We strive to ensure students have clear, up-to-date, and candid information regarding contraception, sexual health, and related issues. All services at Student Health Services are supportive, non-judgmental, and confidential.
Gynecological Health
Student Health Services staff provide caring gynecological care to students. Available services include PAP smears, STI testing, breast exams, attending to minor vaginal complaints, pregnancy tests, and general women’s health exams. For complex concerns, off-campus referrals are also available.
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Any SCU student can be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Student Health Services. A urine test is a simple but reliable way of detecting STI infections of the urethra. To do this, we need that you not urinate for at least one hour prior to giving your specimen. It is also important that only the initial 20cc to 30cc (marked on the container) of your stream be collected.
Click here for up-to-date, accurate information about STIs and safer sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Health Services does not provide condoms or prescribe contraceptive medications for the purpose of preventing pregnancy.
Yes, since the California Department of Insurance considers birth control services as preventive care services which are required to be provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without any out-of-pocket cost (copayment, coinsurance, etc.), contraceptives are covered under the University's insurance plan.
Yes, Student Health Services offers in house urine pregnancy tests for free and serum (blood) tests for $10 (1-3 day results), or $20 for same day results.
Planned Parenthood provides many services and practitioners provide resources to students based on the presenting health matter. Examples of reasons why a practitioner may offer a referral include:
- A direct question about Planned Parenthood;
- Abnormal pap smears;
- Ovarian cysts problems;
- STI testing free of charge;
- LGBTQ+ services;
- When a student doesn’t want any knowledge of care referenced in their medical records, etc.
No, date-rape drug testing is not in the scope of the Cowell Center's practice.
Additional details:
- Date Rape-Kit tests use a few drops of liquid and can detect Xanax, valium, and Rohypnol. It does not screen for the other date rape drugs.
- These drugs are very short lived in the system. The urine tests will need to be performed within 12 to 48 hours after drug ingestion.
- ALL rapes reported to SHS are reportable by law. All identifying information must be reported to SCPD. There is no confidentiality.
Taxi vouchers are available from CSS (24/7) and Cowell (8:30 - 5 M-F).
Yes, Student Health Services performs STI Testing. Results are generally back in 2-7 days.
Students are notified in advance about the cost of the tests.
If a student wants to be reimbursed from their insurance, a student can get a receipt and turn it into their insurance company. Charges are posted to a student’s Bursar's account and are listed as “Cowell Center Charges.” Students who do not want the Cowell Center charge on their Bursar account are able to pay via cash at the Cowell Center.