual
  • Fertility problems
  • Genital or pelvic pain
    • Pelvic pain
    • Dyspareunia
    • Testicular pain
    • Phimosis
  • Other types of genitourinary problems
    • Bacterial vaginosis
    • Vaginal yeast infections
    • Balanitis