The seniors of Women in Learning and Leadership will host a Healthy Eating and Living (H.E.A.L.) fair for the women of Trenton, NJ at the Trenton YWCA on April 21, 2011. It was developed as part of W.I.L.L.’s senior capstone course called Women’s Leadership and Social Change.
The mission of H.E.A.L. is to educate women in the local community on health issues through a comprehensive women’s health fair. It aims to inform and empower attendees so they are able to make healthier decisions regarding their well-being. As part of this project, several H.E.A.L. members have written articles to inform TCNJ women on healthy living.
As a female college student, you are probably very familiar with “that time of the month,” but what about “that time of the year?” That’s right: your yearly gynecological exam.
Between classes, extra-curricular activities, having fun with your friends, making plans for your future, and summer on your mind, doctor’s appointments might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you’re feeling perfectly healthy.
However, young women between the ages of 18 and 30 are advised to have yearly gynecological check-ups, especially if they are sexually active. The exams are important in order to detect and prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast cancer and cervical cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year, approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections are diagnosed, and almost half of them are among people between the ages of 15 and 24. Almost two-thirds of these infections affect individuals younger than 25 years old. Many of these infections go undetected, especially among females because they do not have obvious symptoms and because some women don’t seek regular medical care.
The most common STIs among college students are HPV, Chlamydia, and Herpes. A number of these infections do not present symptoms and are not treatable.
Although you’ve probably heard about these infections, you might be surprised that less than half of adults ages 18 to 44 have ever been tested for an STI other than HIV/AIDS, according to Centers for Disease Control.
In addition to STIs, young women are also at risk for breast and cervical cancer, which are the first and second most common types of cancer found in women worldwide respectively. Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 200,000 women develop breast cancer and over 11,000 women develop cervical cancer in the United States every year. While breast cancer is not directly linked to STIs, cervical cancer is. Cervical cancer develops from HPV, the Human papillomavirus, which can be spread through sexual contact.
Regardless of whether you are sexually active, have a family history of cancer, or feel healthy and symptomless, it is recommended that all young women who are sexually active or over 21 years old have a yearly gynecological exam. A gynecologist or clinic can test you for STIs, check your breasts for signs of breast cancer, and perform a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. A clinician can also inform you on how to perform regular breast self-exams and advise you about contraceptives if you are sexually active. If you feel anything unusual or develop symptoms, a doctor will be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to go, who to see, and what questions to ask, don’t worry because there are many resources right here on the TCNJ campus. For gynecological exams, STI screenings, contraception, and questions, you can go to Planned Parenthood, which comes to Health Services on campus twice a week. Both Health Services and Planned Parenthood accept the TCNJ Student Health Insurance Plan. Of course, you can also visit your own doctor or gynecologist, or go to one of the Planned Parenthood clinics throughout Mercer County. So schedule your annual exam, and remember that you know your body best.
When something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s always best to see a doctor.
Please visit Planned Parenthood’s website for more information.