Recently Asked Questions

If we're not here to chat about your question, we'll do our best to post an answer in the recently asked questions.

What does it mean if you have severe cramps 13 days after your period?
Often, women experience cramping, ranging from mild to severe, during their ovulation, which is an average of 12 - 17 days after your period. That could explain your cramps. However, if you are concerned, you should talk to your health care provider. Some STIs can cause discomfort.
Is there a place to get free condoms on campus?
Yes! We have them here at our office! Hayes Annex C, South Campus. On North Campus, check out Wellness Education Services in the Student Union.
This is the 2nd time I've come on here to ask a question to find that the staff is "off line" during hours that you should be online
We apologize. There are days when our staff is unavailable due to events or client sessions. Please note that you do have the option of emailing us your question. Thanks for the comment.
Do your parents come in the doctors office with you during the gynecological exam?
Absolutely not. The Student Health Center operates under full patient confidentiality laws.
Can you give me information on the Morning After Pill?

The Morning After Pill, also known as Emergency Contraception or Plan B can be purchased at the SBI Pharmacy or SBI Health Education for only $25! Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can be started up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse.
Emergency contraception is made of the same hormones found in birth control pills. The hormones in EC work by preventing ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovaries. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. The hormones in EC also prevent pregnancy by thickening a woman's cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg. Some people say that EC works by keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. There is no proof that this actually happens. You might have heard that EC causes an abortion. But that's not true. The morning after pill is not the abortion pill. Emergency contraception is birth control, not abortion. Effectiveness is an important and common concern — especially when it comes to EC. It is an effective form of back up birth control. However, it is not as effective as ongoing use of other birth control methods, when they are used correctly. Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent when started within 72 hours — or three days — after unprotected intercourse.

Only one out of 100 women will become pregnant after taking Plan B if started within three days. Emergency contraception can be started up to 120 hours — five days — after unprotected intercourse. The sooner it is started, the better. You need to use EC to prevent pregnancy after each time you have unprotected intercourse. It will not prevent pregnancy for any unprotected intercourse you may have after taking the pills. Emergency Contraception offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections. You may want to consider testing for infections if there is a possibility that unprotected sex put you at risk. Emergency contraception is safe. Even though EC is made of the same hormones as the birth control pill, it does not have the same risks as taking the pill or other hormonal birth control methods continuously. That's because the hormones in EC are not in your body as long as they are with ongoing birth control. Millions of women have used Emergency Contraception. It has been used for more than 30 years. There have been no reports of serious complications.

Please contact one of our Peer Educators if you have any further questions at 829-2584.

Anonymous Chat

We know sex is a tough issue to talk about in person. Chat with the trained SBI Health Education staff at UB anonymously. M-F, 9am-4:30pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of our most frequent questions and answers from UB students. If you prefer to ask someone in person, contact our office to schedule an appointment or chat with us above!

General

Where are you located and how do I get there?

We are located on the South Campus in Hayes Annex C, Suite 5.

What are your office hours?

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. During University breaks, our office hours may change. Call us to hear any change in hours during those times.

Sex Education

How do I get birth control at UB?

A: It's great that you're thinking ahead about birth control! All women who would want to go on Birth Control need to have a Gynecological Exam. Before you schedule your GYN exam at Student Health Services, make sure you call us at 829-2584 to schedule your Women’s Health Education Session. All UB students must attend the Women’s Health Session before their first GYN exam. An annual Gynecological Exam is a chance to assess your general health including your heart's health, blood pressure, and weight, as well as have a breast exam and a pelvic exam. It's also an opportunity for you to ask your provider any questions you may have.

The provider may be a physician, a nurse practitioner, or a practical nurse. For the pelvic exam s/he will look at your vulva, examining the inner and outer lips, clitoris, and the vaginal opening. After that s/he will insert a speculum, an instrument that keeps the walls of the vagina open in order to examine your cervix. The provider will take a swab sample of your cervix to collect cells to examine in a laboratory for cancerous or pre-cancerous growths or other abnormalities. This simple test, called a Pap smear, is a critical part of every woman's yearly health exam because early detection and treatment of problems can reduce future complications. After the swab, the provider will insert a gloved finger into your vagina to feel the position of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The pelvic exam itself only takes a few minutes, so if you focus on relaxing and breathing deeply, it'll likely be over before you know it! A Pap smear tests for cervical cell changes that are primarily due to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes about 95 percent of all cervical cancers. In June 2006, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that all females aged 11 to 26 receive an HPV vaccine, ideally before becoming sexually active. You can ask your provider if the vaccine makes sense for you.

A Pap smear does not test for STIs, so if you have had sex, it's a good idea to get tested for STIs like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV. Because so many people feel nervous or uncomfortable about GYN care, most providers try hard to be sensitive and do whatever they can to help you feel at ease. They're there to help you, so being as open as possible about concerns you have about the exam itself or your sexual health will help you get the best care possible. UB students can call 829-3316 for more information about gynecological services available through Student Health Services.

Where can I find a place that does STD testing at UB and how long do I need to wait for results?

You can be tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) at the Student Health Center located in Michael Hall on the South Campus. The cost is $10. The time it takes to get results depends on what you are tested for, but typically results are back within 2-3 weeks. You can call 829-3316 to schedule an appointment.

I want to start taking birth control but I can't tell my parents therefore I can't use my UB insurance. What should I do?

Students don't always have to use their health insurance to get Birth Control at UB. The SBI pharmacy in Michael Hall sells birth control for really low prices - sometimes even lower than insurance co-pays! So, you wouldn't necessarily need their insurance for that. Just for the initial visit.
If you have Student Health Insurance, talk to the Student Medical Insurance office about the report that goes to your parents about what services/prescriptions have been paid for (645-3036). Or, you could try Planned Parenthood - 831-2200. Call our office if you need more info! 829-2584.

What is a women’s health session?

A Women’s Health Session is a 30–45 minute appointment focusing on basic women’s reproductive health matters including the menstrual cycle process, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including transmission, treatment, and prevention, and contraceptive & birth control options. This education and counseling session can also include your partner if you wish. The session is provided by a trained SBI Health Education Peer Educator. This is a great opportunity to ask questions or talk about sexual health issues in a relaxed, confidential setting.

The Women’s Health Session is mandatory before your annual gynecological (GYN) exam at the Student Health Center. Visit Women’s Health Services for more information about GYN services and appointments at the Student Health Center.

Will I be charged for the Women’s Health Session?

No – the Women’s Health Session is a mandatory part of your Annual GYN Exam appointment, and therefore, is covered in that cost.

Does the Women’s Health Session go on my parents' or my health insurance?

The Women’s Health Session itself will not appear on any billing. The annual GYN exam appointment may appear, depending on your insurance. Talk with the Student Health Center about that.

Are the Women’s health sessions in a group?

No, they are one-on-one. Or, if you like, you and your partner can attend together.

Where is the Emergency Contraceptive (aka EC, Morning After Pill, Plan B) available at UB and how much does it cost?

Emergency Contraception (EC or the Morning After Pill) is available at the SBI Pharmacy located in the basement of Michael Hall (Student Health Center). The brand offered there is Plan B, and it costs $25. Remember – you need to take EC within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. When taken correctly within 72 hours, it is 75%-89% effective in preventing pregnancy.

We have trained counselors available who can answer questions or concerns you might have. Call us or stop by our office

How do I schedule a pregnancy test and where do I go for the test?

Pregnancy tests can be scheduled through us – call or stop by our office to arrange a test.

You will go to the SBI Clinical Lab, located in the basement of Michael Hall, for the test itself. Counseling and results are provided at the SBI Health Education office.

How much does the pregnancy test cost?

If you do not have the UB Student Insurance, or if you don’t have health insurance coverage at all, the pregnancy test is free. If you have the UB Student Insurance, your insurance plan will be billed $10 – you pay nothing out of your pocket.

These prices are only if you go through SBI Health Education for your test results. Call us if you have questions about the test or costs.

AIDS Coalition

What is the HIV Rapid Test?

The HIV Rapid Test involves having your finger pricked for a droplet of blood. The HIV Rapid Test detects HIV antibodies in the blood. It may detect antibodies as soon as 2–8 weeks (average 25 days), but with some people, the antibodies may take longer to develop. Most people will develop antibodies in the first 3 months following time of infection.

Results are usually available within 15–20 minutes.

How much does the HIV Rapid Test cost and will insurance cover it?

The HIV Rapid Test costs $20. The SBI Clinical Lab accepts cash, checks and Mastercard/Visa. It does not accept Campus Cash at this time. In addition, some Student Health Insurance plans (Aetna-Chickering & HTH Worldwide) cover the test – no co-pay required.

How do I get an HIV Rapid Test Appointment?

Call us. We will schedule your appointment and talk to you about where to go and what you can expect at the appointment. Trained SBI Health Education Peer Educators provide pre- and post-test counseling, where you can ask questions, talk about risk reduction, and discuss concerns you may have regarding the test or results.

Where do I go for the HIV Rapid Test?

After making your appointment with us, the HIV Rapid Test and counseling will take place in Michael Hall.

How long after engaging in at-risk behavior should I wait to get an HIV Rapid Test?

This is a matter of personal choice, and the basic answer is anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

You can test now, or test later, depending on your personal choice. A test can be performed early if you feel you may have been at-risk or if you've never been tested. A repeat test could be performed in 3 – 6 months after a possible exposure (without any additional possible exposures occurring during this time).

If you have more questions about when to get the HIV Rapid Test, call us. We can talk to you about what your testing options could be based on your risk factors and personal situation. All conversations are strictly confidential.

Is the test Confidential?

Absolutely! We are bound by HIV Confidentiality laws. All results are kept in a locked file cabinet for 3 years, and then shredded. Positive test results are reported to the state.

Confidential testing is different than anonymous testing. Confidential HIV testing meaning your name is attached to the test. Anonymous testing has no name attached, just a number. Call us for anonymous test site referrals.

Do you do STD testing?

You can have STI testing through the Health Center. It's only $10. Call them for info - 829-3316. We provide STI counseling and info, if you'd like to set up a one-on-one, confidential session before or after you're tested! Call us at 829-2584.

Anti-Rape Task Force (ARTF)

Who do I contact about doing my community service with ARTF?

Students assigned community service hours through Judicial Affairs can choose to volunteer for the ARTF walk stations. You will need to pick this placement through Judicial Affairs first and then call our office to set up an appointment. At this appointment you will receive your time sheet, sign paperwork, and sign up for the 2 hour mandatory ARTF training. Any question about community service should be directed to Sasha McGarvey, Assistant Director. Hours worked without following this protocol will not be accepted.

How can I volunteer to help with the ARTF walk stations or safety shuttle service?

Contact us by telephone or email. We will talk about your availability and set up a time for training. Volunteers for the Safety Shuttle Service need to have a valid driver's license.

What are the hours for operation of the walk stations and safety shuttle services? Where are they located?

Visit the pages for the ARTF Walk Stations and Safety Shuttle.

How do I contact ARTF to obtain a safety walk from the walk stations or a ride from the safety shuttle services?

For a safety walk, simply stop or call the ARTF Walk Stations during operating hours.

For a ride with the Safety Shuttle Service, stop at one of the safety shuttle locations during operating hours. Off Campus pick-ups may be arranged by contacting SBI Health Education before 2:00 pm weekdays.