Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health begins with getting to know your body and getting regular gynecological or sexual health exams. Select a red button to learn more about these exams for your body type.
I have a vagina, uterus and/or ovaries I have a penis, testicles and/or scrotum
Exams for persons with a vagina, uterus and/or ovaries
A gynecological exam, sometimes called a "wellness exam" or "well-woman" exam, is a yearly checkup focused on your body and your sexual and reproductive health. It may include a pelvic exam, a breast exam and/or a pap smear. It's a chance to learn about your basic anatomy, review menstrual cycles, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, get birth control and more.
What to expect at your visit
Step 1 - After you arrive and get checked in for your visit, a nurse will greet you in the waiting room and take you back into the clinic. They will collect your vitals (blood pressure, height, weight and temperature) and lead you to your exam room, where you will be asked to change into a gown and sheet for your waist.
Step 2 - The provider will enter the exam room and begin the visit with a discussion of your family and sexual history. Based on your age and risk factors, your provider will discuss various health topics with you, such as sexually transmitted infection testing and contraception. Although it may feel awkward, you must be open and honest with your provider throughout the exam so they can provide the best care possible for your needs. You will not be judged for your questions or sexual practices; our providers are used to discussing these topics with students, so don’t feel shy or apprehensive.
Step 3 - Your provider will ask you about your menstrual period. Be prepared to share the first day of your last period and any other notable changes or concerns you have about your menstrual cycle. Patients are encouraged to ask their medical provider any questions.
Step 4 - Next, your provider may check your thyroid, heart, lungs and stomach for any abnormalities and perform a breast exam. During the breast exam, your provider will check for lumps and bumps and explain how you can perform a breast self-exam regularly at home. It may surprise you that breast cancer can develop as a young adult, which is why our providers encourage everyone to become familiar with their breasts, learn what is normal for them and learn how to spot any changes.
Step 5 - Your provider will perform a pelvic exam. You will be asked to lie down on the exam table and put your heels in heel holders so that they can examine the vagina, cervix and reproductive organs. The provider will insert a speculum into the vagina to gently spread the walls apart and examine the area. The exam only takes a few minutes and should not be painful. If your exam includes a pap test or sexually transmitted infection test, the provider will briefly insert a wand into your cervix before removing the speculum. In the pap test case, the wand will be sent to the laboratory to check for abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Depending on you age and symptoms, the provider may insert two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina and use the other hand to press on the outside of your lower abdomen to check your pelvic organs for any tender areas or unusual growths.
Exams for persons with a penis, testicles and/or scrotum
Whether you are having sex or not, everyone with a penis should get a sexual exam at least once a year to ensure your genitals are healthy. You should also schedule an exam if you have any questions about your sexual and reproductive health or experience any problems or changes, including itching, burning, discomfort and lumps or bumps. Although it might seem uncomfortable for some, it's important for your health.
What to expect at your visit
Step 1 - After you arrive and get checked in for your visit, a nurse will greet you in the waiting room and take you back into the clinic. They will collect your vitals (blood pressure, height, weight and temperature) and lead you to your exam room, where you will be asked to change into a sheet for your waist.
Step 2 - The provider will enter the exam room and begin the visit with a discussion of your family and sexual history. Based on your age and risk factors, your provider will discuss various health topics with you, such as sexually transmitted infection testing, erectile dysfunction, hair loss and acne. Although it may feel awkward, you must be open and honest with your provider throughout the exam so they can provide the best care possible for your needs. You will not be judged for your questions or sexual practices; our providers are used to discussing these topics with students, so don’t feel shy or apprehensive.
Step 3 - Next, your provider may check your thyroid, heart, lungs and stomach for any abnormalities. Then, they will gently touch your penis and surrounding area and look for anything that doesn't appear normal. Your provider will teach you how to check your gonads yourself. It may surprise you that testicular cancer can develop as a young adult, which is why our providers encourage everyone to become familiar with their gonads, learn what is normal for them and learn how to spot any changes. Lastly, your provider will ask you to "turn your head and cough" while they are touching your private area. The muscles that move when you cough can help the provider determine if there are any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a gynecological exam?
Pelvic exams should begin at age 21 or earlier if you are experiencing any pain or concerns and should be scheduled annually. Pap tests should also begin at age 21 and should be scheduled every three years so long as you do not have any abnormal results.
Do you talk about contraception, birth control and STIs during a gynecological exam?
Yes, we discuss contraception, including birth control pills, condoms, IUDs, implanted devices and NuvaRings. We also discuss STIs, including how to prevent, test for and treat them.
Will we talk about my period at a gynecological exam?
Yes, we will discuss how long your cycle is, how regular your cycles are, how heavy your flow is and if you have any pain or discomfort during your periods.
Should I see the same provider every year?
If you scheduled a visit with a provider and feel comfortable seeing them again, we encourage you to continue your appointments with them so you can continue building trust and honesty.