Sexual Health

Student Health Services offers a variety of birth control (contraceptive) options to best meet the reproductive and sexual health needs of students. Contraception can be prescribed for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy prevention, menstrual management, and to treat a variety of health conditions.

Students can schedule a birth control consultation with a nurse through the patient portal. During your consultation, you can discuss your needs and learn more about the contraceptive options available. Student Health Services offers a variety of birth control methods. Depending on the method you choose, you may also need to meet separately with a healthcare provider to receive a prescription. For methods we do not provide, we can help connect you with local healthcare offices that offer additional options.

Emergency contraception (EC) can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your birth control method fails. It works best when taken as soon as possible after sex and is available without a prescription. Emergency contraception can be purchased from on-campus wellness vending machines, Health Promotion, Student Health Services, and off campus pharmacies.

Students can schedule an appointment with Student Health Services for FREE on-site pregnancy testing and confidential, supportive care. If you have questions about pregnancy, testing, or your options, our healthcare providers are available to help. Free pregnancy tests are also available for pickup through Health Promotion.

Student Health Services provides gynecologic care for routine reproductive and sexual health needs, as well as evaluation and treatment of gynecologic concerns. Our healthcare providers can provide cervical cancer screenings (Pap smear) and help with issues such as heavy, painful, or irregular periods, menstrual concerns and changes, and vaginal and pelvic symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, and many do not cause signs or symptoms. Nearly half of all reported cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia occur among people ages 15-24, making STI testing especially important for college students. If you are sexually active, routine testing is recommended – even if you have no signs or symptoms of infection. STIs can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, and rectal sex.

STI testing is available at Student Health Services and oftentimes does not require a physical exam. The type of testing recommended will vary for everyone and may include a urine sample, a blood test, and/or a self-collected swab. You can have an STI and feel completely healthy – which is why routine testing is an important part of taking care of your sexual health. Don’t wait for symptoms - schedule an appointment at Student Health Services today!

Anyone who is sexually active can become infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or the type of relationship they are in. HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids and can be spread through vaginal and anal sex, and less commonly through oral sex.

Many people with HIV do not have signs or symptoms, so the only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. HIV testing is recommended for everyone at least once, but testing should be more frequent for certain individuals. Several HIV testing methods are available, with costs and turnaround times varying by test type. To ensure UB students know their status, Student Health Services offers FREE onsite HIV testing. Schedule an appointment to see if you’re eligible!

• Find out if Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp are in-network with your health insurance plan.
• Avoid urinating for 1-2 hours prior to your appointment.
• Avoid douching and vaginal creams for 24 hours.
• Avoid oral sex for 24 hours before a throat swab.
• Stay hydrated!

All UB students registered for in-person classes can be seen at Student Health Services free of charge – regardless of health insurance coverage. Although most health insurance plans cover routine (preventive) STI and HIV testing, you may be responsible for fees (copays, deductibles, etc.) associated with laboratory testing depending on your insurance. You may call your insurance provider prior to your appointment to ask what tests are covered. Please also find out if Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp are in-network with your plan.

Student Health Services also offers custom fees for STI and HIV testing for students who do not have health insurance or who prefer not to use their insurance for testing. There are also several locations within the community that may offer free or low-cost STI and HIV testing

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medication taken by people who do not have HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP can be taken as a daily pill or as an injectable medication and is highly effective at preventing HIV through sex when taken as prescribed. However, PrEP does not protect against other STIs, so condoms and other safer sex practices are necessary to provide additional protection.

PrEP is recommended for those with certain risk factors but can be taken even if there is not an increased chance of exposure to HIV. Student Health Services can provide PrEP evaluations and prescriptions. Schedule an appointment to determine whether PrEP is right for you and which option best meets your needs. Regular HIV testing and follow-up are required as part of PrEP care.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medication taken after a possible exposure to HIV to help prevent HIV infection. PEP is considered an urgent medical intervention and should be started as soon as possible (ideally within 2 hours). PEP must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, but the sooner it is started, the more effective it is. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, do not wait for symptoms or a routine appointment – seek care right away.

Student Health Services can provide an evaluation for PEP and prescribe it when appropriate. PEP can also be obtained quickly by calling the NYS PEP Hotline or going to a hospital emergency department. The NYS PEP Hotline can send the prescription to a nearby pharmacy and is available 24/7:

• NYS (outside of NYC): 1-844-737-4669
• NYC: 1-844-373-7692

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) is a strategy that uses the antibiotic doxycycline after sex to reduce the risk of certain bacterial STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Doxy-PEP is not effective against HIV or other STIs. When prescribed, Doxy-PEP is taken as a 200mg dose as soon as possible after condomless sex (oral, anal, and/or vaginal), preferably within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours.

Doxy-PEP is not recommended for everyone. Student Health Services can talk with you about your sexual health, review your individual risk factors, and determine whether Doxy-PEP is an appropriate option for you. Your provider can help weigh the benefits and potential risks of Doxy-PEP. If Doxy-PEP is prescribed, routine STI and HIV testing remain essential (generally every 3-6 months).

Primary, non-emergency medical care

Preventative health and wellness education