Sexual Health

Student Health Services understands that sexual healthcare is personal. SHS acknowledges and celebrates the rich diversity of our students’ identities, experiences, backgrounds, and choices, and a team of experienced medical providers is committed to providing sensitive and confidential health services to meet individual needs.  

Student Health Services provides assessment and treatment of many health related concerns specific to sexual and reproductive health. Counseling and support services are also available. Our services include:

Examinations for sexual and reproductive health

Women’s Health

Student Health Services is here to help you make healthy choices about your body and your lifestyle, and to address your most sensitive and personal health questions.  Remember the care you receive through Student Health Services is strictly confidential.

Available Services:

  • Routine exam and pap testing
  • Education and prescriptions for birth control options
  • Evaluation of problems like vaginal infections, breast problems, irregular periods, and painful periods
  • Pregnancy testing and counseling services  
  • Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Women’s Routine Health Exam
Student Health Services (SHS) offers well-woman health exams. An appointment can be made by calling SHS at 315-228-7750 and requesting a Women’s Health Exam with one of our female providers.  

Women’s health appointments usually take about 45 minutes and include a physical and breast exam, and sometimes a pelvic exam. If indicated, a pap smear to screen for cervical changes and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be obtained. Any questions and concerns about menstrual cycle, anatomy, sexuality, contraceptive methods, and STI protection may also be discussed.

Men’s Health
Routine men’s health exams are encouraged; appointments can be made by calling Student Health Services at 315-228-7750. Time is also given to address questions, teach testicular self-examination, and to discuss sexuality, contraception, and STI protection.

Contraceptive management and emergency contraception

Can I obtain prescription birth control at Student Health Services?

  • Colgate students may make an appointment at Student Health Services to discuss starting, continuing, or changing prescription birth control (contraceptives) by calling 315-228-7750.  
  • Some contraceptives are available for purchase at the Student Health Services. Currently, one generic birth control pill brand is available for purchase.
  • Other contraception methods may be obtained with a prescription provided by an SHS clinician and taken to an outside pharmacy (birth control pills SHS does not stock, Nuva Ring, diaphragm, Depo-Provera).
  • Students who want to try a method that the SHS does not provide (IUD, contraceptive implants) can be referred to an outside clinician or clinic.
  • Remember: condoms are effective, cheap, safe, and do not require a prescription.
  • Even if you are using a prescription birth control method, the SHS recommends the use of condoms or other barriers (dental dams) every time you have sex (oral, anal, or vaginal) to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Where can I get condoms?
SHS has condoms available at no cost.  A variety of brands (including latex and polyurethane for those allergic to latex) are available in the exam rooms and lobby for students to pick up without an appointment.

Other places on campus to get condoms:

Male/internal condoms and female/external condoms are also available without a prescription at stores close to campus: Dougherty Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs, and Price Chopper.

What about emergency contraception (ECP)? 
Emergency contraception, sometimes called the “morning-after pill,” is a method of birth control you can use if you had sex without using birth control or if your birth control method did not work correctly.  Emergency contraception should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It may be taken up to five days after sex, but is best taken as soon as possible within the first three days.

Where can you find emergency contraception for yourself or your partner on campus?
SHS offers a generic Plan B at a low cost. A short nurse visit appointment is required.

Shaw Wellness offers Plan B free of charge (while supplies last) through the Wellness Supply program.

Pregnancy Testing

Student Health Services offers urine pregnancy testing at a minimal cost. Students wishing to be tested should make an appointment at the health center by calling 315-228-7750. Results are immediately available. Testing is most effective and accurate two weeks from the date of unprotected intercourse.

The Student Health Services offers confidential pregnancy counseling to discuss your options including continuation of preganacy, adoption, or abortion.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Counseling, Prevention, Testing, and Treatment

Students concerned about possible exposure to STIs should contact Student Health Services at 315-228-7750 to speak with a staff member who will answer any questions or to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, testing, and/or treatment as indicated. SHS encourages you to schedule an appointment if you think you may have been exposed, whether or not you have symptoms.  

All STI testing is strictly confidential. See our confidentiality policy. A student's health insurance can be utilized, out-of-pocket charges for STI testing can cost up to $60 per test. Student Health Services accepts ’Gate Cards as payment or charges can be applied to your student account.   

Colgate University’s Student Health Center Policy ensures the presence of Medical Chaperones during sensitive examinations or procedures, based on requests from either the Health Professional or the patient. This practice promotes respect for patient dignity and upholds the professionalism of the examination. Patients also have the option to decline a chaperone if they wish.

Whether you’re sexually active or not, exploring your gender or sexual orientation, or have a particularly sensitive question or concern that you would like to discuss, please contact SHS regarding any of your sexual health care needs.  

Student Health Services offers PrEP counseling and treatment for HIV prevention.

Contact us at 315-228-7750 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Chaperone

Policy: Colgate University’s Student Health Center Policy ensures the presence of Medical Chaperones during sensitive examinations or procedures, based on requests from either the Health Professional or the patient. This practice promotes respect for patient dignity and upholds the professionalism of the examination. Patients also have the option to decline a chaperone if they wish.

Definition: A chaperone is present during sensitive examinations to enhance patient comfort, safety, privacy, and dignity. Their role addresses physical, psychological, and cultural needs while also protecting health professionals from unfounded allegations. Chaperones assist during procedures and are part of Colgate University’s broader commitment to safe care. We emphasize responsibility, mutual accountability, and education to ensure appropriate responses to unprofessional or unsafe behavior.

Confidentiality statement
  • Health and Wellness (H&W) and Sports Medicine (SM) staff (athletic trainers and physicians) maintain confidentiality in accordance with the ethical guidelines and legal requirements of their profession. Your health records are maintained in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) and are considered treatment records under FERPA. These records are completely separate from all other Colgate University records and your educational records. Health and Wellness staff may receive information from other offices on campus as part of their role as consultants on campus. Health and Wellness staff and SM staff will not share information about any patient outside of their care team without their written permission, except under the following circumstances:
    A patient presents as a serious danger to themself or another person;
  • A patient is under 18 years of age and discloses abuse or neglect to a clinical provider;
  • A patient discloses that a minor child, dependent adult, or elderly person is currently at risk for abuse or neglect;
  • A Colgate student seeks care at Community Memorial Hospital, another hospital, or an urgent care center, and that provider requests information, SHS will share relevant health information as needed for continuity of care.
  • A valid subpoena is issued on a patient's records, or a patient's records are otherwise subject to a court order or other legal process requiring disclosure;
  • As required by federal or New York State Public Health law.

 

Note for Division 1 Athletes receiving care through the Sports Medicine staff
This confidentiality applies to sports-related illness and injury only. If a student discloses information to a Sports Medicine staff member that is not specifically associated with a sports-related injury or illness, the Sports Medicine staff may be legally required to report this information (e.g., report of assault or sexual assault).

If any of the above exceptions are true, SHS staff will only disclose the necessary, relevant clinical information based on their profession's ethical guidelines and legal requirements. SHS staff will notify the patient appropriately of this disclosure as soon as possible.

Patient rights
  1. Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or veteran status.  
  2. Be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity, including privacy in treatment;
  3. Be informed of the services available at the center;
  4. Be informed of the provisions for off-hour emergency coverage;
  5. Be informed of your options for providers and request a change in provider understanding that this may require you to reschedule your appointment.
  6. Know the names, credentials, and positions of the staff working with you;
  7. Receive an estimate of the amount that you will be billed after services are rendered, and receive an itemized copy of your account statement upon request;
  8. Obtain from your provider or the provider's delegate complete and current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment (including possible side effects and risks), and prognosis in terms a patient can be reasonably expected to understand;
  9. Participate in your healthcare planning and consent by accepting all or part of treatments offered or refusing all or part of treatments
  10. Request a medical chaperone in the exam room if the exam may be of a sensitive nature.
  11. Receive information from your provider or the provider's delegate necessary to give informed consent before starting any nonemergency procedure or treatment.
    1. Informed consent shall include, as a minimum, the provision of information concerning the specific procedure or treatment, the reasonably foreseeable risks involved, and alternatives for care or treatment, if any, to allow the patient to make a knowledgeable decision;
  12. Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be fully informed of the medical consequences of that action;
  13. Refuse to participate in research if and when it is being conducted at the Health Center and/or through Sports Medicine;
  14. Voice grievances and recommend changes in policies and services to the Health Center without fear of reprisal;
  15. Express complaints about the care and services provided and have the center investigate such complaints.
  16. Privacy and confidentiality of all information and records pertaining to your treatment;
  17. Approve or refuse the release or disclosure of the contents of your medical record to any provider or the provider's delegate and/or healthcare facility except as required by law or third-party payment contract or necessary to safeguard you or the university community;
  18. Authorize or refuse family members and other adults who may have access to your confidential medical information;
  19. Have access to information about Advance Directives (https://www.health.ny.gov/community/advance_care_planning/ )
  20. Language translation services.
Patient responsibilities
  1. Provide the Student Health Center and/or Sports Medicine staff with accurate information about past immunizations, illnesses, injuries, hospitalizations, medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, and any allergies or sensitivities.
  2. Inform the Student Health Center and/or Sports Medicine staff of any changes in health status that could affect treatment.
  3. Follow the prescribed treatment plan, ask questions if you do not understand the directions or treatment given by a provider, discuss any desired changes in the treatment plan, and participate in your care.
  4. Notify your provider if the treatment plan no longer works for you.
  5. Inform your provider about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other directive that could affect your care.
  6. Treat those giving them care, as well as other patients, with dignity and respect.
  7. Accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by your insurance.
  8. Keep appointments and arrive on time.
  9. Cancel appointments only when necessary and far enough in advance so that other patients might utilize that time.
  10. Be respectful of others' privacy and property while in the Health Center and/or Sports Medicine facilities.
  11. Not take actions that could harm themselves or others.
  12. Let the Health Center know about changes in contact information or insurance information.
  13. Report any adverse side effects of treatment and/or worsening of your condition.