Reproductive/Sexual Health
Birth control (contraceptives)
Gynecological Care and Pregnancy
Annual exams and Pap testing
No matter if a person is single, in a relationship, straight, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, sexually active, asexual, or abstinent, having an annual exam is an important part of health and well-being. During this type of exam, a health care provider can check for abnormalities, infections, discuss normal findings, explain symptoms or changes in the body, and help educate about birth control and safe sex options that are available.
It is very normal to be nervous about your visit, particularly if you have never had an exam before. You may feel embarrassed to have a provider examine you, scared the exam will hurt, or you might be worried that something is wrong or you have a problem. Our goal is to give you information to help you be more prepared for the exam to hopefully ease any anxiety you might be feeling.
Please review our “Preparing for your Annual Exam” information sheet to see what type of exam you need, how to prepare, and what to expect at your visit.
Birth control (contraceptives)
Birth control/contraceptive methods come in many different forms including hormonal, barrier, and natural family planning methods. All of these methods work to accomplish one goal: prevention of pregnancy. Some of the methods also provide the added benefit of protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When choosing a method, be sure and pick one you are likely to use consistently and correctly for the best protection rates. SHS providers are happy to discuss options available for contraception.
Contraceptive methods available at SHS:
- Oral Contraceptives (the “pill”)
- Ortho-Evra and NuvaRing (the “patch” or the “ring”)
- Depo-Provera (the “shot”)
- Internal condoms
- External condoms
- Diaphragms
- Emergency Contraception*
- Nexplanon
- Intrauterine Device (IUD) (Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena)
* Emergency Contraception
When at risk for pregnancy because of a condom break, missed pills without a backup method, sexual assault, etc taking a high dose of hormones decreases the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg. This must be done within 120 hours of the unprotected intercourse and is available at most pharmacies. No prescription is needed for individuals age 17 and older. A valid ECU 1Card is required for purchase. SHS will not sell emergency contraception to non students.
Not sure what type of contraceptive would be best for you? Check out www.bedsider.org for information on various methods available, pros/cons, etc.
Obtaining contraceptives at Student Health Services
Condoms may be purchased over-the-counter in the Student Health Service Pharmacy.
To obtain birth control pills, Ortho-Evra®, NuvaRing®, Depo-Provera®, Nexplanon, an IUD, or to be fitted for a diaphragm, you must have an up to date annual exam (please see the section entitled “Annual Exams and Pap Testing“.
If you have had a recent exam at an outside provider but wish to have SHS prescribe you contraception, you must have your medical records sent to us prior to scheduling your appointment for a “contraceptive consultation”.
Student Health can also make referrals for anyone interested in other methods of contraception.
On Depo and need to receive your injection? Check out our “Depo Injection” information sheet for info on making an appointment.
Have a general question about contraceptives? E-mail us at gotquestions@ecu.edu.
Breast health
The best way to notice changes in your breasts is to do a regular self-exam—if you do not know what is normal for you, you will not be able to notice changes in your breasts that could signal a problem. If you find a change, see your health care provider right away.
Most breast changes or lumps are NOT cancer. However, when breast cancer is found early, you have more treatment choices and a better chance of recovery. Regular breast self-exams are an important screening test you can perform to help with early detection of breast problems.
Breast self-exams should not take the place of regular screening mammograms or clinical breast exams, which are done by a healthcare provider.
What exactly are you looking for when you are doing a self-exam?
It is hard to know what is “right” or “wrong” for your body, unless you have a basic idea of what is normal for you. Breast Self-Exam (BSE) is a great way to establish a healthy level of self-awareness about your breast. Breast tissue is made up of glands and other tissue that can feel lumpy to the touch. The amount of lumpiness varies for each person.
You are looking for lumps that:
- Stand out
- Are 1/2 inch in size
- Are persistent and unchanging
- Represent any difference from normal breast tissue
Also note any changes in the skin around your breasts, any pain or discharge from your nipples, or any other finding that seems different than normal. It is important to know that the consistency of breast tissue changes throughout the life cycle and the monthly menstrual cycle. To learn how to perform a BSE, visit “The Five Steps of a Breast Self Exam”.
If you notice any changes in your breasts, feel any lumps, or want to talk to a provider about breast health, please schedule an appointment.
Colposcopy/Abnormal Pap test (Main Campus SHS)
The Pap test can show when cells are abnormal on the cervix. It could be an area of atypia or dysplasia, which could be related to things like normal hormonal changes, or possibly to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). In rare cases it may be early cancer. Atypia, dysplasia, and early cancer do not cause pain, itching, or discharge. It is important to obtain treatment for atypia or dysplasia if recommended by your health care provider.
If you have just found out that your Pap test is not normal, you are probably wondering “What now?” Depending on your age and your medical history, you may be asked to have Pap tests more frequently or you may be referred for a special test (colposcopy) that will help evaluate what was not normal about your Pap test.
To find out more about a colposcopy visit, including how to prepare and what to expect, read our Colposcopy Information handout,
Student Health does perform colposcopy, by appointment only. If you have had your Pap test at an outside provider’s office and the procedure has been advised, please make sure to have your Pap records sent to SHS prior to scheduling your colposcopy. To schedule an appointment, or to find out pricing information, please call (252) 328-6841. Have a general question about abnormal Pap tests, colposcopy, or cervical cancer prevention? E-mail us at gotquestions@ecu.edu.
Lactation Support
Are you a nursing mother or know someone in need of a campus area to express milk? SHS has a lactation room available in our Main Campus SHS. There are also a number of lactation rooms available across campus. Access the list here.
Gynecological Care and Pregnancy
SHS providers can evaluate gynecological concerns, including but not limited to:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Painful periods
- Ovarian cysts
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) infections
- STI symptoms
- Vaginitis
- Vaginal/vulvar cysts
It is best to avoid any vaginal creams, douching, or feminine soaps/deodorant sprays for the 24 hours prior to an appointment; these products can affect testing that may be done to evaluate your symptoms.
To schedule an appointment for a gynecological issue, please call (252) 328-6841.
Pregnancy
SHS offers pregnancy testing by appointment, or at-home pregnancy tests can be purchased at our pharmacy.
SHS does not provide prenatal care, ultrasound, or obstetrical services.
Providers can counsel regarding pregnancy options and will refer students who need prenatal care to a local Ob/Gyn office.
STI Testing and PrEP
If you are symptom-free, you can schedule a visit with a nurse to test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and/or syphilis.
Having STI symptoms or need testing for warts or herpes? Make a clinic appointment with one of our providers.
Testing is performed in the following ways:
- genital chlamydia/gonorrhea: urine test, endocervical swab, or urethral swab
- oral chlamydia/gonorrhea: oral swab (do not eat/drink/dip/smoke for 1 hour prior to your appointment)
- rectal chlamydia/gonorrhea: rectal swab
- HIV and syphillis: blood sample
Unsure what the symptoms of an STI might be? If you have any of these symptoms, you must schedule an appointment with a provider.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, odor, burning, or itching
- Pelvic pain or lower abdominal discomfort
- Irregular vaginal bleeding that is not your period
- Pain with intercourse
- Sores, bumps, or blisters around your genital or anal area
- Burning with urination
- Penile drip or discharge
- Swollen or tender testicles
- Throat pain
- Rectal bleeding, discharge, itching, or bumps
SHS recognizes that talking frankly and honestly about sexuality issues is uncomfortable for some people. It is important to remember that the more information you share with the health care provider, the better they can help to meet your needs. Quality health care begins with good communication between patients and health care providers. Be prepared to address topics concerning your sexual history, current sexual behavior, methods of contraception and STI risk reduction, and any current symptoms that you may be experiencing. These questions are asked for medical reasons and will ensure the best care possible. All information is confidential. Based on the shared information, your provider will determine appropriate tests for you.
You should consider getting tested for STIs if you have ever:
– Had unprotected (no barrier device was used) oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone of an unknown STI status.
– Had intercourse under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and cannot remember what happened.
– Shared IV drug needles with an infected person or someone whose STI status was unknown.
– Had a past or current sex partner that told you of their infection with an STI.
Have a general question about STIs? E-mail us at gotquestions@ecu.edu.
PrEP
PrEP(Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a highly effective HIV prevention method that can be used to reduce the risk of HIV infection. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Is PrEP right for you? Check out this informational pamphlet from the CDC, and then schedule an appointment at SHS if you are interested in learning more or ready to begin PrEP.
Penile and Testicular Health
SHS providers can evaluate a variety of problems, including but not limited to:
- STI symptoms
- Painful urination
- Prostatitis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Testicular discomfort
- Testicular lumps
Cancer of the testes is one of the most common cancers in men 15-34 years of age. Like other cancers, if testicular cancer is discovered in the early stages it can be treated promptly and effectively.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
- A small hard lump about the size of a pea
- Usually painless lump
- Heavy feeling in the testicle
- Enlargement of the testicle
- Change in the consistency of the testicle
- Dull ache in the testicle
The best means for early detection of testicular cancer is self-examination of the testicles. Testicular self-exam is a three minute monthly procedure that is completed after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is most relaxed.
Testicular Self Examination
- Examine the scrotum visually for swelling.
- Examine each testicle separately by rolling the testicle between your thumb and the first two fingers of both hands. It is normal for one testicle to be larger than the other.
- Check for lumps, swelling, or a change in size or consistency of the testicle.
- Feel the epididymis, a cord-like structure, on the top and back of each testicle. Don’t interpret this as an abnormality.
- Make an appointment with a health care provider if any lumps or other abnormalities are found. Also, have your health care provider evaluate aching in the lower abdomen or groin, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, which may be a warning sign of cancer.