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Sexual Health

Sexual health includes STI prevention, birth control & contraception, consent, communication with your partner(s), accessing care at HUHS, and much more. 

The Center for Wellness & Health Promotion is here to help guide you in creating healthy and safer sexual experiences. If you have more questions, email us at cw@huhs.harvard.edu.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) & Getting Tested

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    STIs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They can also be passed from one person to another through body-to-body contact.
     

    How confidential are our STI results?

    The results are strictly confidential according to federal law.
     

    Where can students get tested?

    STI testing at Harvard

    If you are on your parents' health insurance or the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) provides STI testing without any out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are on a different health insurance plan, please refer to your benefit guide to confirm coverage for STI testing.

    To schedule an STI test at HUHS please call: 617-495-5711

    STI testing within the Boston area

    If you do not feel comfortable going to HUHS for STI testing, the CDC website has a list of locations for HIV and STI testing in the Cambridge and Boston area and beyond, just enter your zip code.
     

    How often should you get tested?

    Frequency of testing will vary by each individual person. Check out the CDC's recommendations on how often to get tested.

Birth Control, Barrier Methods, & Emergency Contraception (Plan B)

  • Understanding about what kind of barrier method or birth control you are looking for is important. There are many different kinds of each and it can feel overwhelming. Don't fear! We are here to help. Not all types of birth control protect against STIs, and not all forms birth control are made equal. It's important to talk to your doctor about which might be the best for you.
     
    Bedsider provides detailed descriptions of all types of contraceptives and barrier methods, answers questions, and contains informational videos and testimonials. Check out their birth control method explorer.
     

    Emergency Contraception (Plan B)

    Plan B can be purchased 24/7 at the ScriptCenter kiosk, located inside the HUHS main entrance (first floor, Smith Campus Center) for a cost of $15.00. Plan B is free of charge for students who present in the clinic as a result of trauma.

     

    What is Emergency Contraception, or Plan B?
     

    Emergency contraception, also called the morning after pill, is medication given to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections; it is meant for one-time emergency protection and is not as effective as other forms of birth control.
     
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved over-the-counter sale of emergency contraception (levonorgestrel: Next Choice®, Plan B® One-Step, My Way) to men and women age 17 and older. If you are 17 or older and want to buy emergency contraception, you do not need a prescription and you can purchase this at local pharmacies, including the HUHS Pharmacy. You will need a government-issued form of ID, such as a driver’s license, that proves you are at least 17 years old. Adolescents age 16 and younger need a prescription for emergency contraception.
     
    For additional information, contact your HUHS clinician during regular hours or Urgent Care at (617) 495-5711 during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
     

    Harvard University Student Health Plan (HUSHP) Birth Control Information
     

    There is a $0 copayment for all generic prescription contraceptives and brand name products that have no generic equivalent. Visit the HUSHP website for more information.
     
    If you waived coverage in the Student Health Insurance Plan, please contact your insurance plan for copayment rates and information.

How to Use an External Condom

  • External condoms (or sometimes called male condoms) can provide protection against STIs and pregnancy. It is important to know the proper steps for using an external condom to increase its efficacy. External condoms can be used on a penis, with sex toys, and can be cut for use as an oral dam. 

    Check out this webpage from Planned Parenthood for a detailed explanation on how to properly use a condom.

How to Use an Internal Condom (FC2)

  • Internal condoms (brand name FC2) are latex-free which is great for folks with a latex allergy.  This type of condom can be inserted before your sexual act. If being used anally make sure to take out the internal ring before use. 

    Check out this video from Planned Parenthood about how to use an internal condom vaginally or anally. 

How to Use an Oral Dam

  • Oral dams (sometimes called dental dams) are sheets of latex that can help protect against the transmission of STIs when giving oral sex to a vulva or anus.  If you do not have an oral dam handy you can make one out of an external condom. 

    Check out Brown University's page all about oral dams. You'll find a video on how to make an oral dam and information about how best to use them. 

Reasons to Use Lube

  • Lube or personal lubricant is an important element in creating a safer and more pleasurable sexual experience, no matter what kind of sex you are having.  

    There are three kinds of lube:

    • Water-based: Very safe to use with latex condoms, reapply often

    • Silicone-based: Good for longer sessions, requires soap and water to remove - do NOT use with silicone sex toys

    • Oil-based: Do NOT use with latex barrier methods (condoms, oral dams, etc) - can degrade the latex


    Reasons to Use Lube:

    • Decreases the risk of a condom breaking (which is important for continued STI prevention) by reducing friction

    • Increases pleasure for all people involved

    • Can reduce discomfort during sex

    • Great to use with sex toys & solo play!
       

    Check out Good Vibrations at 52 JFK Street for a wide variety of lubes. The folx who work at the store are trained educators and can answer your questions about different types of lube. 

Locations in Harvard Square to Purchase Supplies

  • HUHS Script Center - *Harvard Affiliates Only*

    • 75 Mt. Auburn St.

    • Open 24/7, need HUID to access
    • Discounted rates
    • External Latex & Non-latex condoms & Emergency Contraception

     

    Good Vibrations

    • 52 JFK St.

    • Large variety of safer sex supplies
    • Other items including books and toys
    • All staff are trained educators

     

    CVS

    • 6 JFK St. (outside T-stop)

    • Large variety of safer sex supplies & emergency contraception