Health Services

Health Education

Sexual Health

Screenings and Early Detection

Participating in regular health screenings is essential because screenings are designed to detect diseases in early stages, often before symptoms appear. Many diseases are treated more easily in early stages, and thus, regular screenings can lead to improved chances of recovery.

Sexual Health Preventative Screening Guidelines are listed below:

Sexual Health Screening Guidelines*

Screening	Ages 20-29	Ages 30-39	Ages 40-49	Ages 50+
Pelvic Exam/Annual Gynecological Exam	Yearly	Yearly	Yearly	Yearly
Pap Test	Yearly	Yearly**	Yearly**	Yearly**
Mammogram		Baseline at 35-40	1-2 years	1-2 years
Breast Self Exam	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Clinical Breast Exam	3 years	3 years	Yearly	Yearly
Testicular Self Exam	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Digital Rectal Exam			Yearly	Yearly
STI Screening	+ See below for more information

** Different organizations often recommend different screening schedules. The above screening schedule is adapted from the U.S Preventive Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services and the American Cancer Society's Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer.

* Pap test is not necessary if in a monogamous relationship, 30 years old or older and 3 consecutive negative pap smears. If all conditions are met, Pap tests may be done every 2-3 years. Pelvic exam is still recommended annually.

Pelvic Exam/Annual Gynecological Exam

The annual exam includes a manual examination of each breast.

Please do not have your Pap done while on your period.
Regular pelvic exams can help to detect diseases and safeguard fertility. A pelvic exam occurs in four steps:

(1) an external exam in which your healthcare provider will visually examine the folds of the vulva and the opening of the vagina to check for signs of irritation, discharge, cysts, genital warts, or other conditions;

(2) a speculum exam in which your healthcare provider will insert a metal or plastic speculum into the vagina so that the cervix can be seen. The clinician will check for growths or abnormal discharge from the cervix and will use a long swab or brush to collect cervical cells for a Pap test;

(3)a bimanual exam in which your healthcare provider will insert one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina while pressing down on the abdomen with the other hand. During this part of the exam, the clinician is checking the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries;

(4) (not always done-ask your provider) a rectovaginal exam in which your healthcare provider will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to check the condition of the muscles that separate the vagina and the rectum and to check for tumors located behind the uterus, on the lower wall of the vagina, and in the rectum.

Pap Test

A Pap test is performed during a pelvic exam. While a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the cervix is visible, a long swab or brush is used to collect cervical cells. The cells are examined under a microscope for abnormalities. The Pap test detects infection from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is responsible for approximately 70% of abnormal Pap results.

Mammogram

A mammogram is a procedure that uses radiation to provide images of the breast. During the procedure, which lasts about 15 minutes, each breast is compressed by two plates while an X-ray image is taken. A mammogram is used to find potential signs of breast cancer such as tumors (which are often too small to be found in a clinical breast exam), clusters of calcium, or abnormal changes in the skin.

Breast Self Exam

Performing a monthly breast self exam (BSE) is important to become familiar with the normal look and feel of the breast so that is easy to identify changes, such as thickening, lumps, spontaneous nipple discharge, or skin changes like dimpling or puckering. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation provides an interactive online tool that demonstrates how to complete your monthly BSE.

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam will occur during your annual gynecological exam. During the exam, you healthcare provider will perform a visual and tactile examination of your breasts and lymph nodes in your underarms.

Testicular Self Exam

A monthly testicular self exam (TSE) is useful in the early detection of changes or masses that might be indicative of testicular cancer. Performing a TSE involves visually and physically examining the testicles, scrotum, epididymis, and vas deferens for abnormalities. Complete instructions for performing a TSE are provided by the American Institute for Preventative Medicine.

Digital Rectal Exam

A digital rectal exam can detect abnormalities in the male prostate gland and in the female reproductive organs (often done as part of an annual gynecological exam). During the exam, your healthcare provider will insert a lubricated gloved finger of one hand into the rectum and screen for blood in the rectum.

STI Screening

Annual STI screenings are recommended for sexually active females age 25 and under, as incidences of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are greatest in this age group. Males are also screened, depending upon symptoms and number of sex partners. Some providers check for STIs routinely. Ask your provider if he/she routinely screens for STIs when the Pap test is done. Generally routine STI checks do not include testing for herpes or HPV. HPV is detected with the PAP smear.