Sexual Health
Sexual Health is health care related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexual health concerns. We offer a range of inclusive services to support your overall health and wellbeing.
We provide individualized risk-based screening as well as targeted, problem-focused care. Common reasons for seeking sexual health care include: urethral discharge, vaginal discharge, genital wart evaluation/treatment, and HIV prevention, including PEP and PrEP.
See Gynecology or Primary Care to address other concerns such as contraceptive care, pregnancy screening, routine gynecological care.
- STI testing and HIV testing are confidential and do not require parental consent if you are under the age of 18.
- The cost of any medication prescribed is not included, but we can help find resources for coverage.
HIV Post-Exposure Prevention
A narrow window of opportunity exists to prevent HIV infection after possible exposure by starting antiviral medication. Find out more about HIV Post-Exposure Prevention.
Medical Care After an Unwanted Sexual Encounter
UHS medical staff can complete sexual assault forensic exams (SAFE) to assess the risks of pregnancy, STIs, and physical injuries after an unwanted sexual encounter. Find more here.
Make an appointment
Call 608-265-5600 (option 1)
Note: Not all appointments are bookable online. If you don’t see an appointment, call UHS to schedule.
STI self-testing
The Sexual Health Clinic offers a chlamydia self-test option for students who have concerns about their sexual health but prefer not to speak directly to a provider. Making a self-test appointment is simple and screening is based on CDC recommendations. This testing is not appropriate for people who have symptoms or known exposures or would like testing other than chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Log into MyUHS and select the self-test option on the homepage
- Select a time for a lab visit and whether you want to do a urine test or a vaginal swab
- Check-in for the appointment and go to the lab desk to receive the specimen label and instructions on how to collect the specimen.
STI screenings are also available in the Gynecology Clinic, and are a routine part of many visits.
Resources and fact sheets
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Pubic Lice
Nongonocccal Urethritis (NGU)
Scabies
Syphilis
Genital Warts
Molluscum
Trichomoniasis
Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Testing
All adolescents and adults who have had ever had sexual intercourse should be tested for HIV. Men who have sex with men, people who use injection drugs, and people with multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use are at increased risk of exposure to HIV and should get tested on a regular basis — once or twice a year. Others with lower or moderate risk should consider testing every three to five years. A clinician discuss risks and advise on how often a student should be tested.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV or other STIs through unprotected sex or from infected needles, we encourage you to come to UHS for testing. Be aware that HIV tests are most reliable about one month after exposure, as it takes time for the virus to be detectable in the body. If you’ve recently had unprotected sex with a partner who has HIV infection, you should contact us immediately. In some cases, preventive antiviral medication may be recommended.
The current HIV screening test used at UHS is a combination assay that tests for both HIV p24 antigen and HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibody. The test is extremely accurate and will detect new HIV infection about three to four weeks after exposure. Test results will be available two to three business days after your visit.
No. At UHS, students may receive confidential HIV screening at both Gynecology and Primary Care. Tests are often done in association with another reason for a clinic visit. The lab test is the same test used in Sexual Health.
If HIV screening is required for a visa, other travel program, employment, or the military, and if documentation is necessary for the program, you need a confidential (not anonymous) test. When scheduling an appointment, please mention that you need an HIV test for travel purposes. There is a charge for this visit.
Not sure whether to seek care?
Use our online symptom checker tool, available 24/7 on MyUHS. You can receive clinically supported recommendations based on their symptoms and health concerns.