Student Health and Wellness

Students of all genders can get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) at Student Health and Wellness in the Hilda May Williams Building. Gardasil is the only vaccine that protects against cervical cancer and genital warts. Students can make an immunization appointment to begin or continue this three-shot series. Vaccination is covered by most insurance. Call 860-486-2719 to get protected!

What testing is available at SHaW?

• Chlamydia
  Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine test or a urethral swab, whether or not symptoms are present. For either test it is important that you don’t empty your bladder for at least one hour (preferably two) before the test. These tests are generally accurate 1-2 weeks after exposure.
• Gonorrhea
  Gonorrhea can be diagnosed by urine test or urethral swab; it is usually tested for at the same time as Chlamydia.
• Herpes
  If you have a sore or a blister in the genital area, a swab can be taken for herpes culture. If you don’t currently have any symptoms, a blood test can be done, but it may not be accurate for up to 4 months after exposure.
• Genital Warts
  Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can only be diagnosed in men is if there are visible bumps or growths present in the genital, pubic, or anal area; there is currently no swab, blood or urine screening test available for men who are asymptomatic and may be infected with HPV. Treatment for genital warts is available by appointment.
• Syphilis
  is diagnosed by a blood test.
• HIV
  HIV testing is done via blood test at SHaW on a confidential (not anonymous) basis. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important that you read about our HIV counseling and testing policies. Be aware that it may take up to 6 months for either test to be positive following infection. The Rainbow Center and SHaW offers anonymous HIV testing. Please contact their offices for information about their testing procedures.

Paying For STD Testing at SHaW:

• Your specimen(s) are sent to an outside laboratory for processing. They will bill your insurance for these tests.
• It is always a good idea to call your insurance company (there should be a phone number on your card) to make sure they will cover these tests or any other services you receive. Most insurance companies will cover for STD testing if you are currently experiencing symptoms. Always bring your insurance card with you to your appointment!

State of Connecticut Dept of Public Health Testing:

• If you prefer, you may obtain testing services at a CT Dept of Public Health Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic located at many sites around the state.

In partnership with USG, there is Plan B available for free to undergraduate students. If at anytime this funding is no longer available, the cost will be $15 at our Pharmacy. 

Graduate students can purchase a generic form of Plan B (the “morning-after pill”) over-the-counter at our Pharmacy. The cost is only $15.00!  Students of any age or gender with a valid UConn ID can purchase Plan B without a prescription. Students can use cash, credit cards, Husky Bucks, or even charge the purchase to their fee bill. 

• ella, another type of emergency contraception, is available by prescription and billed through insurance. 

What is Plan B?

• Plan B Emergency Contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex.

Consider using Plan B if:

• You didn’t use a contraceptive during sex
• You think your contraceptive didn’t work

How does Plan B work?
Plan B Emergency Contraceptive pills contain the same medication as regular birth control pills, and help to prevent pregnancy. Take Plan B as soon as possible. It is best to take Plan B within three days of unprotected sex. The sooner you take Plan B the more effective it is. For more information talk to your pharmacist or practitioner.

Who should NOT take Plan B?

• Plan B should not be taken if you are already pregnant or if you are allergic to any ingredient in Plan B.
• Do not use Plan B if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Is it safe and will it work? What will it do?

• Plan B is safe and effective.
• Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent.
• Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Plan B won’t cause an abortion.
• Plan B is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill).
• Plan B is not effective after pregnancy has occurred and cannot interrupt it.
• Plan B won’t harm a developing fetus.
• If Plan B is taken mistakenly during pregnancy, it will not harm the developing fetus.
• Using Plan B will not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future.
  
  People can keep pills at home in case of an emergency. Many people find it convenient to have Plan B on hand in case of an emergency. Plan B is for emergency use and should not be used in place of regular contraception since it is not as effective as regular contraception. Store Plan B at controlled room temperature (68˚-77˚F). Excursions permitted between 59˚-86˚F. Be sure to have a medical follow-up after taking Plan B. If you don’t get a normal period within three weeks, take a pregnancy test. It is important to visit your doctor or clinic if you need a regular birth control method or information about preventing sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS.

• PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can protect you from HIV if taken every day. PrEP is an option for those HIV-negative and concerned about their exposure to HIV  
• Students interested in receiving PrEP can make an appointment with a Student Health and Wellness medical care provider. Advancing Access programs are available to make this treatment affordable.
• More information about PrEP.

• Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

• gloveBOX

The UConn Sexperts

• All Options
• American Pregnancy Association
• Hartford GYN Center
• Lifetime Adoption
• Planned Parenthood - Search your location.
  • Roo – Sexual Health Chatbot

• Rainbow Center
  • Rapid HIV/Hepatitis C Testing
• Women’s Center
• Office of Institutional Equity
  • Title IX
  • Pregnancy and Parenting Resources for Undergraduate Students