formerly University of Missouri-Rolla
Services-Well-Woman Clinic

One aspect of being a "well woman" is to perform monthly self breast exams, or SBE.
For more information, please click here: SBE

Female Missouri S&T students may elect to have the recommended annual gynecologic exam (well-woman exam) by Dr. Cathy Bond by appointment on Wednesdays. This exam is recommended for all women of reproductive age, independent of sexual activity. An appointment is necessary to be seen. We recommend you schedule at least 3 weeks in advance, as these slots fill up very quickly. Just give us a call or stop by to schedule an appointment.The fee for these exams is $60, payable in cash or personal check.

The annual well-woman exam includes a pelvic exam, PAP smear and breast exam. Women under 25 are routinely tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and on request for women over 25.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE THIS EXAM, AND WHAT HAPPENS?

The primary purpose of the pap is to detect cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. Symptoms of cervical cancer are not usually noticeable to a woman until the cancer is in a more advanced stage, and the chances of successful treatment are decreased. If detected early by a pap test, cervical cancer is nearly 100% curable. Every woman should have an annual gynecologic exam and Pap when she becomes sexually active or reaches 18 years of age and continuing for the rest of her life. During the exam, the doctor will insert a warmed speculum into the vagina to view the cervix (the 'neck' of the uterus which extends into the vagina). A small sample of cervical cells is taken by lightly scraping the cervix with a wooden spatula. This sample is then put into solution, and sent to a laboratory to be viewed under a microscope to detect any abnormal cells. The results of the Pap are available within 10 to 14 days, and you will be notified by SHS if any abnormality is found.


An estimated 50% of sexually active college age women will acquire human papillomavirus, a very common cause of cervical cancer that is
easily treated if discovered early.

 

STD testing: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are two of the most common STD's in young women. Therefore, the State Department of Health allows for routine testing of all women under the age of 25. In a procedure similar to the Pap test, an endocervical cell sample is taken and sent to the lab for testing, and results are available in 10 to 14 days. You will be notified by SHS of any positive findings. Treatment is also available at SHS.

Pelvic Exam: The doctor will insert the fingers of one hand into the vagina, while feeling the outside of your abdomen with the other hand. By doing this she can feel the size and position of your uterus and ovaries, and any abnormal masses which may indicate a problem.

Breast Exam: The doctor will feel (palpate) all areas of breast tissue for abnormal masses or lumps. Positive findings may indicate fibroid cysts (benign cysts which are common in many women) or breast cancer.

 

How do I get ready for an annual gynecologic exam?

  • Do not have sexual intercourse in the 24 hours before your appointment.
  • Do not douche or use any lubricants or medication in the vagina in the 24 hours before your appointment.
  • Ideally, try to schedule your appointment for 2 weeks after the first day of your last period. The test cannot be done during your period!