Sexual Health Services
For general sexual health information, please visit The American Sexual Health Association, Go Ask Alice from Columbia University, and the CDC.
Annual Gynecology Exams
Annual gynecology exams are individualized based on the age of a patient and their health history. The first Pap Smear is recommended at age 21. Chlamydia screening is recommended on a yearly basis for all sexually active women under the age of 25. An annual gynecology exam may include blood pressure check, breast, and pelvic exam, Pap smear, and screening for vaginal infections and STIs.
Evaluation of other gynecologic concerns is also available.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Please visit our STI page. Health Services provides lab tests for STIs.
Are you looking for resources for Sexual Assault?
Health services medical professionals and counselors can provide victims/survivors of sexual assault with confidential care. For more information and resources, please visit this UMD website.
Contraception
Condoms are available at the Health Services' registration desk, and in the waiting rooms throughout the clinic.
Our providers can recommend and prescribe an appropriate method of birth control. Methods available include oral contraceptives, Nuva Ring, Depo Provera, Nexplanon, and IUDs. If you would like to learn more about these methods prior to your appointment, visit Bedsider.org.
Health Services offers appointments for IUD placement and Nexplanon.
Depo-Provera injections are done by appointment. If this is a follow-up injection, please bring documentation of the previous injection with you for your appointment.
Helpful Links
For more information about the pap test, click here: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/Pap-test
For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, click here: www.ashastd.org
Wondering what birth control method might be a good fit for you?
Pregnancy Testing
Confidential pregnancy testing is available through Health Services. The pregnancy test (urine or blood-based) can detect a pregnancy 14 days following intercourse, even before a late period.
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
People experiencing urinary tract infection symptoms can receive same-day treatment through Health Services. People experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge should schedule an appointment with a medical provider.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is birth control that prevents pregnancy after intercourse or sex, which is why it is sometimes called ‘the morning after pill.’ If you think your birth control failed, you did not use a method of birth control or were forced to have sex against your will you can initiate emergency contraception immediately or up to five days after sex.
Emergency contraception makes it much less likely you will get pregnant but it is not as effective as birth control used before or during sex, such as pills or condoms.
Your options for emergency contraception include:
Emergency contraceptive pills
Copper-T Intrauterine Device
For more information: http://ec.princeton.edu
How does Emergency Contraception work?
Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation.
The Copper-T IUD does not affect ovulation, but it can prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It may also prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
EC will not cause an abortion. EC is not the same as the abortion pill. EC pills don’t have any effect if you are already pregnant.
When should Emergency Contraception be used?
- Sexual intercourse with a condom that broke or was used incorrectly
- Missed birth control pills
- Sexual intercourse without birth control
- Improper use of a diaphragm
- Forced sexual intercourse or rape
What if I am already pregnant and don't know it?
If you are already pregnant, Emergency Contraception will NOT harm the fetus. Plan B can only prevent pregnancy. It cannot cause an abortion.
What else should I know about Emergency Contraception?
- You should not rely on it for regular birth control. It does not work as well as other methods of birth control.
- Emergency contraception does not prevent sexually transmitted infections
- After taking emergency contraception, your period is most likely to occur at the normal time, but maybe early. If you do not have a normal period within 3 weeks a pregnancy test is recommended
Where can I obtain Emergency Contraception?
Progestin-only EC is available over the counter to women and men. Look for Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One-Dose, Take Action, or other generics in the family planning aisle at stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, etc.