Short answer: yes!
For some people, the thought of visiting a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital can be anxiety-provoking during these times. It is especially concerning to college students who often only have access to one health center. Most students think, “Why would you go to the doctor if you’re not sick, especially during the pandemic?”
Here are a few reasons why you should continue to keep in contact with your healthcare providers during this time.
- Delaying treatment can hurt your physical health in the long run. We want you to advocate for your health! Sometimes, this means taking charge and scheduling that appointment that you really don’t want to go to. You should continue to get your yearly physical exam and make sure to schedule any additional appointments you normally have. For example, if you are 21 and have a cervix, you should be getting a routine Pap smear at least every three years by your sexual healthcare provider. If you think you have been exposed to an STI or are having symptoms, it is also important to reach out to your provider as they can help get you and your partner(s) tested and treated ASAP!
- If you are not inclined to go visit a provider in person, there are many options to see them virtually. Many offices have begun to offer telemedicine services where you can talk to a provider from your own home. The Wilce Student Health Center is currently scheduling telemedicine appointments for certain concerns or conditions. Here is a link to the Student Health Services website: https://shs.osu.edu
- You should continue to update your provider on your success and struggles on medication. For example, if you need to switch your method of hormonal birth control, talking to your provider or scheduling an appointment would be a better option than coming off your birth control without direction from a healthcare professional, and leaving yourself unprotected against pregnancy (if you’re having sex!) You should also communicate with your doctor about medication for your mental health. This includes scheduling appointments as needed for refills and continuing to monitor your mental health while on the medication.
Accessing healthcare that you need is important to keeping you well. College is a stressful time and we shouldn’t let our health fall to the wayside. We are learning how to be young adults, and part of that is the responsibility to take care of our health, so we can continue to build healthy habits for life!
-By Grace Axelson, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador