WOMEN'S HEALTH

Physicians and women’s health nurse practitioners offer a variety of services in a caring and confidential environment. At Falcon Health Center, we are dedicated to keep students and community members as comfortable as possible regarding their women’s health issue.

If you have any questions or concerns about medically sensitive information, please discuss these issues with the provider at the time you receive the services.

It is important for you to confront these issues so as not to prevent you from receiving the treatment that you need. As with all medical records, women’s health records are confidential.

SERVICES OFFERED

• Health education
• Annual visit
• Routine physical exams (pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, etc.)
• Routine gynecological testing
• Menstrual concerns
• Contraception / Emergency contraception / Creighton Fertility Care
• Pregnancy testing
• Sexual Assault – You may be referred to emergency services for additional testing if needed
• Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
• HIV testing
• Eating disorders
• PrEP Services (see below)

ANNUAL VISIT

Annual visits are recommended for the opportunity to discuss healthier living, reducing risks and personalized care. A comprehensive health history is one of the most important parts to the visit. There may be lab screenings or immunizations ordered based on history, age and/or symptoms.

BIRTH CONTROL

There are numerous types of birth control available through the Falcon Health Center. Some are available through prescription by your healthcare provider while others are easily obtained without a prescription. Note, there may be additional fees regarding birth control prescriptions.

Choosing a contraceptive method is an important decision. It is best to keep in mind the wishes, fears, and preferences of you and your partner. Though there are several forms of reliable birth control, none of these methods are perfect. It is important to practice safe sex and realize that any of these family planning methods are prone to failure.

Listed below are different forms of both prescription-required and non-prescription required birth control options:

Methods Requiring a Prescription:

• “The Pill” / Oral Contraceptives: Hormones from the pill will prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, while also thickening the cervical mucous to further prevent sperm from reaching it. It is a contraceptive taken daily.
• “The Shot” / Depo-Provera: This hormone-containing injection suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucous. It is a good option for those wishing to avoid using estrogen or taking a daily pill. For the best outcome, the shot should be received every 12 weeks.
• “The Ring” / NuvaRing: A small synthetic ring is inserted into the vagina, and remains in place for three weeks, followed by one week without it. Similarly, the ring uses hormones to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucous.
• “The Patch”: “The Patch” is a bandaid-sized hormone patch that is applied to a designated area of skin. It is changed once a week for three weeks, and followed by one week without. Like the above hormone contraceptives, it stops the ovary from releasing and egg, and also thickens cervical mucous.
• Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a rubber cap that holds spermicidal jelly or cream against the cervix. The diaphragm acts as a physical barrier to keep sperm out of the reproductive tract, while the spermicide acts as a chemical backup to kill any sperm that may have gotten around the rim of the diaphragm.
• “The Implant” / Nexplanon: An implant that is placed just under the skin in the arm to provide up to 3 years of continuous birth control. Does not contain estrogen and works to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucous. The implant is inserted by a trained professional in the office.
• IUD / Kyleena, Mirena or Paraguard: Intrauterine devices can provide long-term reversible contraception anywhere from 5 to 10 years. These devices work to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting sperm from fertilizing the egg. This contraceptive option also does not contain estrogen and Paragard does not contain any hormone (good option for those who cannot take hormone contraceptives). IUD’s are also inserted in the office by a trained professional.

Methods Not Requiring a Prescription:

• Male Condoms: Latex & Non-latex (polyisoprene or polyurethane) Worn by the male, male condoms act as a physical barrier to keep sperm from entering the female reproductive organs. They can also work to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Female Condoms: Female condoms are inserted into the woman’s vagina, and prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive organs. Like male condoms, female condoms can prevent sexually transmitted infections.
• Spermicides: Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm. They are inserted into the vagina and incapacitate the sperm, preventing them from entering the uterus. Spermicides come in a variety of forms including foams, jellies, creams, and films.
• Creighton Model Fertility Care System – a natural and effective method of fertility awareness and family planning. It is based on monitoring a woman’s cervical mucus patterns and other biomarkers to help achieve or avoid pregnancy. 

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Condoms break, unplanned sexual intercourse occurs, sexual assaults happen, and other human situations abound. As long as family planning technology remains imperfect, the need for emergency contraception exists. Contact Falcon Health Center if the need for emergency contraception should arise.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs): The most common form of emergency contraception is the use of emergency contraceptive pills. “Plan B” is a pill taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Normal menstruation should occur within approximately three days of when it would have been expected. If no menstruation occurs within three weeks after ECPs are used, contact Falcon Health Center for an evaluation for possible pregnancy.

PrEP Services

“PrEP” or Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a prevention option for those at a high risk for HIV and consists of daily HIV medication that lowers the chances of becoming infected.

At our PrEP appointments, our patient will

• Meet with a provider for an initial consult
• Review risk factors and appropriateness for treatment initiation
• Initial testing and education
• Attend a follow-up appointment every 6 months with labs every 3 months

Call (419) 372-2271 to schedule.

WOMEN’S HEALTH TOPICS AND GLOSSARY

View our Women’s Health Glossary to learn about the meanings behind the words used during your appointment. Feel free to print this booklet for personal use.

Helpful Links

More information about Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexual Assault can be found at Sexual Health.

Looking for information about eating disorders? Visit Psychological Services.

Feel free to contact Falcon Health Center regarding your women’s health needs and concerns.

Services described on this page might be relevant for students with a variety of gender identities, including ciswomen, transmen, transwomen and gender non-conforming people.