Gynecology, Reproductive, Genital, and Sexual Health Services

Currently enrolled students, as well as faculty and staff, are eligible for Gynecology, Reproductive, Genital, and Sexual Health Services.

UMD community members of all genders are welcome to schedule our services! 

We are staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who are trained in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and support of healthy patients as well as those with common problems and concerns. 

We also work closely with health educators in the Health Promotion & Wellness Services Unit who are trained to provide health education, individual consultations, resources, programming, and campus advocacy to support individual and community wellbeing. 

We encourage you to read this Patient Guide to Sensitive Health Exams to help you understand standard of care protocols during sensitive health exams  (breast, genital, or rectal).

Gynecology Services

About Gynecology Services & Scheduling

Regardless of your gender identity, if you have a uterus, vagina, or breasts, we encourage you to treat them to routine wellness exams and problem-focused care when needed. 

To schedule gynecology appointments: Visit myuhc.umd.edu, click on GYN/Reproductive Health, and select the desired appointment type or call 301-314-8190. Be sure to complete your pre-visit questionnaire.

Colposcopy appointments are scheduled by the Gynecology nurse who can be reached at 301-314-9271 or 301-314-8190.

 

Annual Gynecological Exams

The annual gynecological exam includes a routine breast and pelvic exam as needed. Testing for sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, is available. A Pap test (the test for cervical cell abnormalities and HPV) may also be recommended depending on your age and prior pap examinations.  It is recommended that Pap testing start at age 21. 

 

Pap Testing and Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a procedure used to evaluate the cervix when the Pap test result is abnormal and further testing is needed to obtain a diagnosis. Please read this Colposcopy Fact Sheet for more information.

Evaluation of Vaginal Symptoms

Vaginal symptoms of discharge, unpleasant odor, itching, or pain/burning can occur from time to time, as well as rashes, bumps, and swollen lymph nodes in the genital area. 

Select this appointment type if you are experiencing any vaginal symptoms or problems.

 

Pelvic Pain

Select this appointment type if you are experiencing acute and chronic pain of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

 

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding/Menstrual Problems

Bleeding other than your menstrual period, and menstrual problems like heavy, prolonged, or absent periods may require medical evaluation. Bleeding after sexual contact may also be a sign of concern. 

Select this appointment type if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding or any other concerns related to your menstrual health.

Breast Problems

We encourage you to become familiar with your breasts, know what is normal for you, and learn how to spot changes in your breasts.

Select this appointment type if you are experiencing breast pain, breast lumps, or any other breast concerns. 

 

Reproductive Health Services

About Reproductive Health Services & Scheduling

These services are for people with pregnancy prevention questions, pregnancy concerns, or health care needs.

To schedule reproductive health appointments: Visit myuhc.umd.edu, click on GYN/Reproductive Health and select the desired appointment type, or call 301-314-8190. Be sure to complete your pre-visit questionnaire.

Emergency contraception is a time-sensitive medication – the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. If no same or next day appointments are available on MyUHC, please call 301-314-8190 to request assistance making a timely appointment.

Health Promotion & Wellness Services offers Birth Control Consultations free of charge for students. To schedule a FREE birth control consultation: call 301-314-8190.

UHC does not provide fertility services, abortion services, pregnancy care, or postpartum healthcare. You can find community sexual and reproductive health resources on this map.

Birth Control Consultations

There are many different types of contraception/birth control. If you are wondering which method might be right for you, we encourage you to explore these resources:

Birth Control Consultations are for students who are currently UNSURE which method of birth control they would like to start. The purpose of the birth control consultation is to discuss the various birth control options and provide information and space to ask questions about usage, effectiveness, etc. so that you can select a method of choice. Please note: birth control is NOT prescribed at this visit. 

Contraception (Birth Control)

Options offered at UHC are:

  • Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
  • The vaginal ring 
  • The contraceptive patch
  • The shot 
  • Implants 
  • IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal)  

If you know which method you would like to start or refill, then please schedule the Birth Control Start or Refill/Follow-Up appointment on myuhc.umd.edu.

 

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception (EC) reduces the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or any behaviors that might result in a pregnancy. Common situations in which EC could be used include forgetting to take several birth control pills in a row, having a condom break or slip off, or not using a birth control method during sex. Emergency contraception (EC) is a time-sensitive medication that is more effective the sooner you take it. UHC offers two EC options:

  • Plan B One Step is available for free over the counter at our Pharmacy, and other brands of the same medication are sold for $15 at campus convenience shops (Union Shop in Stamp, North Convenience Shop in the Cambridge Community Center, and the South Campus Market in the South Campus Dining Hall).
  • Ella (more effective, not free but most insurance provides coverage) requires a prescription, and an appointment should be scheduled as soon as possible and at least within the first 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse. 

Emergency contraception is a time-sensitive medication. If no same or next day appointments are available on MyUHC please call 301-314-8190 to request assistance making a timely appointment.

For more information about emergency contraception, including other options and community resources, click here.

Pregnancy Testing & Counseling

Pregnancy is a big event in a person’s life and it's normal to have many questions about it. UHC provides the following pregnancy testing or pregnancy consult options:

If you think you might be pregnant and want to be tested at the UHC, you may schedule an appointment with a provider. 

$2 over-the-counter urine home pregnancy tests are available for purchase in our Health Center Pharmacy. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when performed on a first morning urine specimen.

Our pharmacy provides a limited number of free at-home pregnancy tests to the HELP Center. Additionally, several on-campus convenience stores sell pregnancy tests.

Our “I think I’m pregnant, now what?” flowchart may provide additional support and information. 

Select this appointment type if you would like to meet with a medical provider for pregnancy testing or a pregnancy consultation regarding community referrals to pregnancy care, abortion care, or adoption services. Many of these pregnancy-related community resources are listed on this map.

Genital Health Services

About Genital Health Services & Scheduling

Regardless of your gender identity, if you have a penis, testicles, and prostate, we encourage you to treat them to routine wellness exams and problem focused care when needed and as recommended. 

Patients with symptoms or concerns about penis or testicular health can visit MyUHC.umd.edu and select Genital Health (penis/testicle care) or call 301-314-8184 to schedule an appointment. Be sure to complete your pre-visit questionnaire.

Sexual Health Services

About Sexual Health Services & Scheduling

The University Health Center (UHC) provides a range of clinical sexual health and safer sex services.

To schedule Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing: Visit MyUHC.umd.edu, click on GYN/Reproductive Health or Genital Health and select the desired appointment type or call 301-314-8184. Be sure to complete your pre-visit questionnaire.

To schedule HPV or Hepatitis B Vaccines: Visit MyUHC.umd.edu, click on Immunization (all other vaccines), select Immunizations in Primary Care, and then select the desired immunization.

To schedule PrEP: Visit MyUHC.umd.edu, click on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and select initial or follow-up visit.

PEP is a time-sensitive medication – the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. If you think that you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, call the UHC at 301-314-8184 right away.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and HIV Testing (free and at-cost options)

If you are sexually active, it is recommended to be screened for STIs/HIV on a regular basis, especially if you have more than one partner. A provider can help you determine the appropriate testing frequency for you.

For the most accurate results, wait 10 days after a possible exposure to be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and 3 months after a possible exposure to be screened for HIV.

There are two different options for STI/HIV testing appointments at the UHC:

  • STI testing with a provider (with or without symptoms)
  • Free STI Express Test (without symptoms, no medical provider visit or exam)

More information about these options can be found below.

STI testing with a medical provider (with or without symptoms)

Whether you have symptoms or not, you may schedule an appointment for STI/HIV testing with a medical provider.

  • This appointment may or may not include a physical examination depending on symptoms and/or presenting concerns. 
  • It is critical that people with symptoms schedule this option so that they get the appropriate tests, diagnosis, and treatment
  • This appointment can be billed to insurance, or you can choose to pay out of pocket. Please let registration know BEFORE your appointment if you DO NOT want to bill insurance for the appointment. 

If you have concerns about what might get sent home and how to increase privacy, please click here. 

Free STI Express Test (without symptoms, no medical provider visit or exam)

A limited number of free STI testing appointments are offered weekly throughout the academic year.

  • This option is for students who do not have symptoms or a known exposure and are seeking STI testing as part of their regular wellness routine. 
  • If you have SHIP or Maryland Medicaid, DO NOT schedule a Free STI Express Test appointment. Patients with SHIP and Maryland Medicaid can see a provider for no charge and should schedule STI testing appointments with a medical provider
  • It is critical that people with symptoms do NOT schedule this option so that they get the appropriate tests, diagnosis, and treatment
  • These appointments are free and not billed to insurance
  • Can be tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia

For more information about STIs and free and low-cost testing options on-campus and off-campus, click here.

HPV Vaccination

  • The HPV Vaccine series decreases the chance of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types that are associated with many cancers and with genital warts. 
  • HPV infection typically comes from sexual contact. 
  • If you did not receive the HPV vaccine series when you were younger, you may schedule an appointment to receive it at the UHC.
  • The HPV vaccine series may be given beginning at age 9 years through age 26 years. You may choose to receive the HPV vaccine series if you are older than 26, though the rates of effectiveness after age 26 aren’t known, and the vaccine may not be covered by your insurance. 

For more information about HPV vaccination and how to schedule an appointment, see the Immunization Clinic page.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

  • Hepatitis B is an infection that can be sexually transmitted 
  • Most babies born in the United States are vaccinated against Hepatitis B starting at birth. If you have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine series, you may schedule an appointment to receive it at the UHC. 

For more information about the Hepatitis B vaccination and how to schedule an appointment, see the Immunization Clinic page.

HIV Prevention Medication (PrEP/PEP)

PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is taking prescription medicine before coming into contact with HIV. This, in combination with safer sex practices, can help lower the chance of getting HIV infection. PrEP is only for HIV-negative adults at higher risk of getting HIV. Find more information about PrEP at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

The UHC offers prescriptions for PrEP. You can schedule a PrEP appointment with one of our medical professionals to discuss if PrEP is right for you.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV. Contact the UHC right away (within 72 hours) if you think you've been recently exposed to HIV:

  • during sex (for example, if the condom broke),
  • through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
  • if you've been sexually assaulted.

The sooner you start PEP, the better. During a visit with a UHC provider, you may be prescribed PEP, and you'll need to take it daily for 28 days.  For more information about PEP, please call the UHC at 301-314-8184

Sexual Health Education & FREE Safer Sex Resources

In addition to these clinical services, Health Promotion & Wellness Services (HPWS) provides sexual health education, support, and resources for the campus community. For more information on these programs, including FREE safer sex materials for individuals and groups, visit the Health Promotion and Wellness Services Sexual Health page of our website.

HPWS Sexual Health Page