LGBTQ+ Health: Sexual and Gender Diversity
University Health Services (UHS), Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW), and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) strive to provide high-quality health care in an environment of inclusivity and respect. We understand that seeing a new health care provider can be stressful, particularly if you are concerned about being misunderstood or unfairly and inappropriately judged. We value our patients and understand that choosing us as your health care provider means that you are entrusting us with your health and well-being.
Our patients have a right to expect sensitive, respectful, high quality health care and we have the responsibility and privilege of providing that care. We encourage and provide training for our staff on health care challenges encountered by our sexual and gender diverse communities and look for ways to improve our systems and communications so that we can better serve those who seek care from us.
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Gender Diverse Care Team:
Gender Affirming Care
A multi-disciplinary team, known as the Gender Diverse Care Team, provides care to transgender and gender diverse people. The team is comprised of physicians, a nurse practitioner, a case manager/student health navigator, and counselors/psychologists. Services to evaluate, treat, and/or assist with referrals when appropriate are provided. Nurse appointments are available to teach hormone self-injection.
Medical Services with an Eye Toward Inclusion
Annual Exams
Routine annual health exams are one way to assess overall health and to address health care needs and concerns. These exams allow the patient and clinician to discuss current patient concerns and develop a plan to meet future health care needs.
Acute illness exams are targeted at recent or current symptoms experienced by patients. During these types of appointments, providers offer evaluation of recent or current symptoms and discuss treatment options.
Patients with chronic medical conditions are encouraged to schedule appointments with the same UHS clinician to maintain continuity of care and allow for a better health care experience. If you are seeing a private health care provider for a chronic or continuing health condition, UHS staff will be happy to work with you and your provider to continue care while you are a student.
Vaccines
Vaccines offer an important means to maintain health and prevent infection. Vaccines that all people should have include:
- Hepatitis B: It is now a common practice in the U.S. to begin the 3-dose Hepatitis B vaccine series at birth, with completion of the series before the first birthday. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, including semen and vaginal secretions.
- Hepatitis A: The vaccine is often given in the U.S. during childhood and to people who travel internationally. The vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): This 3-dose vaccine series has been shown to be effective in preventing different HPV strains that most frequently cause oral, anal, cervical, and other genital cancers and genital warts. This vaccine is approved for individuals 9-45 years of age.
Additional information on immunizations can be found at the UHS website.
Resources
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On-Campus
University Health Services (UHS)
UHS provides testing and treatment of most sexually transmitted infections. UHS also refers to community clinicians for treatment or additional support as indicated. Self-testing options for gonorrhea and chlamydia are also offered. UHS also offers PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) and nPEP (HIV post-exposure prophylaxis).
Off-Campus
- AIDS Resource
- 129 S. Sparks St Suite #1, State College, PA, phone: 814-272-0818
- Appointment only
- Free (no insurance) treatment for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
- Free rapid finger stick HIV test and HIV + support
- Please visit the AIDS Resource website for more information
- Centre County Health Center (Department of Health)
- 246 W. Hamilton Ave., State College, PA 16801, phone: 814-865-0932
- Appointment only
Supplies: Free Condoms & Kits
- Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW)
- HPW provides free condoms for students in the Wellness Suite and at various HealthWorks Access to Protection Tables.
- Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD)
- CSGD provides sexual health items for students. They can be picked up at the center, LL011 HUB-Robeson Center.
- AIDS Resource
Penn State Resources
- Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Transgender and Non-Binary Inclusion at Penn State
- Gender Diverse Care Team
- Counseling & Psychological Services
- Health Promotion & Wellness
- Alcohol & Drug Education & Recovery
- Victim & Survivor Support & Advocacy
- Penn State Student Health Insurance
- Basic Needs & Support
- STI/Self-STI Testing
- UHS Case Management
