The staff at the health center is knowledgable and sensitive to the concerns students have about sexuality, sexual orientation, contraception, sexual harrassment, and sexually transmitted infection (STI). Services include women's and men's health exams, discussing sexuality and intimacy issues, teaching safer sex practices, STI testing and counseling, contraceptive counseling, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and referrals to abortion and adoption services.
Services are described below.
Women's Health Exam
Every woman, whether she is sexually active or not, is encouraged to have a woman's health exam. The age recommendation for the first pelvic exam is age 18, or sooner if sexually active. A female student may call the health center at ext. 5135 to make an appointment with a nurse practitioner (NP) for the women's health exam. The appointment is optimally scheduled for the student when she is mid-cycle in her menstrual cycle for a 45 minute - 1 hour exam.
The women's health exam includes a full physical, a breast exam, teaching of self breast exam, and the pelvic exam (the examination of the pelvic organs - vulva, vagina, uterus, and ovaries). A Pap smear to screen for cervical changes is obtained and STD tests, if indicated, are done. Time is also allotted to address questions/concerns about the menstrual cycle, anatomy, contraceptives, etc.
Women having menstrual irregularities or abnormal vaginal or urinary symptoms are asked to call the health center at ext. 5135 to make an appointment.
Men's Health Exam
Periodic exams of men's reproductive organs is usually not routinely done. More typically a male student comes to the health center when he perceives an abnormality. He should call ext.5135 for an appointment. Students may be evaluated by a nurse and scheduled with the NP/MD as necessary. If indicated, STI testing and/or analysis of a urine specimen will be performed. Referrals are made when appropriate. Time is also given to address questions, teach testicular self-examination, discuss contraception, etc.
STI Testing & Counseling
Sexually transmitted infection (STIs) can be contracted through intimate contact with someone who is infected. Some infections are transmitted nonsexually. Students concerned about possible exposure to STIs should call the health center at ext. 5135 to talk with a nurse who will answer questions or schedule an appointment with the NP/MD for further evaluation, testing, and/or treatment as indicated.
Tests and/or exams for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts (HPV), syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, trichomonas, pubic lice, molluscum, and scabies are available.
Contraceptive Counseling
If a student is contemplating being in a sexually active heterosexual relationship or is already in one, contraception needs to be addressed. The Health Center provides counseling to individuals and couples interested in information. Condoms are provided at the health center to students free of charge.
Women interested in the oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch, Nova ring, diaphragm, or Depo Provera should call for an appointment at ext.5135 with a nurse practitioner (NP). Referrals are made for women interested in the cervical cap, Norplant, or IUD .
Emergency Contraception
Post coital contraception, also called the Morning-After-Pill (MAP) or Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) is offered at Parton Health Center. It requires a physician or nurse practitioner's "orders" and is available during the daytime hours or when our MD or an NP can be reached by telephone on the weekends and early evenings. The ECP is used to prevent pregnancy. Ideally it should be given as soon after unprotected intercourse as possible and is most effective when given within 72 hours. To learn more about the MAP, please visit these Web sites: http://ec.princeton.edu/
http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/Index.aspx
To receive the ECP, call the health center at ext. 5135 to make an appointment. The nurse will obtain a history, provide information about the use and side-effects of the ECP, discuss contraception and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. If there are no contraindications the nurse will request an MD/NP order and dispense the medication. The ECP is not a substitute for the use of birth control.
Pregnancy Testing
The health center provides urine pregnancy testing at no charge. Students wishing to be tested should call the health center at ext. 5135 to set up an appointment. Results are immediately available. Referrals for abortions and adoption counseling are available through the health center.