Check In On Your Cervical Health
Your cervix acts as a gateway between your uterus and vagina. It controls what enters and exits your uterus and protects you from infections. It also plays an important role during ovulation, pregnancy and childbirth.
Your cervix takes great care of you, make sure you’re returning the favor. Many issues that affect your cervix are preventable and treatable, if caught early.
Get Screened for Cervical Issues
Checking the health of your cervix is easy! It starts with a visit with your Primary Care Provider or OBGYN for a well-woman exam. This exam and routine screenings are covered at 100% by your TRS-ActiveCare or TRS-Care Standard plan.
Pap Smear - A Pap smear looks for abnormal cells before they turn into a serious condition, like cervical cancer. During the short procedure, your provider collects a sample of cells by quickly scraping your cervix and the surrounding areas with a soft brush. You should start getting Pap smears at 21 years old, or when you become sexually active.
HPV Test - This test screens for the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the leading causes of cervical cancer and most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. In many cases, you can get the HPV test at the same time as your Pap smear. Ask your provider about which tests are included.
Pelvic Exam - Pelvic exams look for signs of disease in the pelvic area. Your provider will visually and manually (with fingers) check your:
Cervix
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Rectum
Uterus
Vulva
Get the HPV Vaccine - The HPV vaccine protects you from certain strains of HPV. These strains can lead to a long list of health issues, including genital warts and cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis and anus. It’s usually given at age 11 or 12. If you didn’t get it, you may still be able to get protection. Talk to your provider to see if you’re eligible for catch-up vaccines.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
In most cases, you won’t know something is wrong with your cervix until your provider sees something on your Pap smear or pelvic exam. You should let your provider know if you have:
abnormal or heavy bleeding during your period
bleeding between periods
watery or bloody vaginal discharge
tiredness or discomfort
pain when you use the restroom
TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-CareStandard Resources
Use Provider Finder® to find a doctor to help you stay up to date on vaccines and preventive care. You can search by location, gender or specialty.
You can also connect with a plan specialist about coverage and benefits or to get help finding a provider. They can even make an appointment for you! Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the , 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Take self-guided courses or get one-on-one support from a credentialed health expert. These wellness coaches can help you with stress management, postpartum care, fitness, and dietary habits that could affect your mental health.
If you do get sick or have an accident over the holidays, know where to go for care.
Your TRS health plan covers immunizations at no cost to you.
Get rewarded for getting cancer screenings like a mammogram or visit with your PCP, OBGYN or specialist with Member Rewards. You can earn up to $599 per year.
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage Resources
With the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plan, you can earn rewards for things you probably already do, like completing your annual physical and wellness visit. Once you have attested to your first Reward item, you will receive a credit on your UnitedHealthcare UCard that you can use to shop for eligible items in-store or online at participating retailers nationwide. For more information about rewards available to you, sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.
For more information about plan coverage or to find a primary care physician call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.
For more information about plan coverage or to find a primary care physician call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or register on your member website.
Vaccines, including those for the flu, Hepatitis B, pneumonia, or COVID-19 are covered at $0. Learn the facts about vaccines from this UnitedHealthcare resource. For more information about plan coverage call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.