The Women's Health Services at the Health and Counseling Center offers comprehensive, confidential care to the women of DU. The clinic offers routine preventive care as well as treatment of illness and infection. Our services include:

• Annual gynecological exams and pap smears
• Testing, treatment and counseling regarding sexually transmitted diseases
• Birth control counseling and reduced price prescriptions
• Emergency contraception
• Treatment of general gynecological problems (vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, etc.)
• Pregnancy testing, counseling and referrals
• On site gynecologist available by appointment; specialty gynecological services include:
  
  • Specialist consultation
  • Colposcopy
  • Diaphragm fittings
• Other services can be performed by our gynecologist at an outside clinic.

Women's Health Services

Annual Exam
The routine gynecological exam, or "annual exam", is performed every year to help maintain good health. Your medical provider will talk to you about your medical history, family history, sexual history and any special needs you may have, such as birth control. Your provider will then do a brief general physical exam, breast exam and pelvic exam which will usually include a pap smear. It is recommended that women have this exam once a year once they become sexually active, regardless of sexual orientation. Women who are not sexually active should talk to their provider about when to start having their annual exams.

Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam is done routinely as part of the annual exam. It involves a speculum exam (where the provider uses a speculum to visualize the vagina and cervix), as well as a bimanual exam which allows the provider to feel your uterus and ovaries. If you are having vaginal itching, burning, or unusual discharge, this is the exam you need.

Birth Control Counseling
If you would like to start birth control or are having a problem with your current birth control method, schedule an appointment for birth control counseling.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screening and Prevention
If you desire routine testing to screen for STD's, including HIV/AIDS, or would like more information on how you acquire, treat and prevent STD's, schedule this appointment. Women require a pelvic exam in order to screen for STD's, particularly if symptoms are present.

Pregnancy Counseling
The women's Health Clinic offers pregnancy testing. This test is covered under the Health & Counseling Fee. If you are pregnant, we provide counseling regarding your options, and we can make the appropriate referrals for you.

Emergency Contraception
At the HCC, we offer emergency contraception. All women are required to have an appointment in order to obtain the prescription. When you call to make the appointment (303.871.2205), please let the staff member know you need this type of appointment. It is important to be been seen as soon as possible, within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Breast Exam
Your provider will do a clinical breast exam as well as instruct you in self breast exam techniques. We also have synthetic breast models to demonstrate common and abnormal findings on breast exam. If you are unsure of your technique or have noticed anything you are concerned about, make an appointment to come in for an evaluation.

Sexual Assault
It is extremely important see a medical professional following sexual assault. Your provider can talk to you about preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy and will assist in connecting you to other appropriate resources. The Women's Health Services does not provide the comprehensive exam known as the "rape kit" to collect evidence following sexual assault. Women are encouraged to go to the nearest emergency room in cases where this is desired. We are always available to discuss your options with you and help sort through any confusion and emotional distress during this traumatic time. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a medical provider or a counselor, please call 303.871.2205.

The University of Denver also has an office dedicated to working with students, staff, and faculty on issues of gender violence. The Gender Violence Education and Support Services office is separate from the Health and Counseling Center and Campus Safety. It is located in Nelson Residence Hall and provides free and confidential advice to survivors of gender violence as well as their friends and family. Gender violence encompasses sexual assault, stalking, dating and domestic violence. Please call 303-871-3853 for an appointment.

You can also call the Call the Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate (SASA) Network for free and confidential advice about next steps or simply to talk about something. The team is a group of trained DU volunteers who are on call 24/7 during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Call 303.871.3456.

Birth Control

The Women's Health Services offers consultation and prescriptions for birth control. There are many options available. It may be helpful to review this information before your appointment with your provider.

While the Health and Counseling Center carries condoms and dental dams, its pharmacy does not carry prescription birth control. However, our providers can still prescribe various forms of birth control. Simply make an appointment for a birth control consultation. Your provider will discuss your options and help you choose a method that will work best for you. Our gynecologist also does diaphragm fittings by appointment. It is important to note that only condoms can decrease your risk of STD's.