Student Health Services

Testicular Exam:

Testicular cancer occurs most often in males aged 15-34. That is why it is important to learn how to look for testicular cancer.

• The best time to examine yourself is in the morning after a shower.
• Your testicles should feel round, smooth, and firm. They may be different sizes.
• You are looking for any lumps (no matter how small) or swelling in your testicles.
• When feeling your testicles, feel them one at a time by rolling your testicle between your thumb and fingers.
• Cup your scrotum and look for any change, redness, swelling, or unusual feeling of heaviness.
• The epididymis is a cord like structure at the top and back of the testicle. Carefully check this area for swelling and painful tenderness.
• If you notice any lumps or swelling, or if you feel pain or tenderness inside the testicle when it is lightly touched, you should see your doctor immediately.

Annual Exam/Pap Smear:

Gynecological health care is essential for women, all women; regardless of age, sexual orientation, marital status, sexually active or not. An annual pelvic exam (including a breast exam and often a Pap smear) is recommended for all women starting by age 21. A Pap smear is a screening test for cancer of the cervix. This test can show early signs of cell changes that can lead to cancer. A sample of cells is taken from the surface of your cervix during a pelvic examination and examined under a microscope at a laboratory. This service is provided by “appointment only.” To ensure the most accurate results from your Pap smear, schedule an appointment with a provider at a time when you will not be menstruating, and re-schedule if your period should start. Avoid vaginal medication, lubricants, vaginal contraceptives, or douches for 48 hours before your exam. Do not have sexual intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before the exam.


What to expect at your annual exam:

• Review of personal and family's health history
• Blood pressure and weight check
• Breast exam (including a quick "how to" self breast exam)
• Pelvic exam: You will be asked to place your feet in the footrests at the end of the table. Slide your hips down to the edge of the table. Let your knees spread wide apart, and relax as much as possible. The more you are relaxed, the more comfortable, the exam will be. You can cover your lower abdomen and thighs with the drape sheet to feel less exposed.

The exam lasts just a few minutes. First there will be an External Genital Exam. The clinician visually examines the folds of the vulva and the opening of the vagina to check for signs of irritation, discharge, cysts, genital warts, or other conditions. Next, the clinician inserts a metal or plastic speculum into the vagina. When opened, it separates the walls of the vagina, which normally are closed and touch each other, so that the cervix can be seen. You may feel some degree of pressure or mild discomfort when the speculum is inserted and opened. Once the speculum is in place, the clinician checks for any irritation, growth, or abnormal discharge from the cervix. Tests for sexually transmitted infections may be taken by collecting cervical mucus on a cotton swab. These tests may not be done unless you have a concern about infections and ask for testing. Lastly, wearing an examination glove, the clinician inserts one or two lubricated fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on top of your lower abdomen, while feeling for any abnormalities that might have occurred since your last pelvic exam. The clinician checks the size, shape, and position of the uterus for changes in your ovaries.

Remember, talk with your clinician about your concerns or fears. If you feel pain, tell the clinician.