Women’s Health

Last reviewed: 7/19/2023

Women's care is provided by excellent primary care providers, health promotion specialists, and peer advocates; all of whom are experienced in women’s health and are considerate of the sensitive nature of the visit. Our providers are attuned to the sexual, psychosocial, gynecologic, and body image needs that are part of providing comprehensive women’s health care.

Get Connected with Care

Birth control (including oral pill, IUD insertion, and contraceptive injections)

• If the student knows the type of birth control they want, they can schedule a visit with their primary care provider via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426
• If the student does not know the type of birth control they want, students may attend Sexual & Reproductive Health drop-in hours to explore options.

Periodic health (well woman) examinations and gynecological concerns

• Students may schedule a visit with their primary care provider via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426

STI/HIV testing and treatment

• To discuss STI questions, including prevention strategies, testing, and/or treatment, students may attend Sexual & Reproductive Health drop-in hours or schedule a visit with their primary care provider via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426

Pregnancy support (testing and evaluation, options counseling, etc.):

• No-cost pregnancy testing is available at Medical Services. To get tested, a student may call 212-854-7426 to schedule a nursing appointment. A urine sample will be collected.
• If a student has an unplanned pregnancy, they can make an appointment with their primary care provider at Medical Services via the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426 to discuss their options.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services staff are also available to assist and support them. Students may call 212-854-2878 to make an appointment.
  • Students may also review the Pregnancy Termination guide for an overview of options.
• For prenatal care, students can speak to their primary care provider to get a referral to an ob-gyn clinic.
• Pregnancy Complications: Minor spotting or cramps may be normal in pregnancy. However, bleeding and severe cramping can be signs of complications. If a student experiences these symptoms during their pregnancy, it is important to contact their obstetrician. The obstetrics clinics at Columbia University Medical Center can schedule a same-day appointment if their condition warrants immediate attention.

Emergency contraception:

• Columbia students can obtain Plan B or Ella directly at Medical Services by calling 212-854-7426
• Available via the vending machines found in the lobby of two undergraduate residence halls: John Jay Hall and Schapiro Hall

Still not sure where to start?

Students can schedule a health promotion appointment to learn about services and get directed to the most appropriate resource for their needs.

What Does a Well Woman Examination Include?

• Examination of the thyroid gland, neck, lungs, heart, breasts, abdomen, and skin
• Cervical cancer screening (PAP smear)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing
• Prescription for contraception, if requested

When To Get a Pap Smear:

• Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) should begin at age 21.
• Women under age 21 who need contraception or STI screening may do so without having a cervical cancer screening exam.
• Cervical cancer screening is recommended every three years for women aged 21 to 29 who are healthy and have had normal exams in the past.
• Women age 30 and older should speak with their provider about whether they should have cervical cancer screenings every five years.
• Women with certain risk factors may need more frequent screening, including those who have HIV, are immunosuppressed, or have had abnormal cervical screening test results in the past.