@state May 2014 - Women's Health Month

Supporting Women’s Health

female presenting gynecological diagram

Learn about the Student Health Services and Health Promotion programs offered for women in honor of National Women’s Health Week, which takes place May 11 through 17.

GYN Orientations

For women preparing for their first annual/pap exam or looking to start birth control for the first time from SDSU’s Student Health Services, attending a GYN Orientation is the first step. These 50-minute informational presentations prepare women for their first pelvic exam and help them make an informed decision about birth control choices. Participants will also take away useful women’s health tips.

Orientations are held every day during the week in the Health Promotion Office (Calpulli Center 3rd Floor, Suite 3201). Although no appointment is necessary, it’s recommended to arrive about 15 minutes early to your session to be on the safe side.

Arrive 30 minutes before the session’s start time to get information and apply to Family Pact, a program that provides financial assistance for Pap exams and birth control prescriptions. Lesbian-specific health sessions are also available upon request.
Call Health Promotion at 619-594-4133 for the schedule or to request an alternate appointment.

Individual Sexual Health Education

Women have a lot of choices when it comes to birth control, and sorting through all the information alone can be overwhelming. Individual, private sexual health education sessions give women the opportunity to ask a health educator questions about the many birth control options available, and have a longer conversation than what a typical visit with a clinician allows.

These appointments are self-directed by the student, and the contraceptive methods they would like to know more about are discussed at length with visual aids and handouts.

The Health Promotion Department also offers students individualized education sessions about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Students can learn about their personal risk of contracting a specific STI or multiple STIs, their risk of transmitting an STI they have contracted, or learning more about a positive STI diagnosis or a partner’s positive STI diagnosis. Call 619-594-4133 to make an appointment.

Women's Health Exams at Student Health Services

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women aged 21 through 29 receive a women's health exam and pap smear every three years with normal results, and every five years for women 30 years and older.

Stay on top of your personal health and wellness by booking a women's health exam with a clinical provider right here on campus at SDSU’s Student Health Services. Call Student Health Services at 619-594-4736 to make an appointment. For more information about what occurs at a women's health exam and the importance of these exams, please attend a free GYN Orientation.

Sexual Assault Information

For Survivors:

Sexual assault survivors in an emergency situation should call 911 immediately. If it is not in a life-threatening emergency, survivors are strongly encouraged to walk in or contact Student Health Services at 619-594-4736.

Student Health Services provides medical treatment and follow-up care for all students. STI testing and emergency contraception are also available. Health educators are on staff to provide supportive community resources.

Sexual assault forensic exams are not provided by Student Health Services. Let your healthcare provider know if you are interested in having a forensic exam and they will arrange an exam at the nearest Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) center.

How to help a friend:

Support services are offered on campus and in the community. Reach out to one of the following resources for guidance on helping a friend in need:

  • Counseling and Psychological Services: (619) 594-5220
  • Center for Community Solutions Rape Crises Line: 1-888-DVLINKS (385-4657)
  • County of San Diego Victim/Witness Assistance: (619) 531-4041

Presentations for Organizations & Classes

Health Promotion professionals and peer health educators present to classes and organizations throughout the year about sexual health issues including contraception, STIs, and dating violence. If you would like to request a presentation call the Health Promotion Department at 619-594-4133.