College relationships come in many forms; casual, committed, questioning or somewhere in between. No matter where you fall, one thing stays constant: your sexual health is important.
At Slippery Rock University, the Student Health Center offers confidential sexual health services that are designed to meet students where they’re at, no matter the gender or sexual orientation of their patients. Whether you’re navigating birth control for the first time, need STI testing or emergency contraception, or just have questions, SRU’s Health Center providers are here to assist without judgment.
Inside SRU’s Sexual Health Services
Healthy relationships that include sex should always consider protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. That’s why the Health Center provides contraceptives, safer sex supplies, emergency contraception (ECP), pregnancy testing, and STI screening (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, HPV, and trichomonas). All the services provided are confidential, and most come with only a minimal fee.
Before prescribing certain medications, the Health Center also follows protocol to assess pregnancy risk for anyone capable of becoming pregnant, which is an important safety step, since some medications can be harmful during pregnancy.
Birth Control Options on Campus
Students can schedule an “Options appointment” through the Student Health Center to meet with a health educator and learn about different types of birth control, how to use them effectively, and the risks and benefits of each method. During the session, students are also connected with on- and off-campus resources to support their sexual health, and the health educator helps coordinate care so students can access birth control wherever they feel most comfortable. Appointments can be held one-on-one or in group settings, and friends or partners are welcome to attend. For students who have never used birth control and want to start through Student Health Services, completing an Options appointment is required. To schedule, students can contact Elizabeth Kline, the Health Promotion Coordinator, at 724.738.2251 or elizabeth.kline@sru.edu.
When You Need Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception pills (ECP) are hormones taken after unprotected vaginal intercourse to help reduce the chance of pregnancy, and the Student Health Center makes this option easily accessible to students. ECP is commonly used if a condom breaks or slips, birth control pills are missed, no form of birth control was used, or someone is forced to have unprotected sex. The center offers ECP for a minimal fee, providing a confidential, on-campus resource when students need support quickly. While ECP works best within 72 hours and becomes less effective the longer you wait, it remains an important option for preventing unintended pregnancy, with providers available to answer questions and help students navigate next steps.
STI Testing Made Accessible
STI Testing is available in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and results usually come back within a week. Therefore, if you’re experiencing symptoms like pain with urination, pelvic pain, sores or unusual discharge, or if a partner has been diagnosed with an STI, you can schedule a 30-to-45-minute appointment with a nurse practitioner. If you don’t have symptoms but want peace of mind, a registered nurse can help arrange testing. Depending on the test required, the center provides urine and blood testing along with physical exams.
Pregnancy Resources and Support
Students who are pregnant or think they might be are encouraged to schedule a confidential appointment with the Student Health Center. During these visits, students can access pregnancy testing and receive information about obstetrical care, adoption planning, newborn surrender, pregnancy termination, crisis counseling, substance-use support, and SRU Counseling and Student Support Services. By bringing these resources together in one supportive space, the center helps students understand their options and access the care they need. No matter the situation, the health center’s providers emphasize that their role is to support students, provide information, and not steer decisions.
Care Available on Campus
Sexual health goes beyond prevention; it’s about having access to accurate information, confidential care and real support. From birth control education and STI testing to pregnancy resources, SRU’s Student Health Center gives students the tools they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. With compassionate providers and a wide range of services available on campus, students don’t have to navigate these moments alone. The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the academic year, making care accessible when students need it most.
