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Women's Health

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Vaden Women’s Health Services

A variety of women's health services are available by appointment, including:

  • Periodic health exams, including cervical cancer screening (Pap smear), sexually stansmitted infections (STI) testing, and contraception as needed.
  • Birth control prescriptions and advice, including peer counseling to help you choose a method.
  • Referrals for IUD or Implanon/Nexplanon insertion.
  • Emergency contraception (morning-after pill) or consult with a nurse. Read more information about emergency contraception
  • Pregnancy testing, pre-conception planning, and referrals for pregnancy management.
  • Screening for sexually transmitted infections. Read more information about STI screenings at Vaden
  • Diagnosis of gynecological disorders.

Pharmacy offers a full range of prescription contraceptive options.

Sexual Health Peer Resource Center (SHPRC) is a resource for contraceptive information and products.

When You Should Have Cervical Screening (Pap Smear)

  • Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) should begin at age 21.
  • Women under age 21 who need contraception or STI screening may do so without having a cervical cancer screening exam.
  • Cervical cancer screening is recommended every three years for women age 21 to 29 who are healthy and have had normal exams in the past.
  • Women age 30 and older should speak with their provider about whether they should have cervical cancer screenings every five years.
  • Women with certain risk factors may need more frequent screening, including those who have HIV, are immunosuppressed, or have had abnormal cervical screening test results in the past.

Preparing For Your Women's Health Exam

  • Schedule your exam at a time when you are not having your period.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse, douches, tampons, or anything in the vagina (including medications) for 48 hours prior to your exam.
  • At least 24 hours before your appointment, go to the VadenPatient portal and fill out the confidential web questionnaire.
  • Bring medications you are taking, including birth control pills.
  • Bring any relevant medical records or past test results.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to prepare for the exam.

What Happens During a Women’s Health Exam?

  • A medical assistant will bring you to a private room, ask some basic health questions, and check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and weight.
  • You will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a cloth examination gown.
  • Your health care provider will come in and discuss your general health history, family history, and menstrual, sexual, and contraceptive history.
  • Your thyroid, neck, lungs, heart, breasts, abdomen, and skin will be examined.

The Pelvic Exam

  1. You will lie down on the exam table, place your feet in footrests at the end of the table, relax, and let your knees fall gently apart.
  2. The health care provider will visually inspect your external genitalia.
  3. A speculum (instrument used to examine the cervix) is inserted into the vagina. You may have a sensation of fullness. Relaxing at this point makes the exam more comfortable.
  4. Cells for cervical cancer screening are collected. Sometimes mild cramping or a prickly sensation may occur with this procedure. The specimen will be sent to a laboratory for examination.
  5. Your health care provider will also screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when appropriate.
  6. After the speculum is removed, the health care provider will perform a pelvic exam to determine the size, shape, and position of your ovaries and uterus. The provider will insert gloved fingers into the vagina and place the other hand on your abdomen, applying slight pressure.
  7. A gloved finger may be inserted into the rectum to detect abnormalities and to examine the back of the uterus and the ovaries.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) DNA Testing

HPV DNA testing is not recommended for

  • Any woman age 20 or under.
  • Routine screening in women before age 30.
  • Screening women considering HPV vaccination.
  • As part of a routine STI screen.
  • As part of a sexual assault workup.

HPV DNA testing may be ordered for women younger than 30 who have met certain criteria.  Your health care provider will discuss this with you.

If your period starts during the 48 hours before your appointment, please call and reschedule the exam.

If you cannot keep your appointment, please cancel as soon as possible so that another student can use the time slot.

  • Cancel an appointment any time online at the VadenPatient portal (you will need your SUNet ID).
  • Call 650-498-2336, ext. 1, during office hours to speak with a receptionist. After hours, dial the number and ext. 1; when the recording starts, press 3 and leave a message.

Birth Control/Contraceptive Options

Peer Counselors

Birth Control Peer Educators - Empowering Students to Make Informed and Healthy Choices About Their Bodies

Students considering birth control are highly encouraged to make an appointment to discuss their many options with a peer counselor prior to seeing a healthcare provider. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of BCE's co-leaders at BCEleaders@gmail.com. 

The following methods protect against unplanned pregnancies to varying degrees.

Combined Hormonal Contraception—Contains Estrogen and Progestin

Not recommended for women with migraines or those who smoke. Women who are overweight or who have other medical conditions may have an increased risk of blood clots.  You must also use a condom to protect yourself against HIV and other STIs.

  • Combination oral contraceptives (pills)—available at Vaden

Advantages: Very effective; convenient; many types to choose from
Disadvantages: Must remember to take regularly; no STI protection

  • NuvaRing—available at Vaden

Hormone-containing ring that is inserted into the vagina for at least three weeks at a time (schedule may vary)
Advantages: Very effective; convenient; lowest estrogen levels
Disadvantages: No generic available so may be expensive without insurance; no STI protection

  • Ortho-Evra Patch—available at Vaden

Patch containing hormones worn on the skin and replaced once a week for three weeks at a time (schedule may vary)
Advantages: Very effective; convenient
Disadvantages: May have increased risk of blood clots; no STI protection
Caution: FDA warning due to high blood estrogen levels: Vaden does not recommend this method except under special circumstances

Progestin-only Contraception

A safer option for women who smoke or who have migraines, or those who cannot take estrogen

  • Mirena/Skyla hormonal intrauterine contraception (IUD or IUC)—not inserted at Vaden (we will refer you to Stanford Hospital or Menlo Clinic)

Small T-shaped device containing progestin that is inserted by a clinician; can be removed at any time if pregnancy is desired.
Advantages: One of the most effective reversible forms of contraception (also see ParaGard, below); provides three-five years of birth control; convenient; decreased vaginal bleeding
Disadvantages: Requires a clinician for insertion and removal; chance of spontaneous expulsion; upfront cost may be high unless covered by insurance; irregular bleeding; no STI protection

  • Implanon/Nexplanon Implant—not inserted at Vaden (we will refer you to Stanford Hospital or Menlo Clinic)

Consists of a single rod inserted into the arm.
Advantages: Highly effective; insertion takes less than 5 minutes; lasts three years
Disadvantages: Requires a clinician for insertion and removal; may result in irregular bleeding; no STI protection

  • Depo-Provera injection—available at Vaden

Injection of medroxyprogesterone given once every 12 weeks. FDA black box warning regarding bone density. Some authorities suggest that Depo-Provera should only be used for two years because of possible bone loss, but it is currently thought that bone density returns to normal after the method is discontinued. Vaden does not recommend this method as a first choice, except under special circumstances.
Advantages: Very effective; convenient; most women stop having periods after six months
Disadvantages: Irregular bleeding the first year; possible weight gain, depression, acne, vaginal dryness, bone thinning; no STI protection

  • Progestin-only pills (POPs)—available at Vaden

POPs alter the uterine lining to prevent implantation of fertilized egg; must be taken at the same time every day.
Advantages: No estrogen
Disadvantages: May cause irregular bleeding; must be taken at the same time every day continuously to avoid pregnancy; no STI protection

Intrauterine Contraception

  • Mirena/Skyla hormonal intrauterine contraception (IUD or IUC)—not inserted at Vaden (we will refer you to Stanford Hospital or Menlo Clinic)

Small T-shaped device containing progestin that is inserted by a clinician; can be removed at any time if pregnancy is desired.
Advantages: One of the most effective reversible forms of contraception (also see ParaGard, below); provides three-five years of birth control; convenient; decreased vaginal bleeding
Disadvantages: Requires a clinician for insertion and removal; chance of spontaneous expulsion; upfront cost may be high unless covered by insurance; irregular bleeding; no STI protection

  • ParaGard intrauterine contraceptive (IUD or IUC)—not inserted at Vaden (we will refer you to Stanford Hospital or Menlo Clinic)

Small device inserted into the uterus by a clinician.
Advantages: Highly effective method of birth control; good for at least 10 years
Disadvantages: Requires a clinician for insertion and removal; chance of spontaneous expulsion; may cause heavier periods and worse menstrual cramps; upfront cost may be high unless covered by insurance; no STI protection

Non-Hormonal Methods

  • Male and female condoms

Male and female condoms prevent sperm from reaching the egg.  They are recommended to protect against HIV and some other STIs.
Advantages: Readily available over the counter; very effective if used with a spermicide
Disadvantages: Irritation to both men and women; male condoms can break or come off during sex; should be used with spermicide

  • Spermicides

Gels, creams, and foam can be put into the vagina to enhance the effectiveness of the male condom, or they can be used alone for birth control.  The sponge, cervical cap, and diaphragm keep the spermicide near the cervical opening.
Advantages: Very effective if used with a condom; readily available; no systemic side effects
Disadvantages: Not very effective if used alone; irritation of the male and female genitals may increase the incidence of vaginal and bladder infections and may increase the risk of HIV transmission

  • Diaphragms—available at Vaden (cervical caps, Lea’s Shield, FemCap)

A diaphragm is a rubber, dome-shaped device placed into the vagina to hold spermicide around the cervix.  The cervical cap fits directly on the cervix.  Both are used with spermicide, require female involvement only, and can be inserted ahead of time.  Lea’s Shield and FemCap are not commonly used in the U.S.
Advantages: No hormonal side effects
Disadvantages: Must be used accurately and consistently; require fitting by a clinician; may increase bladder infections; irritation from spermicide; not as effective as other methods

  • Rhythm method

Requires the couple to calculate woman’s fertility cycle and abstain from intercourse during ovulation.
Advantages: No hormonal side effects
Disadvantages: Requires training and strict adherence to the program; not very useful for women with irregular cycles; not as effective as other methods

  • Abstinence

Abstinence means that there is no vaginal intercourse or no sexual contact at all.
Advantages: Fool-proof method; no costs; no systemic side effects
Disadvantages: Requires strict adherence to avoid pregnancy

Additional Information

  • Cervical cancer screening is not required to start birth control. Talk to your clinician for more information.
  • Combined hormonal pills and NuvaRing can often be started with a “Quick Start” approach: You can start anytime in your cycle as long as you are reasonably sure you are not pregnant and you use a backup method or abstinence (no intercourse) for seven days.
  • Combined hormonal pills and NuvaRing can often be used continuously to decrease the number of periods. Talk to your clinician for more information.
  • If you have a seizure disorder, TB, skin or nail fungal infections, HIV infection, or depression, your medications may interfere with your birth control method. Talk to your clinician for more information.
  • WARNING: St John’s Wort, an over-the-counter medication used for depression, reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills.
  • Birth control pills do not interact with most commonly used antibiotics. It is always important to let a health care provider know about any birth control methods you are using.
  • Planned Parenthood website is a good source of information.
  • AHRP interactive tutorial can help you choose a birth control method that is right for you.
  • Birth Control Options by FamilyDoctor.org

Pregnancy Management

  • Pregnancy Options: If you have an unplanned pregnancy, make an appointment with a health care provider in Medical Services to discuss your options. Counseling and Psychological Services staff are also available to assist and support you. Call 650-498-2336, ext. 1, for Medical Services or ext. 2 for Counseling and Psychological Services. You can also schedule an appointment on the web at the VadenPatient portal. 
  • Prenatal Care: Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, we will provide you with a referral to an Ob-Gyn clinic to begin your prenatal care. Then you will begin a routine schedule of medical visits with your obstetrician or nurse midwife.
  • Pregnancy Complications: Minor spotting or cramps may be normal in pregnancy. However bleeding and severe cramping can be signs of complications. If you experience these symptoms during your pregnancy, it is important to contact your obstetrician. The obstetrics clinics at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and at Menlo Clinic can schedule a same-day appointment if your condition warrants immediate attention. 

If you have not established your prenatal care and you are experiencing these symptoms, please call the gynecology clinic at Stanford Hospital or at Menlo Clinic directly. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding or have severe pain, you should be seen in the Emergency Department at Stanford Hospital & Clinics immediately.

  • Stanford Hospital & Clinics Gynecology Clinic: 650-498-5280
  • Menlo Clinic: 650-498-6500

Additional Women’s Health Information