formerly University of Missouri-Rolla
Well-Woman Clinic

A well-woman exam includes a pelvic exam, PAP smear and breast exam. Women under 25 are routinely tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia, women over 25 may be tested on request. The Centers for Disease Control suggest that every adult be tested for HIV at some point, and we can also accomplish this during the annual visit.

Female Missouri S&T students may elect to have the recommended annual gynecologic exam  by Dr. Grace Beaumont by appointment on Tuesdays. This exam is recommended for all women of reproductive age, independent of sexual activity, or within 3 years of sexual debut. An appointment is necessary and  the $30 fee may be charged to your JoeSS. 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. 

WHY SHOULD I HAVE THIS EXAM, AND WHAT HAPPENS?

Breast Exam : The doctor will palpate all areas of breast tissue for abnormal masses or lumps. Positive findings may indicate a range of things from normal lumps & bumps, to fibroid cysts or breast cancer. One aspect of being a "well woman" is to perform monthly self breast exams, or SBE. For more information, please click here: SBE

Every woman should have an annual gynecologic exam and Pap within 3 years of sexual activity or when she reaches 18 years of age and continuing for the rest of her life. We often call it a Well Woman exam because it is done to maintain wellness in an area which is an important part of a woman but not easily visible & examinable. 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 papilloma virus, a very common cause of cervical cancer that is easily treated if discovered early, it's presence is often identified in the course of a PAP smear.  

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 or painful contact which may indicate a problem.
The primary purpose of the pelvic exam is to collect a specimen for the PAP,  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.

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.
 

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A WELL WOMAN 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 mid-cycle, or 2 weeks after the first day of your last period. The test cannot be done during your period!