"Terrified" is how a Penn State student said she felt as she anxiously approached her first appointment for a "female stuff" medical exam.

However, she knew she had to go through with it, because she had a new boyfriend and they were becoming involved sexually. She definitely did not want to get pregnant.

When she called the Women's Health Department at University Health Services (UHS), they told her that if she wanted a prescription for a hormonal birth control method (like the "pill"), she would have to come in to the clinic for a complete physical exam.

To help make her first appointment easier, she went online ahead of time and filled out the Pre-Visit Health History on the UHS Web site.

Two of her aunts on her mother's side of the family had breast cancer, so she included that on her form.

She came to Women's Health in Ritenour Building, prepared to be embarrassed and uncomfortable.

But she found out it wasn't nearly as bad as she had expected it to be.

She said, "I was really surprised at how easy it was. Everyone was so kind to me. They understood it was my first time there and they were really gentle."

An experienced and caring staff made the difference.

She had a complete physical, including a pelvic exam, testing for specific sexually transmitted infections, and a pap test, which can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they develop into cancer.

She also was shown how to do a breast self-exam, something she had read about but had never done.

She and the clinician discussed the benefits and drawbacks of various birth control options, including the birth control pill, a diaphragm, vaginal ring, transdermal hormonal patch, Depo Provera shots, emergency contraception, and condoms and spermicides.

She chose birth control pills for pregnancy protection and agreed to talk with her boyfriend about continuing to use a condom to help protect both of them from sexually transmitted infections.

When she left the clinic, she felt good about the visit and her decision to protect herself from an unwanted pregnancy, as well as sexually transmitted infections.

"Making the decision to go on the pill was tough, but I felt comfortable with the nurse practitioner.

"She explained everything to me and even checked on me recently. I know I made the best decision and where to go for future help."

If you are a female Penn State student, you can receive the following confidential services at the Women's Health Department:

Yearly "healthy woman" exams include a complete physical, and pap and pelvic exams and screening for certain sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia.

The department has contraceptive services, including availability (when medically appropriate) of oral contraceptives, diaphragm fitting, cervical cap fitting, Depo-Provera (injectable contraceptive), and emergency contraception pills (morning-after pills), the Nuva Ring (a contraceptive vaginal ring), and the Evra transdermal contraceptive patch.

It offers evaluation and care for common gynecological problems.

These common problems include such issues as menstrual disorders (including painful periods and irregular periods), painful intercourse, and vaginal infections.

Pelvic ultrasound is offered for diagnosis of abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, polyps, and tubal pregnancies.

Colposcopy exam can be performed when there are abnormalities on a pap smear.

Breast exams, including instruction on how to correctly perform monthly breast self-exams are offered.

Pregnancy testing, options, counseling, and referral is available.

Testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections can be found here as well.Referral for appropriate care is also available when indicated as needed for eating disorders, psychological problems or any partner referrals that are made.

Phone consultation with an advice nurse during clinic hours to answer questions about gynecological problems or concerns.

Evaluation, treatment (including evidence collection exam), counseling and referral for victims of sexual assault or other forms of violence.

The staff of the Women's Health Department includes a gynecologist, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, clinical lab assistants, and receptionists.

Appointments are available at the main Women's Health Clinic in Ritenour Building and in their satellite clinic in Shulze Hall.

Call 814-862-2633 for more information or visit the Web site at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/womenshealth.htm

* This is a compilation of the experiences of several women who came to the Women's Health Department.