A PAP Smear and Gynecological Exam is required before being prescribed a medication for a contraception product for the first time from Student Health Service. This procedure will need to be repeated at least yearly in order to obtain continuing prescriptions for a contraceptive product.

Before Your PAP Smear Gynecological Exam

Before you make your gynecological exam appointment, you should plan to take the Health Issues Class. All women who want to obtain a prescription for birth control from a Student Health Service provider must take this class. The Health Issues Class is available online. Once you have completed the class please allow 24-48 hours for our staff to process the information before you schedule your appointment by calling 328-6841 during weekday operation hours.

1. Ask your mother if she took DES. Find out if any of your family members have a history of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, or kidney disease.
2. Know the first day of your last menstrual period.
3. Write down any questions you may have (return to top)

On Your Appointment Day

1. If your menstrual period starts when your appointment is scheduled, you will need to reschedule. Remember to call the appointment office and let them know.
2. When you arrive at the Student Health Service, please check-in at the front desk, and you will be directed to the appropriate reception area.
3. You will be called by a nurse for your initial screening, which includes checking your blood pressure and weight, and answering some questions regarding your health history. Be prepared to give a urine sample during this time. The nurse will answer any questions you may have and review the exam as necessary.
4. The appointment with the health care provider includes a breast exam, heart and thyroid exam, a Pap smear, screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a pelvic exam. After the exam, the provider will review your contraceptive options, and you will receive your prescription and encounter form.
5. If you wish to have your prescription filled at Student Health Service, take the prescription to the pharmacy. For a list of Contraceptive products the pharmacy department carries please visit our Contraceptive Price List online. (return to top)

After the Appointment

1. If your Pap smear report is not normal, you will be notified to return for an additional discussion. You will be notified of normal Pap smear reports by letter, to the address you provide at check-in.
2. If you are using contraception for the first time, your prescription will be written for 3 months. Make an appointment and inform the secretary that you need to see a provider for a 3 month checkup for birth control. At the time of this checkup, your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your prescription will be rewritten.
3. You may fill your prescription at the Student Health Service Pharmacy if you wish. (return to top)

Abnormal PAP, What Now?

You have just found out that your Pap test is not normal. What now? First, realize that an abnormal Pap test does not automatically indicate that you have cervical cancer. You may be asked to have Pap tests more frequently, or you may be referred for a special test (colposcopy) that will help decide what was not normal about your Pap test. If you are referred for colposcopy, you will be asked to schedule an appointment with the colposcopy nurse for education regarding the colposcopy procedure.

Colposcopy: During a colposcopy exam the health care provider will look closely at your cervix for any cells that are abnormal using a colposcope. If an abnormality is found, a tiny sample of tissue will be taken from the cervix. This sample of tissue is called a biopsy. It will be sent to a lab to be studied. Immediately after the biopsy you may notice a little bleeding, and/or abdominal cramping. These symptoms usually resolve in 1 to 2 days and the results will determine what treatment will be best for you.

Tips Before Colposcopy Exam

• The colposcopy cannot be done during your period.
• Do not douche the three days before your appointment.
• Do not have sex for 24 hours before your appointment.
• Always let the ECU Student Health Service know if you cannot keep your appointment.

After Your Colposcopy Exam

• Do not douche or have sex for one week after the biopsy so that the area can heal. When you return to learn about the results of your biopsy, the health care provider will talk with you about the treatment that is best for you.
• For several months you may need to have Pap tests more frequently.