The University of California believes all people should have access to affordable and convenient reproductive health care. This includes providing a full range of evidence-based health care, including medication abortions. Medication abortion consultations are readily available (usually within 1-3 days) at Student Health Service. Please login to the MyHealth Portal to make an appointment.

For birth control, abstinence means not allowing sperm (ejaculate or pre-ejaculate) near the vaginal opening (inside the vagina). For the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), abstinence means no genital-to-genital, or mouth-to-genital contact. Abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and is a cost-free option, but some may find it difficult to maintain abstinence over the long term. Choosing abstinence does not mean that your desire for sexual activity goes away.

There are many different types of contraception, but not all types are appropriate for all situations. The most appropriate method of birth control depends on an individual's overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, desire to have children in the future, and family history of certain diseases. Ensuring access for all people to their preferred contraceptive methods advances several human rights including the right to life and liberty, freedom of opinion, expression and choice and the right to work and education, as well as bringing significant health and other benefits. Methods of contraception include oral contraceptive pills, implants, injectables, patches, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, condoms, among others. These methods have different mechanisms of action and effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancy. Only barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams can prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections. For more information on birth control access at UCSB, explore the Student Health Birth Control Library. To take the first step towards starting a contraceptive option visit How to Get Birth Control. UCSB students can get a prescription for birth control pills, the vaginal ring, the birth control patch, or the Depo Provera shot at SHS. While you do not need an appointment, you can access the request for these options through the appointment tab in the MyHealth Portal. Student Health also offers long-term, highly-effective birth control options like IUD or Nexplanon; you can schedule an appointment for these options through MyHealth Portal.

Establishing your boundaries with the people in your life can benefit everybody. It is important to communicate consent (both receiving and giving) for everyone. You may have different boundaries for different people, or different situations. Where do you begin? Check out the buttons below to explore more: (link to consent and boundaries content on S&R website)

• 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)

Appropriate assertiveness and open communication are the foundation of any strong, healthy relationship. Even in the happiest of relationships, whether that be professional, personal or romantic, conflicts are likely to arise. Appropriate assertiveness allows someone to clearly state their opinions, feelings, and wants. This helps to reduce the tension in a given conflict and allow the conversation to proceed productively and respectfully without escalating. Click here to learn more about effective communication methods and lessons!

Condoms are small, thin pouches that cover the penis during sex. Condoms provide great protection from both pregnancy and STIs. They’re easy to use and easy to get. Visit our Condom Demonstration Video for instructions or Health & Wellness Map and Resources Health Supply Pickup for condom dispenser locations.

Also known as the morning-after pill, emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. It is not an abortion pill and doesn't work if you're already pregnant. The Plan B pill works best when you take it within 3 days after unprotected sex. Paragard, the copper IUD, is the most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex- this is a non-hormonal option that can last for up to 12 years. Log in to MyHealth Portal to request an online emergency contraception prescription, which can be filled at the Student Health Pharmacy. If you have SHIP insurance, it's free. Otherwise, it is a $20 copay. PLAN B is available for $20 without a prescription at the Student Health pharmacy and the Wellness Vending Machine in the library (2nd floor)

The CDC recommends HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing for everyone ages 13-64 at least once in their lifetime. It can take 3-12 weeks after exposure for results to be accurate - this is called the "window period". Check out the CDC's HIV Testing page for more information on how often you should get yourself tested. This test is a blood test. If asymptomatic (no symptoms), this test may be requested online via MyHealth Portal. If symptomatic and/or exposed you will need to make an appointment to be evaluated by a clinician at Student Health. This can be done through MyHealth Portal or by calling the appointment desk 805-893-3371. Results generally come back within one week.

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.

Holistic Sexuality is a phrase to express the different aspects of human sexuality, which include Sensuality, Intimacy, Sexual Identity, and Sexualization, as well as the issues of Sexual & Reproductive Health. The WHO defines holistic sexuality as “…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006a)

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

The UCSB Menstrual Health & Equity Coalition (COWSB, UCSB Library, UCSB Women's center, UCSB RHA, UCSB Basic Needs, UCSB Associated Students, and UCSB Health & Wellness) have teamed up to offer free menstrual products at the following locations:

• Wookstocks Pizza in Isla Vista (restrooms)
• Rockfire in Isla Vista (restroom)
• Santa Cruz
• Anacapa
• Santa Rosa
• San Miguel
• San Nicolas
• San Rafael
• Manzanita Village
• Santa Catalina
• ICA Study
• MCC
• RCSGD
• TSC
• El Centro
• EOP
• ONDAS
• CAPS
• SNAC
• Student Health Service (SHS)
• Women's and Gender Neutral Restrooms:
  • 1st Floor (1509, 1511, 1514, 1516)
  • 2nd Floor (2505, 2507, 2522, 2526)
  • 4th Floor (4549)
• Health & Wellness Center + Women's Center (shared space)
• All Women's Restrooms
• All Gender Neutral Restrooms

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an antiviral medication taken before potentially coming into contact with HIV. It is a daily medication that, when taken properly, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. PrEP should be used in conjunction with barrier methods like condoms and dental dams to reduce HIV risk and prevent other sexually transmitted infections.

There are programs through the drug manufacturers that can reduce or eliminate copays and costs depending on what type of insurance you have. Please talk to an insurance specialist or your clinician for more information. If you have UC SHIP, you can contact the Insurance Office at the Student Health Building.

Please email them at SHS Insurance or book an appointment through MyHealth Portal.
Hours of Operation
MON      8:00am - 10:30am & 11:30am - 4:30pm
TUES     8:00am - 4:30pm
WED      9:00am - 4:30pm
THURS  8:00am - 10:30am & 11:30am - 4:30pm
FRI         8:00am - 4:30pm

Students can access PrEp at the Following Locations:

• UCSB Student Health Service
• Most Medical Clinics
• Planned Parenthood

For more information, we recommend visiting the CDC website:

CDC Info on PrEP

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an antiviral medication taken after a high-risk exposure to HIV. This medication is more effective the earlier it is taken and must be taken within 72 hours of the exposure. You can get PEP at any urgent care, emergency room, healthcare clinic or from your primary care provider. Both PrEP and PEP are incredibly effective and safe with minimal side effects.

PrEP is meant for individuals who are at high risk of acquiring HIV. Not sure of your level of risk?  Whatever your gender identity or sexual orientation, this tool developed by the CDC can help you assess the risk of HIV transmission from various sexual activities. This tool is not a substitute for advice from your medical provider, to find out if PrEP is the right HIV prevention strategy for you, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to learn more. If you are a UCSB Student Health patient (have UC SHIP Insurance), join the Line to speak to them via phone and make an appointment, no need to give the reason for the visit.

Insurance Coverage for PEP

If you’re prescribed PEP after a sexual assault, you may qualify for partial or total reimbursement for medicines and clinical care costs through the Office for Victims of Crime, funded by the US Department of Justice.

 State Support for PEP

If you’re prescribed PEP for another reason and you cannot get insurance coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, private, or employer-based), your health care provider can apply for free PEP medicines through the medication assistance programs run by the manufacturers. Online applications can be faxed to the company, or some companies have special phone lines. These can be handled urgently in many cases to avoid a delay in getting medicine.

You can get more information on PEP at the CDC Website:

CDC Info on PEP

Students can access PEP at the Following Locations:

• UCSB Student Health Service
• Most Urgent Care Centers
  • Click Here for UCSB Urgent Care
  • Click Here for After Hours Care for UCSB Student Health Patients (Students with UC SHIP coverage)
• Most Emergency Rooms

Please note that there may be a cost for PEP, Urgent Care, and Emergency Room visits depending on your insurance coverage.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common. STIs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STIs. STIs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They can also spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is uncommon. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops when an STI  infection has led to some symptoms of disease. People sometimes use the terms in one another’s place. The primary goal of public health and healthcare is to prevent and treat infections before they develop into disease.
There are dozens of STIs. Some STIs are spread mainly by sexual contact, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Genital Herpes.
Many STIs have no symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so people can have an infection but not know it. That is why getting tested for STIs is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STI diagnosis, know that they are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely. (https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/)
For more information about free or low-cost testing at UCSB visit Student Health Service STI Testing. The process has never been easier and there are no or no cost options no matter your insurance.