UHS is dedicated to providing a spectrum of gynecology services–including contraception, pregnancy option counseling/referrals, and abortion follow-up.
You are a partner in your care. We believe providing you with health information and evidence-based care empowers you to make the best health care decisions for yourself.
We recognize that people are unique, with varied beliefs, cultural backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations, and we provide competent care while addressing individual needs.
Our clinician team include gynecologists, resident physicians, advance practice nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, psychologists, and nurses.
Contraception
UHS provides consultations, prescriptions, and insertions and removals of all contraceptive options. Contraception can be used for pregnancy prevention and/or health benefits unrelated to sexual activity such as cancer prevention, acne control, and improvement in menstrual bleeding and cramps. Medications and devices sometimes have a charge that requires insurance or patient assistance programs. All contraception consultations are confidential and no-cost.
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Telehealth contraception appointments
UHS offers telehealth contraception visits to reduce barriers to accessing contraception. This appointment type allows for greater flexibility in contraceptive visits. This also results in more focused visits for patients who require in-person provider consultation.
Telehealth contraception visits allows patients to complete a health history form in MyUHS and schedule a phone call with a Gynecology provider to address any concerns and be prescribed an appropriate contraceptive method over the phone.
Emergency contraception
There are three forms emergency contraception can be used to reduce the risk of pregnancy following unprotected sex or contraception failure.
IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception and is effective if inserted up to five days after unprotected intercourse. IUDs provide ongoing contraception following insertion and work for bodies of any size.
Plan B is available at pharmacies, including Walgreens, without a prescription for about $50. A generic form of Plan B, the EContraEZ pill, is available at Badger Markets inside Memorial Union and Union South for less than $20. Plan B is approved when taken within the first three days following unprotected sex, but is more effective the sooner it’s taken. Plan B has decreased efficacy for people who weigh more than 165 pounds.
Ella is a pill form of EC that is effective up to five days after unprotected intercourse and is more effective than Plan B on days four and five. A prescription, which can be obtained from UHS, is needed. Ella is effective for bodies of any size.
Types of contraception available
- Birth control pill (Opill is available over-the-counter and no-cost to BadgerCare Plus members)
- Depo-provera shot
- Vaginal ring
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Diaphragm
- Birth control patch
- Hormonal implant
- Female condom
- Fertility awareness method
- Spermicide
- Sponge
- Emergency Contraception (Paraguard IUD, Plan B, Ella)
For information on contraception methods and options, women’s health blog posts, and birth control reminders, visit Bedsider.
Forensic Nurse Exam
Forensic nurse exams for students who have experienced sexual assault and/or dating violence are available at UHS during business hours for no-cost.
Forensic nurses can provide emotional support, physical examination and wellness check, collection of medical forensic evidence, assistance with reporting to police (mandatory reporting for students under 18), assistance with concerns about sexually transmitted infection (STI) and pregnancy, assistance with safety planning, and development of a medical follow-up plan.
To schedule an appointment for an unwanted sexual encounter, log in to MyUHS or call 608-265-5600 (option 1).
Information about miscarriage or abortion
To locate safe, abortion services, visit Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin or abortionfinder.org/.
UHS is dedicated to providing a spectrum of gynecology services to our student community including contraception, pregnancy option counseling/referrals, and abortion follow-up. You should seek follow-up care after a miscarriage, self-managed abortion, or medication/surgical abortion if:
- You have a fever >100.4
- You are bleeding heavily soaking >1 pad per hour for >3 hours
- You have severe lower abdominal/pelvic pain
- You have lightheadedness and are bleeding heavily
- You are still bleeding after 3-4 weeks
- You have a positive pregnancy test after 3-4 weeks