Sexual Health

University Health Services offers comprehensive sexual health care services, including: 

Preventative & Wellness Care

• Wellness visits & yearly exams
• HPV-cancer screening “Pap Test” of the cervix
• HPV vaccine (Gardasil ®)
• Screening, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP)

Pregnancy Prevention, Pregnancy Testing & Birth Control Options

• Hormonal birth control pill, patch, ring or injection
• Prescription for barrier methods (i.e. diaphragm)
• Counseling on other barrier methods, like internal and external condoms (external condoms are available on site at UHS)
• Hormonal and non-hormonal intrauterine devices and the arm implant.
• Emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing and referrals 

Urgent/Symptomatic Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Concerns

• Concerns or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections
• Irregular periods/ bleeding
• Menstrual/bleeding problems
• Painful sex
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal discharge, irritation, sores or lesions
  

Sexual Violence

UHS is here to support survivors of sexual assault. UHS does not employ SANE nurses and does not have the ability to collect evidence. Students who have experienced a sexual assault within the last 72 hours and who wish to have evidence of their assault collected are strongly encouraged to seek a SANE nursing exam at University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Seeking a SANE exam does not require you to make a police report.

For additional resources and support, contact:

• UC Safe
• UC Woman's Center: 513-556-4401
• UC Police: 513-556-1111
• WHW Advocates: 513-431-3807 from 9AM-5PM; 513-381-5610 24 hours a day; cwilson@womeinhelpingwomen.org; 559 Steger Student Life Center
• UC Counseling & Psychological Services Center: 513-556-0648
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: 513-556-6814
• Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a pelvic/internal examination before starting birth control?

No. Students requesting a birth control method that requires a prescription need to have a contraceptive consultation, but a pelvic exam/ internal examination or Pap is not required before starting. During the consultation, we will review health history and discuss options for birth control. If you are a candidate for cervical cancer screening, this will be discussed during your visit.

What should I do to prepare if I am having a cervical cancer screening (a "Pap") during my wellness visit?

If you are scheduled for a wellness visit that will include a cervical cancer screening test, please avoid douching or using any internal vaginal products (like lubricants, spermicide, creams) for 24 hours before your test. If you are bleeding heavily, we may ask you to reschedule your exam because large amounts of blood can affect the accuracy of the test.

What if I have an abnormal cervical cancer screening ("Pap")?

Some abnormal cervical cancer screening results may require follow up, depending on current screening guidelines. Your provider will follow up with next steps. 

What should I do before an IUD or arm implant insertion?

In the 2 weeks prior to the IUD or implant insertion, use a form of pregnancy prevention (either consistent use of a barrier method or other form of birth control) for any internal/vaginal sex with a partner with who could get you pregnant. The day of an IUD or implant insertion, we recommend taking 800 mg of ibuprofen with food about 1 hour before the visit. (If you cannot take ibuprofen, you can take acetaminophen). On the day of the IUD or implant insertion, the clinician will assess risk of pregnancy by asking about sex since the last menstrual period and a urine pregnancy test will be performed. You will be able to return to work, school and sports after the IUD or implant insertion. IUDs and the arm implant are covered 100% by student health insurance. Students with other insurances should contact their insurance to see if the IUD or implant is covered with University Health Services.

What if I am interested in pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP)? 

All of our UHS clinicians provide counseling, prescriptions and follow up for PrEP. PrEP is a medication taken by mouth that can reduce HIV transmission by over 90%.