A guide to taking care of your pelvic health, for people with a cervix.
Tips for pelvic care
- Know your vulva. Every vulva is different, even when it comes to scent. If you notice your vulva smells different than usual or doesn’t feel right, talk to your provider.
- Avoid douching. The vagina cleans itself. Douching can cause irritation and eliminate good bacteria. Wash your vulva daily with water and unscented soap, and avoid internal cleaning.
- Menstrual hygiene. Replace pads and tampons at least every 4 hours, and wash menstrual cups every 12 hours.
- Build a relationship with a provider. Habif clinicians are dedicated to providing you the best care possible.
- Annual preventive health visits. These appointments are focused on prevention, and include talking about your well-being and answering any questions you may have.
- Get the HPV Vaccine. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common STI and is spread by skin-to-skin contact. The vaccine protects against most strains of HPV that can cause genital warts or increase the risk of certain cancers, like cervical, head and neck cancers. People of all genders can get the HPV vaccine.
- WashU students up to age 45 who are enrolled in the student health insurance plan can receive the HPV vaccine for free. *This may be true for other insurance providers as well. Check your policy to verify coverage. Student healthcare plans change over time. Check your current policy to verify coverage.
- Sexual health. If you are sexually active, get yourself screened for STIs/HIV at least annually and talk to your partner(s) about sexual health. Use barriers like condoms and oral dams to reduce your risk for STIs. Free condoms, oral dams and lube are available via Habif’s Bare Mail program. Email wellness@wustl.edu for more info.
- Get a PAP test. For people who have a cervix, preventive health visits may include a screening at age 21, regardless of sexual activity. This is sometimes called a Pap test. Pap tests are performed to detect changes in cells on the cervix. If abnormal cells are found, this is referred to as cervical dysplasia. These cellular changes are mostly caused by HPV. Cervical dysplasia is not cancer, but in some cases, can develop into cancer.
- Who needs a PAP test? At the age of 21, it is recommended that anyone with a cervix get a Pap test, regardless of sexual activity. After 21, it is recommended every 3 years unless you are told otherwise by a provider.
- How to prepare for a PAP test? You do not need to do anything special to prepare. Pap smears can be performed even if you have had sex recently, used a lubricant, or while you are on your period. If your bleeding is very heavy, you might want to reschedule.
- What to expect during a PAP test? If you’re nervous, that’s okay! Let your provider know how you’re feeling. Habif clinicians prioritize your comfort and accommodate you in any way they can. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on your back on the exam table. The provider will insert a speculum (an object that looks like a slender duck bill) and collect a sample of cells from the cervix using a small brush. The provider may also insert one or two fingers into the vagina and keep their other hand on the lower abdomen in order to feel for cysts on the ovaries – this is called a bimanual exam. Pap tests only take a few minutes. Tests may be uncomfortable, but they should not hurt. Let your provider know if you experience pain during the test.
- It is Habif’s policy that a clinical assistant is present during a pap test in addition to the primary provider. They may assist with equipment and specimen handling, and are present to help enhance the patient’s comfort, safety, security and dignity during a sensitive procedure.
- Continue practicing prevention. Caring for your sexual health and receiving annual preventative health visits are also important aspects of caring for your pelvic health.
The Student Health Center services
For an appointment call (314)935-6677.
- Primary care services:
- Preventative care
- STI & HIV screening
- PrEP navigation
- Contraceptive counseling
- Mental health services
- Individual and couples counseling
- Gender identity consultations
- Hormone therapy referrals
Community resources
Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis region and Southwest Missouri
Provides, protects and supports reproductive and sexual health. Visit plannedparenthood.org for more info or call (314) 531-7526.
Contraceptive Choice Center
Provides gender-inclusive sexual health and contraceptive services for adolescents and adults. Visit c3.wustl.edu for more info.
THE SPOT
Provides services for people 24 and under:
- STI & HIV screening (limited hours)
- STI treatment
- PrEP navigation
- Contraceptive refills & Plan B
Visit thespot.wustl.edu for more info.
WashU Transgender Center
Provides:
- Primary care, hormone therapy and specialty care
- Behavioral health and social work services
Visit wuphysicians.wustl.edu for more info.
