Women's Health
Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate women as well as faculty and staff are eligible for Women's Health Services. Women's Health is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are trained in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of healthy patients as well as those with common problems.
Regardless of your gender identity, if you have a uterus, vagina, or breasts, we encourage you treat them to routine wellness exams and problem focused care when needed. Our unit specializes in providing this care and looks forward to treating you well so you can stay well.
Before You Visit
- If you are on your menstrual period, then Pap tests and colposcopies should not be performed. Please call if you are unsure whether you can be seen.
- Know the date of the first day of your last menstrual period.
- If you are being seen for a vaginal problem it is important that you do not use any vaginal medications for at least 3 days before your appointment. If you do use any products your appointment will need to be rescheduled.
- Complete the pre-visit questionnaire prior to your visit
We encourage you to read this Patient Guide to Sensitive Health Exams to help you understand standard of care protocols during sensitive health exams (breast, genital, or rectal).
Services
The annual gynecological exam includes a routine breast and pelvic exam as needed. Testing for sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia and gonorrhea is available. A Pap test may also be recommended depending on your age and prior pap examinations. We recommend women start Pap testing at age 21. All women of any age who are sexually active need a check up and screening for STI's at minimum once a year.
Many college-aged students are unaware of the possibility of developing breast cancer as a young adult. Many changes occur in your breasts during your lifetime so it is important to understand which changes are normal and which are not. Also, some of us may be at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. We encourage you to become familiar with your breasts, know what is normal for you, and learn how to spot changes in your breasts.
Many factors are linked to breast cancer risk. Some risk factors (such as drinking alcohol) can be avoided. But most risk factors (such as having a family history of breast cancer) can't be avoided. Having a risk factor—or even several—doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get a disease—it just increases your chances. Understanding which factors may affect your risk can help you and your health care provider develop a breast health plan that is right for you. This website will help you to better understand your risk - identifying your risk-factor.
Colposcopy is a procedure used to evaluate a woman's cervix when her Pap test result is abnormal and further testing is needed to obtain a diagnosis. Please read this Colposcopy Fact Sheet for more information. Currently, colposcopy services are not available in the Women's Health department at the University Health Center.
In Women's Health, students can obtain prescriptions for oral contraceptives (birth control pills), the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), the contraceptive patch, diaphragms, the shot (Depo Provera), as well as insertions for implants (Nexplanon) and IUDs. Diaphragm checks and instructions on other forms of birth control are offered as well.
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) Plan B One Step and Ella are available at the health center. Plan B One Step is over the counter at our Pharmacy and Ella requires an office visit and prescription.
If you are UNSURE which birth control method you would like to start and want to discuss your options, schedule a FREE birth control consultation by calling 301-314-8184 (select 1 for appointments, not 8 for Health Promotion and Wellness Services).
If you know which method you would like to start or refill, then please call 301-314-8190 to schedule an appointment with a health care provider or book online at myuhc.umd.edu
For more information about birth control, please visit the Sexual Health unit page and scroll to Birth Control Services.
- Pregnancy is a big event in a person’s life and it's normal to have many questions about it. For those looking for pregnancy prevention option, please visit our contraception section.
- You may schedule an appointment to have a pregnancy test performed by calling 301-314-8190. You will be given an appointment with a provider who can give you your results, referrals, and information about available support services. Additional pregnancy testing options at UHC include over-the-counter urine home pregnancy tests available for purchase in our Health Center Pharmacy. We provide a select number of free urine test kits to the HELP Center and several on-campus convenience stores sell this option.
- UHC does not provide prenatal care but we can provide community referrals.
- If you already know that you are pregnant and looking for someone to talk to about your options and support resources, please contact Jenna B. Messman at jbeckwit@umd.edu.
Women's Health routinely screens and treats Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- HPV (Genital Warts)
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B & C
- HIV
Visit our sexual health page to learn about "What You Should Expect and What You Should Know Before Getting Tested for STIs" and for a more comprehensive list of free and low-cost testing options at University Health Center.
The HPV Vaccine is available for all genders! Schedule an appointment online if you do not see an appointment time that is convenient to you, please call 301.314.8184.
HIV Prevention Medication
PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is taking prescription medicine daily before coming into contact with HIV. This, in combination with safer sex practices, can help lower the chance of getting HIV infection. PrEP is only for HIV-negative adults at higher risk of getting HIV. Find more information about PrEP at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Wondering if PrEP is right for you? Schedule an appointment with one of our medical professionals at MyUHC or call 301.314.8184.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV. Contact the UHC right away (within 72 hours) if you think you've been recently exposed to HIV:
- during sex (for example, if the condom broke),
- through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
- if you've been sexually assaulted
The sooner you start PEP, the better. During a visit with a UHC provider, you may be prescribed PEP, and you'll need to take it daily for 28 days. For more information about PEP, please call the UHC at 301.314.8184.