Sexual Health | Student Well-Being

Sexual Health

Enjoying a healthy, pleasurable sex life, whether with a partner or on your own, is an important part of well-being. Husky Health offers an array of sexual health services to help you protect yourself from STIs and unintended pregnancy. We also offer pregnancy testing, options counseling, medication abortion, abortion referral, and prenatal care.

Free safer sex supplies

UW Seattle students can drop by Husky Health Room 101 during our hours of operation to pick up 10 supplies per week.

Learn more about free safer sex supplies at Husky Health.

Sexual Health Services at Husky Health

Many sexual health services are available via telemedicine. Call us at 206-685-1011 to schedule:

Confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis and HIV
Treatment for STIs, included partner treatment
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a prescription medication for people who are at risk of HIV that prevents HIV transmission
Pregnancy testing, options counseling
Medication abortion
Prenatal care
A wide variety of birth control methods, including the birth control pill, patch, ring, shot and diaphragm
IUD and implant (Nexplanon) insertion and removal
Cervical cancer screening (Pap and HPV testing)

Getting started

Emergency contraception

There are three types of Emergency Contraception (EC) and all are available at Husky Health: Paragard copper IUD, Ella and Plan B. Plan B is also available over the counter at the Rubenstein Pharmacy, most other pharmacies, and a vending machine on campus at Odegaard Library.

Please contact us if you are a UW student who needs help obtaining EC.

HPV vaccination

Husky Health offers HPV vaccination to UW Seattle students and established Hall Health patients. Please call us at 206-685-1011 to schedule.

Bring your insurance card and student ID and check-in on the first floor.

Vaccines that are recommended for you based on your age and assigned sex are fully covered by most US insurance plans when you visit an in-network provider. Learn more about health insurance and cost.

STI testing and treatment (including PrEP)

To schedule an appointment for STI testing, call us at 206-685-1011. Be sure to let us know when you call if are experiencing symptoms.

STI testing needs vary from person to person based on age, assigned sex and risk factors. Unfortunately, in most cases, it’s not possible for Husky Health staff to tell you in advance of an STI testing visit what the out-of-pocket cost will be. The cost will depend on your health insurance benefits and network, the complexity of the visit and which lab tests are included. You can learn more about your health insurance benefits here. See the FAQ below for more information.

Birth control methods

If you are a current UW Seattle student, you can talk with our Patient Healthcare Advocate (PHCA) about contraceptive options at no cost. Call us at 206-685-1011 to schedule a virtual, telephone or in-person visit. The PHCA cannot order lab tests, perform exams or write prescriptions.
For prescription birth control, including to schedule a pre-IUD or pre-Nexplanon consultation, call us at 206-685-1011.

Pregnancy testing, options counseling, and medication abortion

Husky Health offers pregnancy testing, options counseling, medication abortion, and prenatal care. Our Patient Healthcare Advocate and consulting nurses are trained to provide accurate, non-judgmental information about all pregnancy options. We are here to support you with education, guidance, and care as you explore your choices.

Support for survivors of sexual & relationship violence

If you have experienced or are experiencing any sort of unwanted sexual encounter, and would like to discuss support options and resources, you can speak to a confidential advocate through the Survivor Support and Advocacy Program at UW LiveWell. There is no cost to speak with an advocate. The Confidential Advocates can also can discuss resources and options if you are experiencing relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. Please email them to set up an appointment at lwadvoc@uw.edu. The Confidential Advocates work with all UW Seattle students and all tri-campus faculty and staff, as well as the Medical Center employees.

You can also find information about resources via the UWPD regarding Domestic and Relationship Violence, and Sexual Assault.

LiveWell (students only) – lwadvoc@uw.edu
UWPD (students, staff & faculty) – Victim Advocacy

Frequently asked questions

Have a concern? Need help figuring out your next step? You can call us at 206-685-1011 between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Find out more about Medical Advice.

The out-of-pocket cost of care depends on your insurance benefits and network. All US insurance plans are required to cover the full cost of any birth control method, as long as you visit an in-network provider. The cost of STI testing depends on whether or not you have symptoms, the tests you are seeking and your insurance benefits.

If you are a current UW Seattle student, you are eligible for one subsidized visit (face-to-face interaction) with a Hall Health provider (medical doctor or nurse practitioner) per quarter for a problem or concern. However, you are responsible for any ancillary services, like lab tests, imaging and medications. We will bill your health insurance unless told otherwise, in which case you will be charged for any services not paid for through your subsidized benefits as a UW student.

Learn more about health insurance.

Your health information cannot be shared without your express permission with anyone other than the providers of your medical care. There are two exceptions to this rule: billing health insurance for STI testing or birth control and reportable STIs.

If you have health insurance through a parent, guardian, or spouse, it is possible that the primary subscriber on the insurance could receive mail from your insurer that includes information about health care services you received, including STI testing and birth control. Paying out-of-pocket and not billing your insurance is the only way to be certain of confidentiality.

Some STIs are reportable by law. Positive chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis results must be reported to the local health department to make sure those affected are treated. If you do have a positive result on one of these tests, your information will still be protected, and you would only be contacted if you did not complete treatment. Positive HIV results are also reported to the local health department, but anonymous HIV testing is available in Seattle (though not at Hall Health Center) if this is a concern.

There are many other providers in the Seattle area that provide confidential birth control, STI and HIV testing. Some of these clinics have income-based financial assistance.. Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and Hawaiian Islands is one such provider, and has clinics throughout the greater Seattle area, including in the University District. Visit the Public Health-Seattle & King County website for a list of other STI and HIV testing providers.