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Office of the Provost University Health Service
Resources

Sexual Health

Programs & Services

Health Promotion aims to create an open, supportive culture where students feel safe learning about and exploring what sexuality means to them, while also staying safe.

Safe Sex Express

The Safe Sex Express is a program that delivers safer sex supplies and information to URochester students’ CMC boxes. The Safe Sex Express makes around 100 deliveries each month throughout the academic year!

Any URochester student can place an order using our request form. Options include:

  • External condoms (AKA male condoms)
  • Internal condoms (AKA female condoms)
  • Lubricant
  • Dental dams
  • Finger cots

Sex in the Dark

A panel of sexperts from Health Promotion, Title IX, University Health Services, and other community partners shed light on your anonymous questions about sex, relationships, consent, and more! This program is hosted annually during Welcome Week and introduces students to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions on sexual and reproductive health.

Sex & Chocolate Carnival

Sex and Chocolate is an annual event hosted in the fall semester focused on sexual pleasure.

Sex Ed 101

Our Sex Ed 101 program is a 21-day online program that consists of informational emails, including videos, infographics, and more to help you increase your knowledge on sexual health. We all have different sexual education backgrounds, but we hope to close any gaps in knowledge by the end of Sex Ed 101. The program will include 11 informational modules on topics such as:

  • masturbation
  • contraception
  • condoms & lube
  • pornography
  • LGBTQ+ sexual health
  • pregnancy
  • and more!

Our goal is for you to gain knowledge and an understanding of various topics related to sexual health. Some individuals may already have some knowledge in this area, but for some of us this is a new topic. Regardless of what background you have in sexual health, everyone has something to learn. Visit our registration page to sign up to start receiving emails today!

Contraception

Choosing the right birth control for you:

Birth control methods are not a one-size-fits-all. Check out this resource from Bedsider to help find the method that might be right for you. You can also call UHS at (585) 275-2662 to schedule an appointment to discuss your contraceptive options with a provider.

Where to find birth control:

On Campus:

  • UHS offers a variety of contraceptive methods, including birth control pills (oral contraceptives), the Depo-Provera shot, IUDs, and the implant (Nexplanon). Vaginal contraceptive rings and contraceptive patches are available by prescription at local area pharmacies.
  • Emergency contraception (AKA Plan B or the morning after pill) can be purchased from UHS for $15 with no appointment necessary. Typically this costs around $40-50 at local pharmacies. It is also available in the UHS Wellness on Demand vending machine at no cost when supply allows.
  • Internal and external condoms, dental dams, finger cots, and lubricants can be found in various locations around campus:
    • UHS building: first floor lobby and Wellness on Demand vending machine
    • Health Promotion in Hollister Wing of Susan B Anthony Hall
    • Campus Information Center
    • Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center
    • For sale at Hillside
    • In your residence hall (if your RA does not have any on their bulletin board, ask them to come pick some up for the hall!)
    • Get them delivered to your campus mailbox through Safe Sex Express

Off Campus

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs are very prevalent among college-aged individuals, with the those ages 15-24 having the highest rates of STIs. Learn about symptoms to look out for, testing, treatment, and prevention for various STIs on Planned Parenthood’s website.

Where can I get tested?

On Campus:

  • You can schedule an appointment to get tested at UHS by calling (585) 275-2662
    • The mandatory health fee covers one HIV test per year, and other tests or additional HIV tests may be covered depending on your insurance
    • Results are kept confidential, but if you are worried about your parents seeing the test on their insurance, you can use confidential billing (typically $15-$40)
  • STI testing clinics hosted by Health Promotion
  • Get an at home test kit sent to you by Trillium Health here

Off Campus:

Masturbation 101

Did you know that masturbation is normal, healthy, and even has a variety of mental and physical health benefits?

Benefits of Masturbation can include:

  • stress reduction
  • better sleep
  • relief from menstrual cramps and muscle tension
  • release of sexual tension
  • improved self-esteem and body image
  • strengthened muscle tone in your pelvic and anal areas

Masturbation can also help you figure out what you like sexually, which can help you communicate your preferences to a partner.

Masturbation Tips:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly beforehand
  • If you are sharing your sex toys with multiple partners, be sure to thoroughly clean them or use new condoms between each use to prevent the spread of STIs
  • Clean your sex toy before and after each use – check out our guide on how here
  • Use lube to decrease friction and prevent small tears in your skin – it can make it more pleasurable too!

How do I know if I am masturbating too much?

There is no set amount of masturbation that is too much. If you find that masturbation is getting in the way of your everyday activities, such as work, school, or time with family and friends, you may wish to talk to a counselor about this. You can schedule an initial appointment at UCC by calling (585) 275-3113.

Source: Planned Parenthood

LGBTQ+ Sexual Health

While all of the resources and information listed on this page can be helpful for every individual, we recognize that there are LGBTQ+ specific sexual health needs that must be met. Schedule an appointment at UHS by calling (585) 275-2662.

Other Local LGBTQ+ Competent Organizations:

Pregnancy Resources

For information and resources on navigating a possible or confirmed pregnancy, visit our pregnancy resources webpage.