Sexual Health: Talk. Test. Protect.

When used consistently and correctly, latex condoms and dental dams are highly effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

During the fall and spring semesters, students can pick up free sexual health supplies from Health Promotion and Wellness in the following locations. 

• Information Table #8 in the HUB-Robeson Center on Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• 20 IM Building (The Wellness Suite) on Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the summer months (May through August), students can pick up supplies in 20 IM Building (The Wellness Suite) on Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. and is most prevalent in the late teens and early twenties.

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil-9) protects against some of the most common types of HPV and can decrease the chance of developing genital warts and cervical cancer. The vaccine is administered in three shots over six months. It is important to get all three doses on time to get the best protection, but students do not need to restart the series if they are late for an injection. The vaccines are most effective when given before a person's first sexual contact (when the person could be exposed to HPV) but are indicated until age 45 in most people. Visit myUHS (link needed) to schedule an injection appointment.

Fees: Students should contact their insurance provider prior to their appointment to determine coverage. Students may elect to pay the charges at the time of the visit or have the charges added to their student accounts.

There is no single test for every STI. We can provide confidential testing for the following:

• Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (self-testing available)- $42 (if not billed to insurance)*
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

If your visit includes an appointment with a clinician, a separate appointment fee will be charged. Fees vary depending on the nature of your visit, what tests are performed, and your insurance coverage. Syphilis and Chlamydia/Gonorrhea may be available at no additional cost from the Student Initiated Fee. 

*In order to protect students' privacy, you have the option of using the prompt pay discount, which means that the payment doesn't go to insurance. To take advantage of the prompt pay discount, students can send the bill to their Bursar account or pay within 7 days, otherwise, the cost will be $60.

• Schedule your test by appointment only via myUHS.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea only.
• Check-in for your lab appointment at the main UHS check-in area and then proceed upstairs to the fourth-floor lab.  
• Do not urinate at least one hour prior to testing.
• It can take up to one week after exposure for tests to accurately detect chlamydia and gonorrhea. If your last sexual contact was recent, please wait one week before testing.
• If your test result is positive, you may need to schedule an appointment with a clinician to receive treatment
• Wait at least one month after completing treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea before you are re-tested. Testing too soon may result in a false-positive result. 

Currently, University Health Services offers only vaginal and urine gonorrhea and chlamydia self-collection tests due to lab equipment certification. UHS understands that it would be desirable for patients to have a self-collection option with regard to other anatomical sites and is working to provide more inclusive self-testing options in the future.

Testing for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections is available through University Health Services. Please note that standard lab and medical exam fees apply. Contact UHS to learn more, or schedule an appointment through myUHS.

Students at Penn State Commonwealth Campuses should contact their campus health center or local community resources for information about testing in their area.

Free HIV testing through Health Promotion and Wellness is currently not available. Check back for updates. 

Schedule an appointment for STI testing with University Health Services if you have any symptoms, have been exposed to someone diagnosed with an STI, have concerns about anal or oral exposure, or are unsure of which test(s) you need. 

Depending on what tests are performed, testing procedures may involve collecting a urine sample; throat, cervical, vaginal, or rectal swabs; and/or blood work. Do not urinate at least one hour prior to appointment.

Students can pay at the time of service or we can bill your student account (charges will not list specific reasons for the visit). If you have health insurance, we can also bill your insurance. Many lab tests, including tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are funded by the Student Initiated Fee, meaning there is no additional cost for University Park students and health insurance is not billed.

Be aware that private insurance companies sometimes notify the subscriber (often parents) as to what tests are done for covered individuals. Therefore, the subscriber may get a notice from the private insurance company that "student X had a chlamydia test done on date X," though results are generally not reported. If you are concerned, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company before you get tested and inquire about their billing policies. Paying at the time of service avoids using your private insurance altogether.

Results are typically available within 1-3 business days. You will receive a secure message to your myUHS account with the results, or a clinical staff member may call you to review results.