Gynocology:
We should be provided with a new body at about the age of thirty or so
when we have
learnt to attend to it with consideration. - Freya Stark
Health Services | Procedure
Have you been to the gynecologist for an exam recently, or for that matter, ever?
You can probably name a dozen of reasons why getting an exam is not a priority for you right now. But all women, whether sexually active or not, should get an annual exam starting when they are 18.
A gynecological exam includes an external and internal inspection of your vagina and reproductive organs. The exam detects any abnormal health conditions. Feeling apprehensive about the exam is completely normal. You must keep in mind that an exam is necessary to monitor and maintain your health. Ramapo's GYN nurse practitioner is available at Health Services for you to arrange an appointment for your annual exam. Put yourself at ease by learning more about the process. To read about a Ramapo student's first visit to the GYN, click here. It's a simple, painless procedure. So relax and empower yourself by doing all you can to ensure a healthy future.
Visit Health Services on the Ramapo College campus for your annual GYN check up. The GYN nurse practitioner can also test for STDs upon request. Pregnancy tests by urine analysis are also offered at Health Services.Appointments should be made.
Where:
Health Services is located at the South Entrance of campus in the Health Services building and can be reached at extension 7536.
When:
The GYN nurse practitioner is in every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Make an appointment for a GYN exam.
How much:
Costs are $40 for a full exam (including Pap Smear and Clinical Breast Exam). Lab work for Pap Smear, STD tests, and pregnancy tests are additional. You will be billed through the Bursar's office.
If you are a full time student and have not waived your automatic insurance costs you have automatic non-broad based insurance coverage. File your claims for your GYN exam through this insurance. For more details visit Health Services.
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Your visit should begin with filling out all the necessary paperwork. You will be asked about your present health status, any past illnesses or operations, family history, details about your menstrual cycle, pregnancy history, present sexual activity, and use of contraception (if applicable).
Prior to the actual examination you will be weighed and asked to give a urine sample. Then you will meet with the practitioner and review your forms and the reason for your visit. This should get you more comfortable before the actual exam. It also makes the practitioner aware of any specifics they should be looking for.
For the exam you will be given a paper drape and asked to get undressed.
The practitioner will take your blood pressure and examine your heart, lungs, neck, and breasts (Clinical Breast Exam) for any abnormalities. Take this time to learn what is the normal way for your breasts to feel for your future self-breast examinations.
To begin the pelvic exam you should get comfortable and lie on the examining table. With your legs spread, place your feet in the stirrup supporters. To help you relax your pelvic muscles, spread your knees as wide apart as possible. Then the external area of the vagina, the vulva, will be examined for inflammation or abnormality.
The next step is the internal exam. This involves a warm and moistened metal or plastic instrument called a speculum to be inserted into the vagina. This gently spreads the vaginal walls apart so the cervix (the lower portion or neck of the uterus) and vagina can be clearly seen. Remember, the vagina is very flexible so this procedure should not hurt.
At this time your Papanicolaou (PAP) smear will be taken. This is also a simple, painless procedure. Cells are gently scraped form the cervix with a flat wooden spatula and a tiny cytobrush. The cells are then placed on a slide for a microscopic exam. This sample will be sent to a lab where a lab technical will examine the cells and determine the presence or absence of any cell abnormality. The results may take a couple of days.
At your request, cultures and smears for vaginal infection of STDs may also be taken at this time.
After the speculum is removed, a bimanual exam is performed. The practitioner will insert two fingers of a lubricated, gloved hand into the vagina. At the same time, their other hand will gently press on the outside of the lower abdominal region. This procedure allows the practitioner to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus. This also allows the practitioner to notice any abnormalities of the fallopian tubes or ovaries.
The exam is now complete.
Remember to take advantage of the opportunity and ask any questions you may have. Always seek consultation if you are experiencing any pain, have abnormal vaginal bleeding, or suspect an infection. Now that you are aware of the procedure it should make the experience easier. Annual GYN visits are incredibly important for you to monitor your health.
