Medical Health

Medical Appointments at Student Health Service

Student Health Service (SHS) provides a full spectrum of primary care services including:

• Acute/urgent medical needs: strep throat, flu, accidents/injuries, intestinal/stomach problems, STI screening and treatment, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, abdominal pain, headache, UTI, etc. 
• Management of Chronic conditions
• Mental health diagnosis and medication management
• Contraceptive counseling and prescribing including Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) such as IUDs and Implants
• Vaccinations: both routine and travel
• LGBTQ health including gender-affirming care
• Accutane initiation and management
• Eating Disorder Support
• Nutrition Counseling
• Sport Physicals (Club Only)

Sexual & Reproductive Health

Sexual & Reproductive Health at Student Health

Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health is important at every age and for all genders. We offer a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can get your questions answered and receive the sexual and reproductive health care you need to stay well. Keep reading to learn more about our services.

• Birth Control
• Genital (vagina or penis) Concerns
• Breast Care
• Menstrual Issues
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• STI Testing and Treatment
• PrEP for PEP for HIV & DoxyPEP
• Cervical Cancer Screening and Colposcopy
• HPV Vaccine and Counseling
• Pregnancy Options and Medication Abortion

SHS Sexual & Reproductive Health Webpage

HPV Vaccine

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, but vaccinations are available. The vaccine provides protection for all sexes and genders against HPV-related cancers by up to 99%. The HPV Vaccine is widely accessible and available at Student Health Service. The vaccine is covered with no additional charge for those with UCSHIP insurance. Some private insurances will also cover the vaccine for people under 26. Vaccinations are also available at CVS for those with private insurance. The HPV vaccine is a 3-shot series over the span of 6 months. Student Health can finish the series or restart for those who started the series but didn't finish. The time is now to get the vaccine while it is covered by UCSHIP and available at UCSB.

More on the HPV Vaccine

Condom Distribution Program at UCSB

The Condom Distribution Program at UCSB is a free service dedicated to encouraging safer sex for those that are sexually active by making condoms at UCSB accessible, attainable, and acceptable (sex-positive and normalized) according to CDC Guidelines. Condom Dispensers are located across campus and in the residence halls. These dispensers are filled with free lubricated and non-lubricated condoms. The program is a partnership between the Department of Health & Wellness, RHA, RCSGD, and The Women's Center. Please note that during the summer months, condoms will be available only at select locations. Please review our many condom distribution locations below to find a Condom Dispenser near you! If you're a department that is interested in distributing condoms as well, please contact joanna@ucsb.edu.

Locate Condom Distribution Locations

Medication Abortion (MAB)

Medication abortion, known as MAB for short, is a type of evidence-based health care provided by the University of California's Student Health Service. Consultations for medication abortions are usually available within 1-3 days.

You can make an appointment through the MyHealth Portal. 

People who are at or below 10 weeks of pregnancy and seeking abortion may be offered a choice of medication abortion or an aspiration abortion procedure. MAB is available on campus, but students can be referred out if a procedural abortion (aspiration abortion) is preferred. 

For a medication abortion, one pill called mifepristone is taken to begin the abortion process and then a second dose of pills called Misoprostol one to two days later at home. An easy way to remember the names is "Mife (mif-ee) & Miso (mee-so)" for short. After taking Misoprostol (second set of pills, aka "Miso"), most people experience moderate bleeding and cramping, and pass the pregnancy over the next few hours. The experience is similar to a miscarriage.  

A clinician will check to make sure that the pregnancy has passed completely over the next week to two weeks with either an ultrasound, blood test, or other type of follow-up. You can start birth control immediately after taking the second dose of pills and will be protected the next time you have sex. For a medication abortion, more than 98% of people have a successful abortion without the need for any more treatment. 

Some people prefer medication abortion because it is private, they can be at home, and they don’t have to have a procedure. The abortion pills work to end the pregnancy over 98% of the time. Around 2% of people will still need a uterine aspiration after using the pills if their pregnancy doesn’t end or if they have heavy bleeding.

Its important to note that Emergency Contraception, such as Plan B, is not the same things as Medication Abortion (MAB). Plan B is a brand of emergency contraception that uses levonorgestrel to prevent ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. It must be taken within 72 hours of having intercourse. There are other types and brands of emergency contraception beyond Plan B, such as a copper-t IUD and ulipristal acetate. Emergency contraception (regardless of the type or brand) does not abort an existing pregnancy. 

For more information about Student Health Service Sexual & Reproductive Health, please visit:

Sexual & Reproductive Health at Student Health Service

For more information about medication abortion (MAB), please visit:

Learn More

Trans @ UCSB Guide

Trans @UCSB is a navigational guide for trans and gender diverse students. This collection of resources, recommendations, referrals, advice, and step-by-step instructions is intended to help students navigate gender exploration and transition on our campus.

UCSB staff are here to provide support and guidance throughout your journey. If you have any edits, suggestions, resources requests, or unanswered questions, please reach out to equity@sa.ucsb.edu

Trans @ UCSB Guide

Sexual Health & Relationships Program at Department of Health & Wellness

Learn about satisfying and consensual relationships, access to safer sex supplies, as well as many other resources around sex and sexuality. The best way to get started is to learn about your resources and find out how you can get more information, get tested regularly, get vaccinated, know how to access contraception or know where to get a prescription for birth control. 

Our sexual health education program is designed to provide accurate and comprehensive information about sexual health, safety, and self-agency to a diverse population of 26,000 students. In doing so, our students can make informed and thoughtful decisions about their physical, emotional, and social well-being according to their own values, whether their values lead them to choose abstinence or those who choose to be sexually active. 

H&W S&R Webpage