Regular well women examinations or WWE (previously called gynecological exams) are an essential part of any woman's health care. They are typically recommended annually after you become sexually active for the first time. However, if you have any pelvic or vaginal pain, a troubling vaginal discharge, itching or burning, are worried that you might have contracted an STD or have menstrual irregularities, an earlier medical exam is advised.
The purpose of a yearly exam is to focus on age appropriate disease prevention – This might entail advice on diet and exercise, safe sex/STD prevention, counseling about birth control options or continuance of current birth control and performance of a Pap smear (a sampling of cells from the cervix to detect early changes that if left alone could down the road lead to cervical cancer). A woman should have her first Pap smear approximately three years after beginning sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first.
For the Pap smear to be performed the nurse will have you get undressed from the waist down and sit on the edge of the examination table covering yourself with a paper towel. If a breast exam is planned you will undress completely and cover your upper half with a paper gown.
When the clinician enters the room they will ask you to lie down and place your feet in the foot rests (stirrups) at the end of the table and slide to the end of the table. The clinician will examine your external genitals (vulva) and then gently insert a speculum into the vagina. The speculum is a metal or plastic instrument that holds the vaginal walls apart in order to facilitate a clear view of the vaginal walls and cervix. You may feel some pressure when the speculum is inserted. If you are nervous, the pelvic muscles may tense and make it uncomfortable. Take slow, deep breaths and try to relax. If you feel any discomfort, let your clinician know.
With the speculum in place, the clinician will perform the Pap smear. This entails taking a flat spatula and special brush and gently take a sample(s) of cells from the cervix. A culture for the STDs gonorrhea and chlamydia may also be taken. The speculum is then removed.
In some instances a ‘bi-manual’ examination will be performed. For this the clinician puts on a glove and inserts one or two fingers into the vagina and, at the same time, presses gently on the abdominal area with the other hand. This is done to determine the size, shape and mobility of the uterus and ovaries.
After the exam is over, you will get dressed and have the opportunity to talk with your clinician about other questions you may have. You will also receive any prescriptions and instructions at this time.
Things to remember
- It’s normal to be anxious about your first WWE. Your clinician will do their best to put you at ease, talk you through what they are doing and answer any questions you might have.
- For best results from the Pap smear, it's recommended not to use vaginal lubricants, spermicides, medications or douches 1-2 days prior to your exam. If you have intercourse, use of a condom is recommended. Pap smears cannot be done during your menstrual period.
- Keep track of the first day of your last menstrual period.
- You will be notified of your test results via secure message if they are normal and in person by phone if they are in any way abnormal.
If
you are a registered Northern Arizona University student and you have questions or concerns,
or need to make an appointment, please call: 928-523-2131.
If you are concerned about any difference in your treatment plan and the information in this handout, you are advised to contact your health care provider.
For general health information, visit the Fronske Health Center or Healthy Campus
