Sexual and Reproductive Health at HUHS

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing

All Harvard students who have paid the Student Health Fee can access confidential STI testing without any out-of-pocket cost at HUHS. After meeting with an HUHS medical provider, you will visit Quest Laboratory to have samples collected.

All STI test results are strictly confidential according to federal law. However, please note that if you are not on the Harvard Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), your testing will be client-billed to HUHS in order to prevent an Explanation of Benefits from being sent to your primary insurance.

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Contraceptives & Pregnancy Prevention

Students who are interested in preventing pregnancy can access a wide range of contraceptive methods, also known as birth control, at HUHS. To help determine which method might best suit you and potentially get started, you can schedule an appointment with a primary care provider at HUHS by calling (617) 495-5711.

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Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC), also known as Plan B or the morning-after pill, is a medication or long-acting reversible contraception given to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is important to remember that emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and is meant for one-time use, as it is not as effective as other contraceptive methods. Options for emergency contraception include Plan B (levonorgestrel), Ella (ulipristal), and the copper ParaGard IUD. 

Accessing Emergency Contraception at HUHS: The generic version of Plan B, Econtra One Step, can be purchased 24/7 at the ScriptCenter kiosk, located inside the HUHS main entrance (first floor, Smith Campus Center) for a reduced cost of $15. Emergency contraception (the generic version of Plan B – Econtra One Step) is free of charge for students who present in the clinic as a result of trauma. 

Forms of Emergency Contraception (EC):

• Plan B (Levonorgestrel): Plan B is an over-the-counter medication and does not require a prescription. It is sometimes known by generic names such as Econtra One Step and My Way. Plan B should be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex and is typically 75-89% effective at preventing pregnancy- the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be. While the research is inconclusive, Plan B may be less effective for people weighing over 165 lbs. If you are worried about effectiveness, you may wish to consult with a medical provider to determine if you should instead get a prescription for another form of EC. If you are concerned about seeing a provider in time, it is best to still take the form of EC that you can access, even if the effectiveness may be lower. 
• Ella (Ulipristal): Ella is a prescription EC that must be prescribed by a health care provider, and thus is not sold over-the-counter. Ella should be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. In order to access Ella, you can schedule an Urgent Care appointment with HUHS by calling (617) 495-5711. At the appointment, you will take a pregnancy test, and if appropriate, a provider will write you a prescription that you can take to a local pharmacy. 
• ParaGard (Copper) IUD: Copper IUDs, in addition to providing 10-12 years of protection against pregnancy, can be used as a form of emergency contraception if placed within 5 days of unprotected sex. Placement of the IUD will require an appointment with a medical provider. You can schedule an emergency appointment for a ParaGard IUD insertion at Planned Parenthood.

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Insurance Information

Students enrolled in the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) should contact Member Services at (617) 495-2008 or email mservices@huhs.harvard.edu with insurance-related questions. Students may also visit the HUSHP website at hushp.harvard.edu.

If you have experienced sexual assault or violence and would like to see an HUHS medical provider, generic versions of Plan B emergency contraception can be provided without charge through an Urgent Care appointment. Please call Urgent Care at (617) 495-5711 to schedule an appointment.