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Obstetrics and Gynecology

FAQs

• Using Our Department
• Medical Questions
• Birth Control/Contraception
• Pregnancy Tests
• Mammograms
• Obstetrics/Pregnancy

Using Our Department

  • How do I contact the department?
    Our phone hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Below are the options available after listening to the main greeting on our department telephone line 203-432-0222:
    • Press 1: Medical emergency
    • Press 2: Calls from a clinician or hospital regarding a patient
    • Press 3: Routine appointments, messages to your clinician or returning a call
    • Press 4: Requesting test results
    • Press 5: Prescription refills for the Yale Health Plan Pharmacy
    • Press 6: Return to the Main Menu
    • Press 7: For all other calls/reasons or to speak with a receptionist

    After hours on weekdays and on weekends and holidays, please call Urgent Care at 203-432-0123 for emergencies. They will contact our clinician on call.

  • How do I get lab test and results?
    • Our preferred and secure method to provide you with your test results is through Yale Health Online (YHOL) - our secure, web-based encrypted messaging system.
    • We offer walk-in pregnancy tests on weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Come to the department between those hours to receive a lab slip for a pregnancy test. No appointment is necessary.
    • Lab tests can be drawn at the lab located on our second floor or at any Quest Diagnostics location in Connecticut. Please see the Lab services page for convenient hours and locations.
    • Occasionally your clinician may request you to have lab work done prior to your appointment. Please have it completed at least 4 days before your appointment. If it is to be completed the same day as your clinician appointment, please allow approximately 30 minutes before the time of your scheduled appointment.
  • Do I need a referral?
    • You do not need a referral for services in our department.
    • Mammograms do not require referrals.
    • At age 40 and over, you will receive annually a mammography reminder letter mailed to you during your birthday month. This letter will provide you the information you need to book your own mammogram at a time convenient for you.
    • Referrals for services outside of 17 Hillhouse Avenue require prior authorization.
    • With advance notice, we can mail your approved referrals to you. If you are requesting that the referral be mailed, allow enough time for it to get to you (approximately 7 days) so that you can bring it with you to your appointment.

Medical Questions

Birth Control/Contraception

  • How can I get emergency contraception (morning-after) pill (ECP)?
    Emergency contraception, also known as "Plan B" or "the morning after pill" is available over the counter for women 18 and over, at the Yale Pharmacy, as well as most local pharmacies. Emergency contraception might be effective up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, but is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours.

    If you are under 18, it is available by prescription and you may call the Department of Student Medicine at (203) 432-0312 or the Department of OB/GYN at (203) 432-0222 and make an appointment with the nurse to get a prescription for Plan B.

    If it is after hours, please go to Urgent Care. You must show proof of age at the time of purchase. Emergency contraception can be purchased by both males and females

    If you have questions about emergency contraception, you may call any of the departments above and ask to speak with one of the nurses. All information is confidential.
  • I'm interested in birth control. How can I get more information?
    If you have not had a gynecologic exam within one year, please schedule an appointment by calling the department of Ob/GYN at (203) 432-0222. Contraceptive options may be discussed at this visit. If you have been seen recently or within the past year, call to speak with a nurse, or use Yale Health Online to message your clinician. You may also stop by the Department of Ob/GYN and ask for a “contraceptive packet “and review the information. Additionally, the department offers many educational handouts and pamphlets on contraceptive options that are available to you.
  • I have my first pack of birth control pills (BCPs). I forgot how to start.
    You may start taking your birth control pills one of two ways:
    1. Start on the first day of your menstrual bleeding or
    2. Start on the first Sunday after your menstrual bleeding begins.
  • When can I consider myself protected?
    Choose a back up method of birth control such as the condom during the first seven days of pill use. A back up method is probably not necessary if you start taking the pills on the first day of your cycle.

    Keep in mind that birth control pills are a protection from pregnancy only. You should still use condoms to protect yourself from STDs.
  • What do I do if I forget to take a pill during the first 3 weeks of the pack?
    If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a pill for an entire day, take it the next day and then take your regular pill at the usual time. Do not take 2 pills together as this can cause nausea – separate the two doses by an hour or more. To minimize or eliminate nausea, take BCPs (Birth Control Pills) with food. Being late with BCPs may lead to break-through bleeding i.e., bleeding prior to week 4, or "placebo" week. Break through bleeding does not indicate a lack of protection.
  • What if I miss more than one BCP?
    If you miss two or more BCPs, it is best to call the Department at (203) 432-0222 and ask to speak with a nurse as we can assist you in getting back on track without having to discontinue the cycle. Note that you will need to use condoms for the rest of the cycle because ovulation is possible.
  • I am a new student on campus and I need my birth control pills - What should I do?
    The easiest way to get your birth control pills is to have your prior clinician call our Yale Pharmacy directly at (203) 432-0033 with your prescription details. They may also fax it directly to (203) 432-5485. The Department of OB/GYN has reserved special appointments with our midwives and nurses to assist you with obtaining your birth control prescriptions at Yale. These appointments are available early in the semester for your convenience. Please call the department at (203) 432-0222 after August 20th and Press #3 to schedule a quick appointment. It is best if you can bring your current container or package that indicates your name, medication, date refilled, etc. to the appointment. This will assist in easy processing of your prescriptions. If you are unable to bring your birth control package or information, please make an appointment with the midwife and try to bring as much information about your medical history as possible to that appointment.
  • Am I covered for prescriptions as an enrolled student?
    Please call Member Services at (203) 432-0246 or review the YHP Student Handbook to check on your individual coverage and benefits. If you have elected to participate in Yale Health Plan Coverage, inclusive of Prescription Plus, you will be covered. However, every student must first meet their annual deductible of $100. Once the deductible is satisfied, prescription medications are covered by the plan at 80%; you will have a 20% copayment.
  • Can I have a prescription written by an outside clinician filled by Yale Health Services?
    Yes, have your clinician call the Yale Pharmacy directly at (203) 432-0033 or fax the prescription to (203) 432-5485.
  • How do I get my outside prescription filled?
    If you have a prescription written by an outside clinician, you can bring it in, have the clinician call (203) 432-0033 or fax the prescription to the Pharmacy directly at (203) 432-5485.

    You should make sure we have received the fax, and are able to fill it. It's helpful if your clinician puts your date of birth on the prescription.
  • How long will it take to get a prescription refilled at the Yale Pharmacy?
    There are many factors that affect how long it takes your clinician to process your prescription:
  1. If you have not been seen in the department for routine exams for greater than one year, the clinician may request that you make an appointment before refilling your prescription. In this case, the clinician will give you enough medication to last until the date of your examination/appointment.
  2. Please allow as much time as possible when requesting your refills. Generally, allow at least one full day for processing, and longer prior to weekends and holidays. The time period just prior to Thanksgiving Recess, December Recess, Spring Break and the end of the semester are peak processing times in the Pharmacy. You will need to allow at least two full business days to process requests at this time.
  • I'm out of refills – and have no medication left, can my clinician call in my refill immediately?
  1. If you have not been seen in the department for routine exams for greater than one year, the clinician may request that you make an appointment before refilling your prescription. In this case, the clinician will give you enough medication to last until the date of your examination/appointment.
  2. Please allow as much time as possible when requesting your refills. Generally, allow at least one full day for processing, and longer prior to weekends and holidays. The time period just prior to Thanksgiving Recess, December Recess, Spring Break and the end of the semester are peak processing times in the Pharmacy. You will need to allow at least two full business days to process requests at this time.
  • I have questions about my birth control pills. How can I communicate with my clinician? We are playing phone tag, I keep leaving my clinician messages, and they call me back when I am in class, how can I get in touch with them?
    If you have registered for a Yale Health Online account, we encourage you to message the clinician's care team. If you do not have a Yale Health Online account, but have had an appointment in the department of OB/GYN, we encourage you to register for a Yale Health Online account. Go to Yale Health Online and click “First Time Registration” to begin the registration process. This is a secure, confidential messaging system that allows you to communicate directly with your clinical care team. You may request appointments, medication refills, and discuss routine medical concerns with the clinical care team 24/7. This is a very convenient way to communicate with your clinicians. Once you request an online account, a unique password will be emailed directly to you. When you have received your password, follow the online directions to access the system and request information. Yale Health Online is for routine, non-urgent messages only. However to communicate concerns or ask questions about birth control options, symptoms, and other related issues, this secure, electronic messaging system is appropriate and convenient. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response from your clinician.
  • Will the antibiotic that I am taking interfere with my birth control pills?
    Only a small number of antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Other drugs may also interfere with oral contraception. Should you have any questions about medications you are taking, please discuss with your clinician or pharmacist. If they feel there may be a decrease in effectiveness, use some other form of back up protection while on the antibiotic and for an additional 7 days.
  • Do I have refills left on my prescription?
    The last line on your most recent prescription label tells you how many refills remain on your prescription, to be filled by a certain date. A prescription is generally good for one year from the date it is written. Prescriptions for most controlled substances, such as narcotics, are good for up to six months from the date written.
  • How do I call in a refill?
    You may call for refills via our automated telephone line, dial (203)432-0033 and select, option 1; you may also stop in with the necessary information. Please allow 24- 48 hours for routine refills.
  • What kind of payment do you accept?
    If you want to pay for your prescription, our cashier is able to accept cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa) during the regular pharmacy hours. The pharmacy is open from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays.

    Students with an open bursar account may charge prescriptions to Student Financial Services for their convenience.
  • What are the Pharmacy's hours?
    Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
    Saturdays from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
    Sundays Closed
    Holidays Closed
    You can also visit the Pharmacy page for more Pharmacy information.
  • What if I want to stop taking BCPs or switch to another form of birth control?
    If you want to switch to another form of birth control or change to another BCP due to side-effects, call our nurse to discuss, or send a message to your clinician using Yale Health Online. It may be possible to do this over the telephone and Yale Health Online. You do not necessarily need an appointment.
  • What other contraceptive methods are available?
    In addition to the 28-day BCPs, you can obtain the following:
    • Nuva Ring – A soft plastic ring containing estrogen & progesterone is inserted into the vagina where the hormone is absorbed through the vaginal mucosa. The method is 99% effective when used as directed and is based on a 28-day cycle like BCPs & Ortho Evra.
    • Depo Provera injection – A progesterone-only method which is injected intramuscularly within the first 5 days of an established period. The method is immediately 99% effective when started in this manner. Injections are repeated every 11–13 weeks. Women on Depo Provera usually stop having periods. The menstrual cycle resumes when Depo Provera is discontinued.
    • IUD's are available for insertion. An IUD or intrauterine device is a small, plastic device that is put into the uterus to stop a woman from getting pregnant. There are two types of IUD's available: one has copper and is called Paraguard or Copper IUD. The other has the hormone levonorgestrel which is released slowly into the uterus, helping to prevent pregnancy. This type is called the Mirena. For every 100 women using the IUD, fewer than 1 per year will get pregnant. This is less than a 1% failure rate.
    • Sterilization – Surgical sterilization is available. This option should be discussed with your clinician to determine if it best meets your needs.
    • Barrier Methods – Barrier methods include the diaphragm, the cervical cap and spermicides. Diaphragms and cervical caps require fitting by a clinician and a prescription. Barrier methods have few side effects, although some people may be allergic to latex or spermicides. The average 1 year failure rate for the diaphragm ranges between 12%-18%.
    • Ortho Evra patch – A patch containing estrogen & progesterone is applied firmly to the skin. The hormone is absorbed through the skin and is 99% effective when used as directed. The patch is a weekly hormonal birth control method that you place on your skin. It contains hormones that are released through the skin and into the bloodstream. The patch is used on a weekly 28-day cycle, similar to birth control pills.
  • I have my gynecologic exams at home and my doctor gives me a prescription for my pills. I ran out and need one month until I see my doctor. Can you help me?
    Have your clinician call the Yale Pharmacy directly at (203) 432-0033 or fax the prescription to (203) 432-5485 to give you enough pills until your next visit. If this is not possible, please call the department of OB/GYN (or visit Yale Health Online and request a Quick Pill Refill Visit with one of our certified nurse midwives. Please bring the pill container or packet with you to the visit. We will do our best to accommodate you, however please plan ahead.
  • I have my gynecologic exams at home and I am on Depo Provera. I will need my injection while I'm here at school. Can you give me my Depo injections?
    We can give you the Depo Provera injection on an appointment basis. Call to make an appointment with the nurse (or visit Yale Health Online). If it is the first time that you will be getting your Depo Provera at Yale, please have your clinician call in the prescription order to our Pharmacy. Please provide written confirmation of the date of your last Depo injection. If possible, a copy of your most recent gynecologic exam and Pap findings. A record request form is available at Yale University Health Services to facilitate your request.

    If you have other questions, you can speak with a nurse or clinician between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call the Department of OB/GYN during the above hours at (203) 432-0222 (or visit Yale Health Online). You may go to or call Urgent Care (203-432-0123) at the Health Center after hours for urgent medical needs, as well as to request Plan B. They are available 24/7.

Pregnancy Tests

  • How can I get a pregnancy test?
    You can request a urine pregnancy test Monday through Friday during full-service hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. To request a test, come to the 2nd floor and go to the department of OB/GYN. The reception staff will assist with this request. There is a Lab in our building for your convenience. You may also go to any Quest Diagnostics laboratory facility in Connecticut, once the test has been ordered by the Department. Your confidential results are usually available the following day by 4:30 pm. Please let us know if you need any additional assistance when you get the results of your pregnancy test.
  • How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
    You may take a home pregnancy test or come to the department and request a pregnancy test after one missed period.
  • I have a positive "home" pregnancy test. What should I do?
    You can call for an appointment with the Department of OB/GYN at (203) 432-0222. If you are anxious, a nurse can speak with you. All information is confidential. When you see a nurse midwife or physician, a second pregnancy test may be performed. Early diagnosis and planning are important. Counseling is available if you would like to discuss options. Please visit our Pregnancy and Childbirth page for frequently asked questions.

Mammograms

A mammogram and a clinical breast exam on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early. The Yale Health Plan follows the recommended mammography guidelines that encourage women ages 40-49 to have a mammogram every one to two years, and women 50 and older to have mammograms yearly. Yale Health Plan members do not need referrals for screening mammograms.

  • What is a mammogram?
    A mammogram is a safe test which uses a low-dose x-ray machine to take pictures of and look for problems with a woman's breasts. Results are recorded on x-ray film or directly onto a computer. Mammograms allow radiologists to look for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue. They can show small lumps or growths that may not be felt during a clinical breast exam.
  • How often should I get a mammogram?
    While you should talk to your clinician about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram, YHP has adopted the following guidelines:
    1. Women 40 years and older: every one to two years.
    2. Women 50 years and older: every year.
    3. Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer might need to start getting mammograms before age 40, or they might need them more often.
    Several reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society, US Preventive Health Task Force, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists make similar recommendations about the frequency of mammography.
  • Where can I make an appointment for a mammogram?
    YHP members may obtain screening mammograms from the Yale-New Haven Breast Center at the following locations by calling 203-688-6800 to schedule an appointment:
  • Are there different types of mammograms?
    • Screening mammograms are for women who have no breast problems or symptoms of breast cancer. When you reach age 40, you should have a screening mammogram every one to two years.
    • Diagnostic mammograms are performed on women who have breast problems or symptoms, such as lumps, nipple discharge, or as a follow up to screening mammograms.
    • Digital mammograms take an electronic image of the breast and store it directly in a computer. Current research has not shown that digital images are better at finding cancer than x-ray film images.
  • Do I need a referral?
    YHP members do not need referrals for screening mammograms. However, please give the mammography center your primary care clinician's or ob-gyn clinician's name so your results can be forwarded.  If the Yale Health Plan is not your primary insurance, please verify coverage and the need for a referral with your primary insurance company.         

    Diagnostic mammograms require that an order from your clinician to be sent to the Yale Mammography Center.  If you require a diagnostic mammogram, please contact your primary care clinician. 
  • How is a mammogram done?
    The person who takes the x-rays, called a radiologic technologist, places one breast at a time between two plastic plates, which press the breast to flatten it. You will feel pressure and possibly some discomfort for a few seconds. The flatter your breast is, the better the picture. Usually, two pictures are taken of each breast--one from the side and one from above. A screening mammogram appointment takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
    Is the mammogram going to hurt?

    Adequate compression is necessary for the radiologist to see the breast tissue better. Compression of the breast also lowers the radiation dose. Women who have tender breasts may experience discomfort. If you are afraid or nervous about feeling pain during your mammogram please discuss this with the technologist before the examination. The technologist will work with you to make you as comfortable as possible while still taking good-quality images.
  • How do I get ready for my mammogram?
    Check with the place where you are having the mammogram for any instructions you may need to follow before you go. Some general guidelines:
  1. Before your mammogram discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your primary care or ob-gyn clinician. In addition, inform your clinician of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
  2. Make your appointment for one week after your period, when your breasts are less likely to be tender.
  3. Bring previous mammograms, breast sonograms, and reports to your appointment so that they are available to the radiologist, who needs the prior information in order to make comparisons to your current mammogram.
  4. Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam. Inform the technologist of your previous breast history.
  5. Inform the technologist of the date of your last clinical breast exam and your menstrual cycle (if appropriate).
  6. Wear a shirt and a separate bottom, rather than a dress. This way, you can undress from the waist up and leave other clothes on.
  7. Avoid coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks for a few days, before a mammogram. Caffeine can cause breast tenderness.
  8. Don't wear deodorant, perfume, lotion, or powder under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your appointment, as these can cause shadows on the mammogram.
  9. If you have breast implants, be sure to tell your mammography facility when you make your appointment. You will need a technologist who is trained in x-raying patients with implants because breast implants can hide some tissue.
  • How will I get the results?
    The facility will send you a letter with the results of your mammogram. In addition, a report is also sent to your YHP clinician. Please make sure that you follow up with your clinician to discuss the results of your examination.
  • Should I be worried about radiation dose?
    Mammography involves a very low dose of radiation to the portion of the breast under exam. The dose is much lower than the natural level of radiation that every person receives from the environment during one year. For example, the average mammogram (four views) has a typical effective radiation dose of 70 millirems (a measure of radiation dose equivalent). As a comparison, the average person in the US receives a dose equivalent of 300 millirems per year from natural sources.
    For more information...
    Call the YHP Ob-Gyn Department at 203.432.0222 with any questions or refer to the following web-sites: