Sexual Health

Staying healthy and safe means taking care of your sexual health too. The Health Education staff and peers are here to provide accurate information on sexuality and sexual health services. Our educational programs focus on reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy, and promoting healthy relationships and safer sex practices.

Women's Sexual Health Info Sessions

Sexual Health Information Sessions conducted by peer health educators are offered regularly throughout the academic quarters. Both men and women are highly encouraged to attend the classes and it is required for females having their first GYN exam or birth control method. There is no charge for this service. Click here for more information.

Click to view videos on:
Annual Exam & Pap Smear for Women
Windows; Mac

Decision Making & Birth Control
Windows; Mac

Try this short survey to get a list of birth control options that appear best suited for you, based on your medical history and your lifestyle. This questionnaire is limited to the most popular and effective contraceptive groups (Assoc. of Reproductive Health Professionals):
How to Choose a Birth Control Method

Men's Sexual Health Info Sessions

Sexual Health Information Sessions geared specifically to men are conducted by peer health counselors and offered during academic quarters. Topics include birth control and safer sex options, sexually transmitted diseases, and routine male exams. These sessions are conducted by peer health counselors, and there is no charge for this service. Check this link for specific days and times: Mens Clinic at Student Health. You can also arrange a private info session by calling a Health Educator at (858) 534-1824.

Click to view a video on: STI Exam for Men Windows; Mac

HIV Testing

Any student eligible for care at SHS may be tested. Testing includes before and after counseling with a member of the SHS medical or education staff. SHS offers confidential testing only. Read more here.

Early Test Program

The UCSD Antiviral Research Center (AVRC) in Hillcrest provides an early HIV test that looks for virus instead of antibodies. Persons considering having the early test must wait SEVEN DAYS since their last exposure before taking the early test. Results for the early test are given TWO WEEKS later.

Who would be interested? Anyone wanting to have an HIV test, but especially those individuals who may be in the one to six month period for the HIV antibody test. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Why be tested? Persons with recent HIV risk behaviors who test antibody negative may be in the acute or early phases of their infection. They have a high probability of transmitting HIV, yet low probability of being detected by a normal antibody test.

Cost? There is no charge, but written consent must be obtained to participate.

Where? Point Loma at County HHSA; Hillcrest at UCSD AVRC; North Park at GLBT Mental Health Center; North Park at the Family Health Center clinic.

Need more information or have questions? Call (619) 543-8080.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is now available at Student Health Service through the Nurses Clinic. Read more at this link.

Plan B Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is a backup method for preventing pregnancy and is not for routine use. Plan B can reduce your chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Student Health Service now offers Plan B for $21.00 through our pharmacy - no prescription is needed.

Outreach Workshops

Student Health Advocates offer a variety of interactive, informative workshops to res halls, student orgs, and club! We can help you equip your residents/members with the latest information to make healthy life choices. Programs are facilitated by peer educators, the Student Health Advocates.

SHAs can provide blood pressure screenings, group & individual education on sexual health as well as nutrition, fitness, and general health issues.

All programs are provided free of charge, and usually run about 1 hour. We suggest a minimum of 10 students per session. Plan ahead - allow at least 2 weeks to schedule a program.

Schedule your program now! Complete the PDF form to request a program. You can also call the SHA Outreach Coordinator at (858) 534-1824, or e-mail eokamura@ucsd.edu. Indicate the program you want, and include several choices of dates and times in your email request.

Workshops and Descriptions

Sexual Jeopardy
Modeled after the TV game show, this is a fast-paced, fun activity with essential sexual health information for all - win a prize!

Sexual Taboo
Is talking about sex a taboo among your students? Help them get comfortable talking about sexual health issues with this activity modeled after the popular board game Taboo.

Bring Your Own Banana
A fun and interactive program! Students will go through a series of activities that will emphasize the message of STD prevention.

Sexual Health Information Sessions
Comprehensive, hands-on coverage of contraception and STDs. We can present to females only, males only, or mixed groups. A "must know" for all students.

Web Resources