Take Charge of Your Sexual Health
At Penn State, we believe your sexual health is part of your overall wellness. Whether you’re exploring relationships, managing sexual identity, or staying informed about services — it all ties into your ability to learn, connect, and feel supported on campus.
Sexual health affects more than just physical outcomes; it also touches your emotional well-being, relationships and sense of belonging. Feeling safe and informed empowers you to participate fully in campus life — not just academically, but socially and personally too.
Access to Protection
Stay prepared and protected. Health Promotion and Wellness hosts Access to Protection tables in the HUB-Robeson Center and in the Wellness Suite in 20 IM Building. Access to Protection provides free condoms, dental dams, lubricant, and more, to keep you safe and protected.
Relationships 101: Build Skills for Healthy Connections
Healthy relationships are built on communication, respect, and trust. Relationships 101 helps you better understand your needs, set boundaries, and develop the skills to create supportive, meaningful connections in your personal, academic, and social life. Schedule a peer led workshop with Health Promotion and Wellness to expand your knowledge.
STI Testing and Resources
If you are sexually active (oral, vaginal, or anal sex), consider routine STI screenings. You don’t have to have symptoms to have an STI. Regular testing is a key part of sexual health.
When to See a Clinician
Make an appointment with UHS if you have symptoms of a STI, you’ve been exposed, you’re unsure what tests you need, or if you need oral or rectal testing. Depending on what tests are performed, testing procedures may involve collecting a urine sample; throat, cervical, vaginal, or rectal swabs; and/or blood work.
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Available STI Testing
There is no single test for every STI. UHS can provide confidential testing for the following:
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (self-testing available for vaginal and urine specimens)
$42 (if not billed to insurance) * - Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
How to Test
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 testing may be available at no additional cost from the Student Initiated Fee.
- Schedule your appointment using myUHS.
- 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.
- 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.
Billing
Fees vary depending on the nature of your visit, what tests are performed, and your insurance coverage. Syphilis and Chlamydia/Gonorrhea testing 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 pay within 7 days, otherwise, the cost will be $60.
Results and Next Steps
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.
- If your test result is positive, you may need to schedule an appointment with a clinician to receive treatment.
- If you have been infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea, wait at least one month after completing treatment before you are re-tested. Testing too soon may result in a false-positive result.
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (self-testing available for vaginal and urine specimens)
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Self-testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is currently only available for vaginal and urine specimens due to lab equipment certification.
- If oral and/or rectal testing is needed, please schedule with a UHS clinician.
How to Test
- To complete a test, schedule an appointment through myUHS.
- On the day of the appointment, visit the lab reception desk (fourth floor of the Student Health Center) and ask for your STI self-test.
Billing
Students can pay at the time of service or we can bill your student account (charges will not list specific reasons for the visit).
- Currently, students can perform self-STI tests for free, funded by the Student Initiated Fee.
The cost of the STI self-test is $42.00 which may be paid at the time of specimen collection or billed to your bursar account. If you have health insurance, we can also bill your insurance, your costs may vary depending on your insurance plan and coverage.
Insurance Billing Notification
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 and Next Steps
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.
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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.
Students at Penn State Commonwealth Campuses should contact their campus health center or local community resources for information about testing in their area.
How to Test
- Contact UHS to learn more or schedule an appointment through myUHS.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
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 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.
STI Testing Resources
Reproductive Health and Resources
Penn State provides confidential, inclusive care to support every aspect of your reproductive health. From contraception and pregnancy testing to routine exams and education, students can access the information and services they need to make informed choices about their bodies and their well-being.
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AIDS Resource
129 S. Sparks St., Suite 1
State College, PA 16803
814-272-0818Services include HIV testing, Hepatitis C testing, and case management and other services to individuals living with HIV or AIDS.
Mount Nittany Health
1850 E Park Ave., Suite 301
State College, PA 16803
814-237-3470
Toll-free: 866-757-2317Services include birth control, maternity services, HIV and STI testing, men’s and women’s health care, and additional emergency services.
Planned Parenthood
1514 N 2nd St.
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717-234-2468Services include medical abortion (abortion pill), abortion services referrals, pregnancy testing and options education, HIV testing, emergency contraception, STD testing, treatments, and vaccines, and men’s and women’s health care.
University Health Services
Student Health Center
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-4UHS (4847)
uhs-info@psu.eduServices include the 24/7 Advice Nurse (814-865-4847, Press 3), birth control, pregnancy testing, HIV and STD/STI testing, men’s and women’s health care, and LGBTQ and Gender Diverse health care.
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- National Abortion Federation (NAF): 1-800-772-9100
Unbiased information about abortion and about other resources, including financial assistance - All Options: 1-888-493-0092
Talk line to discuss pregnancy, adoption, abortion, and parenting
- National Abortion Federation (NAF): 1-800-772-9100
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Penn State provides pregnancy accommodations in compliance with Title IX and other federal and state laws.
Free Plan B Emergency Contraception
Courtesy of Planned Parenthood Next Generation America Penn State, free Plan B pills, or Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraception are available at this location on Penn State's University Park Campus. Supplies are limited. Stop by 201D University Health Services.
Pregnancy and Your Education
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) protects against pregnancy status in educational programs and activities. In need of accommodations for pregnancy-related concerns for continued success and participation in classes and extracurricular activities?
Sexual Assault Resources
Support is available no matter when or where an incident occurred. Penn State provides confidential services, reporting options, and trained advocates who can help you stay safe, access care, and understand your rights. You are not alone, and help is here when you need it.
