Sexual Health

Welcome to the Sexual and Relationship Health page!  Are you looking for workshops on topics like healthy relationships, negotiating safer sex, HIV/AIDS or other STIs, or birth control?  Or perhaps you would like a confidential consultation to discuss relationship issues, birth control options or STI testing and where you can go to get tested.

Well…you have come to the right place and we are happy to assist you with anything you need to stay safer, healthier and informed.  We have Sexual Health Peer Educators who can come to you and present workshops (see Health & Wellness Workshop Request form below), and you can make an appointment with our Sexual & Relationship Health Programs Manager to talk about anything you are comfortable sharing or asking by contacting Beth England-Mackie at englandb@uci.edu.

Sexual Health Consultations

Sexual health consultations are available upon request.

Consultation topics:

  • HIV/AIDS + PrEP Info (see below) 
  • STDs/STIs
  • Contraception
  • Negotiating Safer Sex

Workshops

Are you interested in scheduling a fun and interactive workshop for a group of 25 or more on sexual health or healthy relationships? Fill out the workshop request form here. Additionally, you may email studentwellness@uci.edu for more information about our Health & Wellness Workshops.

About Plan B & PrEP

Plan B Facts

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy but will not interfere with an existing pregnancy (will not cause an abortion).

It’s recommended that women take Plan B within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it is most effective when taken within 12 hours (up to 85% effective). Plan B can be purchased without a prescription and at any age. Ella, on the other hand, can be taken up to five days after unprotected intercourse without losing its effectiveness. Ella prevents 80-85% of pregnancies, but a prescription is needed from a nurse or doctor.

Plan B IS NOT a birth control method and should only be used in an emergency situation. You can still get pregnant and it is expensive.

Reasons to use emergency contraception are as follows:

  • You did not use a condom (external condom) or other method when you had vaginal sex
  • You did not take your regular birth control as prescribed (the Pill, Patch, Ring) or on time (Depo Provera shot) and had unprotected sex
  • Your condom broke or slipped off during sexual intercourse
  • Your partner did not pull out in time
  • You were forced to have unprotected sex (please contact CARE for free and confidential support at https://care.uci.edu/ or call 824-7273)

Please consider using an effective short or long-term birth control method. Please contact Beth England-Mackie at englandb@uci.edu if you would like a birth control consultation.

Plan B is available at The UCI Student Health Center, stores like Target, CVS and Walmart, and at community clinics like Planned Parenthood or the Laguna Beach Community Clinic.

PrEP and PeP

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a one tablet, once daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of acquiring the HIV-1 virus.  PrEP does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Safer sex practices, like using internal (female) and external (male) condoms and dental dams are highly recommended while using PrEP as it is not 100% effective.

You must be HIV-negative before you start PrEP, and get tested every 3 months while taking PrEP.

Where you can get it:

Whether you have USHIP or another health insurance provider, Gilead’s Advancing Access (https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/get-started-advancing-access) may cover the cost of your co-pay, potentially bringing your payment down to $0. Not all who apply will qualify.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is taking a full HIV regimen for 28 days after a known/suspected exposure to HIV.

PEP must be started within 72 hours (the sooner it is taken the higher the effectiveness rate) after a known/suspected exposure to HIV.  PEP is effective in preventing HIV when administered correctly, but is NOT 100% effective.

HIV exposure can occur during consensual and non-consensual sex (sexual assault) and through sharing needles. If you think you may need PEP immediately contact an emergency room doctor or The 17th Street STD Clinic (http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/ttc).

Resources

STI/STD Testing:

UCI Student Health Center

501 Student Health, Irvine CA
(949) 824-5301
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

APAIT
12832 Garden Grove Blvd. Suite E
Garden Grove, CA 92843
(714) 636-1349

17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care 
1725 West 17th Street, 101F
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 834-8787

Radiant Health Centers
17982 Sky Park Circle, Suite J
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 809-8764

The LGBTQ Center OC
1605 N. Spurgeon 
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 953-5428

Laguna Beach Community Clinic (LBCC) 
362 Third St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-0761

 

Birth Control

On Campus Resources

UCI Counseling Center
203 Student Services 1
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-6457

Campus Assault Resources & Education (C.A.R.E.)
G320 Student Center
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-7273

UCI LGBT Resource Center
G301 Student Center
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-3277

Media

Frequently Asked Questions

STD/STI Info and Testing

Infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and HIV/AIDS can be transmitted during oral sex.

Dental dams are latex or polyurethane sheets used between the mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex.  Dental dams protect against STDs and are available at CSWHP.  An external (or male condom) can  also be used over the penis during oral sex to protect against STDs.  It is important to maintain open communication with your partner. It is highly recommended for you and your partner to get STD-tested before engaging in any sexual activity, including oral sex.

Untreated STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can have  long-term consequences for women, including infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.  In men, these STDs can cause urethritis and proctitis, which untreated can cause blockage of the urethra or scarring.

Some STDs are treatable and curable, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis, but are also repeatable. STDs such as Hepatitis B, HPV/Genital Warts, Herpes, and HIV/AIDs are not curable but can be managed with treatment. Hepatitis B and certain cancer-related strains of HPV can be prevented through vaccinations.  For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/std/.  

STIs can be detected through a urine test, blood test, throat swab or anal swab, which is why it is highly recommended to get checked regularly for STIs. The recommendation is to get tested annually if you are sexually active, and especially if you are not using barriers regularly. If you have unprotected sex (vaginal or anal), multiple partners, use intravenous drugs, have been diagnosed with other STIs, or are in the MSM (men having sex with men) population, it is recommended to get tested every 3-6 months.

It is important to bring up the topic of STI testing and sexual history BEFORE engaging in any sexual activity. It is also important to establish open communication with your partner. One way to bring up sexual history and STI-testing with your partner is to emphasize that you care about both your health AND your partner’s health. Another way to bring it up is to suggest that you and your partner get tested together, which starts the relationship off with trust. There is no perfect way to start this conversation and it may feel awkward, but it is far more awkward to get pregnant or contract an STI. If you would like to talk to someone about having this conversation, please contact Beth at englandb@uci.edu. 

Most of the time, STDs have no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD. So if you’ve had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, talk with a doctor or nurse about getting tested.

The most common STI is Chlamydia, but Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 and HPV are also very common STIs.  Unfortunately, these STIs often have no symptoms so can go undetected for a long time without being diagnosed.  Chlamydia can be easily detected and treated and is part of the standard STI Screening.  Herpes is not routinely tested for unless symptoms are present.  Women start to get tested for HPV when they are 21 and have their first well woman exam.  Men are only tested for HPV if they are in a high risk population like MSM, using injectable drugs, homeless, and/or incarcerated.

UCI Student Health Center
501 Student Health, Irvine CA
(949) 824-5301
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

17th Street Testing, Treatment and Care 
1725 W. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 834-7991

Laguna Beach Community Clinic (LBCC) 
362 Third St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-0761

Radiant Health Centers
17982 Sky Park Circle, Suite J
Irvine, CA 92714
(949) 809-8775

APAIT
12900 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite 225B
Garden Grove, CA 92843
(714) 636-1349

The LGBT Center Orange County
1605 N. Spurgeon 
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 953-LGBT (5428)

RADAR
(RADAR is an Radiant Health Centers satellite location)
2708 Westminster Ave. Suite 110
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 868-5601

No, if you are over 18 years old, your medical records are confidential and your parents cannot access them unless you give them permission.  However, both STD testing and birth control are free!  These are considered preventive services and are covered under all insurances.

This form allows you to keep all of your “sensitive” medical records confidential so that no information is sent to your parents if you are on their private health insurance.  You may access the form here: https://myhealthmyinfo.org/sites/default/files/Confidential-Communications-Request.pdf

The main reason MSM have a higher risk for STDs is they engage in anal sex, which is considered the riskiest of all sexual activities, especially if you are the receptive (or bottom) partner.  The anus is not well-lubricated and the skin is thin, resulting in tears, which allow bacteria or viruses to enter the bloodstream.  The chances of getting HIV and HPV are very high in this population.

In order to reduce stigma and shame, it is best to be honest and to educate your partner so you can both make an informed decision.  Many people have viral STIs (both known and unknown) like genital herpes (1 in 6 people 14-49) and HPV (as many as 85%).  You can protect your partner by abstaining from sex during an outbreak or taking medication (herpes), and by using condoms and dental dams every time you have sex.  Many couples who become monogamous or get married, make different decisions about whether to use condoms every time.

Birth Control

You can get birth control from the Student Health Center with USHIP, from your healthcare provider, or from clinics such as Planned Parenthood or Laguna Beach Community Clinic. Most insurance plans cover birth control for free, but some may not cover all types of birth control. A prescription is necessary for birth control. Please check with your insurance plan and talk to your provider about what birth control method is best for you and if it is fully covered under your plan.

Internal condoms (female condoms) are inserted inside of the vagina or anus. They cover more skin area compared to external condoms which increases STD protection.  Internal condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual activity. They should not be used at the same time as external condoms because the friction can cause both condoms to break.

More information regarding internal condoms: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/female-condom/how-do-i-use-a-female-condom

It is possible for your partner to feel the strings of the IUD. However, neither you or your partner should feel the IUD itself. If any concerns arise, contact your health care provider to ensure the IUD is placed properly. 

There are two types of paraguards which are copper non-hormonal IUDs (Paraguard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla).

The copper IUD can last for up to 12 years. For hormonal IUDs, Mirena can last up to 6 years, Kyleena can last up to 5 years, Liletta can last up to 4 years, and Skyla can last up to 3 years.

The non-hormonal IUD is made of copper, which repels sperm from getting to the egg in the uterus. The hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus to block and trap sperm or by stopping eggs from leaving the ovaries.

A condom should not be stored in a wallet as it can cause the condom to be more vulnerable to heat and friction which can cause deterioration. The best place to store condoms is in a cool, dry area at or below room temperature or in condom case if you were to bring them with you.  Always check the expiration date on the condom and do not use them if they are expired!  For free condoms, including dental dams and lube, visit the CSWHP’s Condom Co-Op on the third floor of the Student Center, G319.  

It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to birth control and that with all birth control comes the possibility of side effects. For implants, the side effects include irregular bleeding (spotting), longer and heavier periods, temporary pain at the site where the implant was inserted, and mild headache or mood changes.  Some of the side effects for the IUD include irregular bleeding, missed periods, heavier bleeding, and back pain.  The advantage of these long-term methods is that they are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

The most common Birth Control (BC) method is The Pill.  This is usually because it is the most widely prescribed by physicians.  However, I highly recommend researching different methods to see which one works best for you.  Long-term BC methods are a great option for those who are not good at taking something every day on time, and can give you anywhere from 3-12 years of protection.  Long term methods are 99% effective as there is no user error.  Remember: birth control does not protect you against STD/Is so use a condom or dental dam!

Some of the most common side effects are nausea, breast tenderness, spotting between periods, lighter periods, mood changes, and headaches.  These symptoms should lessen and/or go away within 2 or 3 months, so let your physician know if you are experiencing side effects that are not tolerable or are severe.  You can always switch to another BC method.

Relationships

Common red flags when starting a relationship include constant bickering, jealousy, disrespect, co-dependence, dishonesty, distrust, manipulation, controlling, and abusive behavior (verbal, sexual, emotional, mental, physical).

Clear, straightforward communication is the best way to ensure that your partner understands what gets you hot. If verbal conversations during sex are not ideal for you, nonverbal acts such as guiding your partner’s hand to a specific location can do the trick or you can always reserve time for pillow talk after things have cooled down. If you want to improvise, you can always “sext” suggestions during the day describing what you want to do later that night.

Painful sex can occur due to a number of factors ranging from structural to psychological concerns. It is not uncommon for women to experience pain at some point in their lives. Sometimes it can be resolved by using extra lubrication or relaxing the muscles. But women can also experience pain if they are anxious, fearful, or have experienced past sexual trauma.  Talk to your doctor (preferably a gynecologist) if pain continues during and/or after intercourse.  Sex should be enjoyable, not painful!

Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t usually produce enough lubrication for comfortable penetration, so it’s important to use plenty of lubricant. (You can get lube at the CSWHP and at most drug stores.) If the muscles in the anus aren’t relaxed and there isn’t enough lubrication, it’s likely that anal sex will hurt. It’s important to relax, go slowly, stop if anything hurts, and let your partner know how you feel — sex that’s painful or uncomfortable shouldn’t continue. Not everyone likes anal intercourse. So it’s okay if you don’t.

Discomfort from anal sex should go away pretty quickly — if it doesn’t, and you’re still experiencing pain a few days after having anal sex, you should see a nurse or doctor to make sure that nothing has been injured.

Like unprotected vaginal sex, unprotected anal sex is really risky for many sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS. Use condoms during anal intercourse to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections.

  • Be clear and direct about who you are and what you want
  • Be honest about what you like and don’t like
  • Be consistent with your boundaries
  • If someone continually pushes your boundaries, it may be time to move on
  • Always ask if your partner is okay with what you are about to do
  • Respect differences in your partner
  • Don’t assume your partner knows what you want or need, ASK them!

There are many resources on campus to help handle situations involving sexual assault.

UCI CARE
G320 Student Center Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824‐7273
care@uci.edu

UCI Counseling
203 Student Services 1, Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-6457

UCI Public Safety
410 E Peltason Dr, Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-5223

Resources

On Campus Resources

  • On campus resources
  • UCI Student Health Center
  • For medical concerns
  • STI/STD Testing

(949) 824-5301
501 Student Health
https://shc.uci.edu
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

  • On-campus resource, located in Student Services 1, across Ring Road from Starbucks
  • Counselors available to provide emotional support
  • Student can walk over to meet with someone for a “same-day” appointment

(949) 824‑6457
203 Student Services 1
https://counseling.uci.edu
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4pm Summer Hours

  • On-campus resource, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, around to the right after exiting the elevator
  • Will walk over to meet with the student in-person
  • Provides confidential services: identifying options for reporting and medical treatment, peer services, group counseling, and emotional support

(949) 824‑7273
G320 Student Center
https://care.uci.edu
Mon–Fri 8 am-5 pm

  • On-campus resource, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center
  • Provides a safe space and resources for people of all identities.

(949) 824-3277
G301 Student Center
https://lgbtrc.uci.edu
Mon–Fri 9 am-5 pm

  • UCI Campus Police
  • Open 24 Hours

(949) 824-5223
410 East Peltason Drive
http://www.police.uci.edu
Open 24 Hours

Off Campus Resources

  • Off-campus resource
  • STD Screening

(714) 636-1669
12900 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite 220A GG, CA 92843
apaitonline.org

  • Off-campus resource
  • Accept walk-in visits without appointments

(949) 494-0761
362 Third St, Laguna Beach CA
https://lbclinic.org

  • Off-campus resource
  • STD Screening

(714) 953-5428
1605 N. Spurgeon St, Santa Ana 92701
www.lgbtcenteroc.org/

  • Off-campus resource
  • STD Screening

(714) 834-8787
1725 W 17th St, Santa Ana CA
http://www.ochealthinfo.com

  • Off-campus resource
  • Provides Family Pact, STD Screening, Birth Control
  • Multiple locations in Orange County

(714) 922-4100
601 W 19th St, Costa Mesa CA
https://plannedparenthood.org

  • Off-campus resource
  • STD Screening

(714) 868-5601
2708 Westminster Ave Suite 110, Santa Ana
https://www.radianthealthcenters.org/services/testing-services

  • Free HIV & STD/STI Testing

(949) 809-5700
www.radianthealthcenters.org/

  • Will inform partner(s) they may have been exposed to HIV or an STD, anonymously.

714-834-7748
https://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/services/clinics/stdhiv

  • Free website to help you find a healthcare provider to talk with about PrEP.

preplocator.org 

  • Their mission is to provide people with STD resources to make informed decisions about their sex life and connect them to affordable and private STD testing options to help stop the spread of STDs.

https://www.stdtesting.org/std-testing/

  • A database of LGBT-friendly healthcare providers

http://glma.org/

  • Community resource, available 24 hours over the phone
  • Provides confidential services including options for reporting and medical treatment, emergency and victim witness funding, advocacy

(949) 831‑9110
https://waymakersoc.org/
24/7