Sexual Health

Protection Connection

Protection Connection is UO students' easiest way to get the sexual health supplies they need to make sex safer and more enjoyable at the same time. Protection Connection provides UO students free sexual health supplies through a direct delivery service for those living in the residence halls and at several “Hot Spots” across campus. Our goal is to make inclusive sexual health supplies readily available, easily accessible, and easy to use for all Ducks who need and want them.

Newsletter

Protection Connection's regular newsletter all about intimacy, pleasure, relationships, and sexual health is on temporary hiatus while we expand our team. In the meantime, please enjoy links to our past issues below.

2020-2021

2019-2020

Delivery and Pick-Up Services

For students that live in the residence halls, Protection Connection delivery services are for you. We will mail the sexual health supplies of your choice directly to you in discreet packaging within two to four business days. Packages will be available at your service center desk, just like any mail-order delivery. To place your order, access our order form via the button below.

If you are an RA or run a student organization and would like to order bulk sexual health barrier supplies, access the order form for this below as well.

Personal Order Form
Bulk Order Form
Learn About Our Supplies

Hot Spots

Protection Connection has several Hot Spots across campus designed to connect you to a barrier device fast. All Hot Spots offer external condoms, internal condoms, personal lubricant, oral dams and Love Gloves (latex-free gloves).

Hot Spot locations include the: University Health Services lobby near the pharmacy, EMU (near the restrooms by both Bertolli’s Pizza and the Fishbowl), and the Student Recreation Center (near the Cycling Studio). The Duck Nest, LGBTQIA3 Resource Center, and the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center also offer supplies. We are proud to announce a new partnership with Duck Rides who are making it even easier to practice safer sex by making a Hot Spot available in their vehicles!

Protection Connection at Student Events

Protection Connection is excited to be at your organization’s next event. We have presentations on sexual health and well-being and can table at your event to answer questions and distribute safer sex supplies.

Email us at ProtectConnect@uoregon.edu or call us at 541-346-4456 to discuss your request.

STI Screening and Sexual Well-Being Clinic

The STI Screening and Sexual Well-Being Clinic at University Health Services is a convenient way for students to get screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Screening tests are for those who have no symptoms. If you have symptoms (such as pain, urinary symptoms, abnormal discharge, rash, etc.), then you will need a diagnostic test, not a screening test, and you can schedule with a University Health Services doctor or nurse practitioner for a medical evaluation. If you are having no symptoms, then the STI Screening and Sexual Well-Being Clinic is a quick and easy way to get informed, protected, and tested. In addition to screening for any of four STIs listed below, the clinic also offers sexual health supplies and is a place to ask questions and get answers—without judgment. In addition, we are committed to gender-neutral care both in the clinic and with our education materials. You will be notified of your screening results within one to three days, depending on the test. We generally relay negative results via your myUOHealth student portal and positive results with a personal phone call. If you have questions about the timing, ask the clinical staff during your visit.

We follow CDC recommendations for STI screening, and screening is available for the following STIs:

We provide screening for these four infections for the following reasons:

  • They often have no symptoms.
  • There are good, inexpensive, and safe tests available.
  • If found to be positive, the infection can be treated, which will have a positive impact both on your health and the health of the community.

Healthy Sexuality 

Healthy sexuality is more than prevention of unwanted pregnancy and the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. It encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sex and sexuality and includes such things as:

  • A positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships that is free from coercion, discrimination, and violence
  • The ability to experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when/if desired 
  • The accessibility of accurate and comprehensive information
  • Communicating with your partner(s) about your wants and needs and with your health care provider about your concerns
  • The freedom to set boundaries with yourself and your partner(s)

Health insurance usually covers costs associated with STI testing, depending on your plan. Please note, however, that some plans may list the lab screenings in a benefit statement, which could be mailed home to a parent or guardian. If you want to be certain that your charges remain confidential, you may pay cash for the visit and tests.

Additional Information

Breast or Testicular Exams

Students can make an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner by calling 541-346-2770 to discuss their sexual health and to learn about self breast and testicular exams.

Contraception and CCare

University Health Services provides education about and access to a wide variety of contraceptive methods. Students can make an appointment to meet with a doctor or nurse practitioner, to discuss contraceptive methods, and to get a prescription, if necessary, for their contraceptive choice.

Birth control pills and patches can also be prescribed directly by our pharmacists. The office visit fee is $90 and may be covered by your health insurance. Check with your insurance carrier for all questions about coverage and copays for this visit and products prescribed. No appointment is necessary. Just stop by the University Health Services Pharmacy Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Oregon Contraceptive Care (CCare) is a federal program that provides free birth control and contraceptive services to qualifying students. Come to the main reception desk in the health services building for more information, or call the CCare medical billing coordinator at 541-346-2452. You can find and fill out the CCare enrollment form in the myUOHealth portal under "Forms." Be aware that it can take up to three days to process the enrollment form. CCare does not cover the cost of birth control consults with the UHS pharmacy. You can learn more about CCare on their website.

Emergency Contraception, Plan B, and Ella

Emergency contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception must be taken within 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse to avoid pregnancy, but the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be. It will not harm an existing pregnancy.

All students 17 or older, regardless of gender, may purchase Plan B from the pharmacy without a prescription for $25. Plan B loses effectiveness 72 hours after intercourse. Ella requires a prescription, but is much more effective than Plan B between 48 and 120 hours after sex.

Plan B is provided free to students who qualify for CCare or if a student needs it as a result of a sexual assault. Students younger than 17 must make an appointment by calling 541-346-2770 to speak with a doctor or nurse practitioner and to obtain a prescription.

HIV Testing and Resources

Health services provides confidential HIV testing. There are two types of HIV tests:

  • An oral swab with results as early as 30 minutes
  • Blood draw with results within 24 hours (generally the same day)

For cost information and insurance coverage details, please visit Costs for Services, Billing Options, Insurance, and Other Insurance, or call 541-346-2770.

For anonymous, free or reduced-cost testing, contact the Lane County Public Health Department or the HIV Alliance.

Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Resources

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission (information from San Francisco City Clinic)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission (guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) after being potentially exposed to HIV (guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

HPV Vaccine

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. It causes genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV can also cause anal warts and is a risk factor for anal cancer.

HPV vaccine is recommended for all people through age 21 and most people through age 26. The vaccine series consists of three injections which are given over a six-month period. Talk with your nurse or doctor to find out if the HPV vaccine could benefit you.  

Students might be eligible to receive the vaccine at reduced cost. In addition, a student’s health insurance might cover the costs. For more information, contact the Nurse Specialty Clinic at 541-346-2739.

Barrier Devices

Latex barrier devices including condoms, finger cots, and dental dams are available free throughout the health services building. Non-latex condoms are available upon request at the Nurse Specialty Clinic on the first floor of University Health Services. In addition, we provide free lube. Free sexual health supplies are also available at the Duck Nest wellness center in the EMU.

Pregnancy Testing and Counseling

Students may call 541-346-2770 and speak with a triage nurse regarding pregnancy testing and the questions they may have.