Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health is important at every age and for all genders.
The Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center offers a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can get your questions answered and receive the sexual and reproductive health care you need to stay well.
Call 402.554.2374 to schedule an appointment for any of these services. Please dial the full 10-digit number whether on or off campus.
Learn more about the following:
Go to Frequently Asked Questions
Birth Control and Contraception
Contraception is much more than just condoms. The pill? The patch? An IUD? How can you choose the right birth control method for your needs? Our providers offer the education you need to make the best decision for your lifestyle.
The pill
We provide prescriptions for oral contraceptive pills. For your convenience, we can coordinate with our Nebraska Medicine pharmacies in Omaha to mail your prescription to your home for no additional cost if you desire.
Intrauterine Device
An IUD is a small, flexible contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus. We provide prescriptions for IUDs, such as Mirena, Skyla, and more, and offer referrals to community resources that can insert it for you. Our medical experts can assist you if you develop IUD complications or need an IUD removed.
The implant
The implant, sometimes referred to as Nexplanon, is small, thin, and flexible and can be placed discreetly under the skin of your inner upper arm. We can prescribe, insert and remove implants at the health center.
The ring
The ring, sometimes referred to as NuvaRing, is a small flexible ring that can be inserted into the vagina for three weeks to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
Annual Gynecological and Sexual Health Exams
Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health begins with getting to know your body and getting regular gynecological or sexual health exams.
Exams for persons with a vagina, uterus, and/or ovaries
A gynecological exam, sometimes called a “wellness exam” or “well-woman” exam, is a yearly checkup focused on your body and your sexual and reproductive health. It may include a pelvic exam, a breast exam and/or a pap smear. It is a chance to learn about your basic anatomy, review menstrual cycles, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, get birth control, and more.
Exams for persons with a penis, testicles, and/or scrotum
Whether you are having sex or not, everyone with a penis should get a sexual exam at least once a year to ensure your genitals are healthy. You should also schedule an exam if you have any questions about your sexual and reproductive health or experience any problems or changes, including itching, burning, discomfort, and lumps or bumps. Although it might seem uncomfortable for some, it is important for your health.
HPV Vaccine
The human papillomavirus vaccine is important because it protects against cancers caused by HPV infection. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause anal, cervical, back of throat (oropharynx), vaginal and vulvar cancers, as well as genital warts.
Treatment for Pelvic Pain, Infections, and Other Concerns
Sexual and reproductive health concerns can vary widely from person to person. If you experience pain, infection, or have questions about a concern, call 402.554.2374 to schedule an appointment. Please dial the full 10-digit number whether on or off campus.
Our health care providers help with a variety of issues, including:
- Unexplained abdominal and pelvic pain
- Urinary incontinence (urine leakage during physical acts such as coughing or sneezing)
- Vaginal and urinary tract infections
- Menstrual problems such as painful periods and irregular bleeding
- PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hormone imbalances
- Hair loss
- Acne
We also provide treatment and evaluation of abnormal pap tests. If you have an abnormal pap test, we may recommend a colposcopy, a procedure to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease.
Pregnancy Testing and Referrals
We offer serum and urine pregnancy tests at the UNO Health Center by appointment. Patients with positive test results will be informed of available pregnancy care options.
The UNO Health Center does not provide obstetric, abortion, or family planning services, but we can refer patients to community resources to assist their needs.
The All-Options Talkline is a trusted resource for pregnancy options, counseling, and support before, during, and after pregnancy, parenting, abortion, adoption, pregnancy loss, infertility, and every experience in between.
The talk advocates answer these calls and provide each individual with compassionate listening, resources, and references. You can call their toll-free talkline at 1.888.493.0092.
PrEP and PEP
PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is a daily medicine that can stop HIV from replicating inside the body. It is prescribed for HIV-negative individuals who are at ongoing higher risk of getting HIV.
PrEP may be a good fit for you if you have had anal or vaginal sex in the past six months AND 1) have a sexual partner with HIV or 2) do not use condoms consistently. It may also be a good fit if you use injection drugs AND 1) have an injection partner with HIV or 2) share needles, syringes, or other supplies.
Truvada and Descovy are the two PrEP medication options available at this time. Different factors may affect which prescription is a better fit for your needs. Talk to a health center provider for more information.
PEP
Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a medicine prescribed by a health care provider in emergency situations after a person has potentially been exposed to HIV. Some examples of when PEP may be right for you include:
- After unprotected sex (for example, if the condom broke)
- After sharing needles, syringes or other equipment to inject drugs
- If you have been sexually assaulted
PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV to be effective. The sooner you start PEP, the better. If you are prescribed PEP, you must take it daily for the next 28 days.
PEP is not a substitute for regular use of other HIV prevention. If you are at ongoing high risk for HIV, PrEP may be a good fit for you.
Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing
Anyone who is sexually active should get tested for STIs and HIV at least once a year and/or with each new partner.
Most STIs have no symptoms, which is why getting tested regularly is the best way to stay safe and catch STIs early. If left untreated, they can cause long-term effects, including infertility.
Common STI tests at the UNO Health Center:
There is not a single, large test for all STIs. Tests are specific to each infection. Talk to your health care provider about which STI tests you need. Certain STIs are more common than others, so your provider may suggest you get tested regularly for them.
Remember to be honest and open with your provider about your sexual history. They are there to help, not judge you. What you share will help your doctor choose the most appropriate tests for your circumstances so that your testing will not cost more than necessary. Your individual risk factors will determine exactly which tests are most important for you.
Doctor-ordered chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV tests are covered by student fees. University students who are 24 or younger and who do not have or cannot use insurance may qualify for a grant that covers some or all of the cost of most other STI testing at the UNO Health Center. If you are interested in using grant funds, speak to a provider or nursing staff during your appointment for more details
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a gynecological exam?
Pelvic exams should begin at age 21 or earlier if you experience any pain or concerns and should be scheduled annually. Pap tests should also begin at age 21 and should be scheduled every three years so long as you do not have any abnormal results.
What if I do not like my birth control pills or want to switch to another type of contraception?
Unless your provider has told you otherwise, finish the package of pills before discontinuing them. If you have unpleasant side effects, message your provider in your One Chart patient portal or call 402.554.2374 to leave a message for a nurse. You can usually switch to a different birth control method at the end of your pack without any loss in contraceptive protection. Please dial the full 10-digit number whether on or off campus.
Who should get vaccinated for HPV?
Though it is recommended to get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, people of all genders can get HPV through age 45. The vaccine is given in three shots. The second shot is given one to two months after the first shot, and the third shot is given six months after the first shot.
Are sexual and reproductive health services covered by University Program and Facilities Fees (UPFF)?
Most of these services are not covered by student fees and will have a charge. These charges can be submitted to your insurance plan for coverage.
If you are 24 or younger and do not have or cannot use insurance, you may qualify for a grant that covers some or all the cost of most sexual and reproductive health services at the UNO Health Center.
If you do not qualify for the grant and do not have insurance, you can pay out of pocket at a discounted rate or apply for the Financial Assistance Program.
I missed my period. Now what?
This is a good time to make an appointment with the health center. There are many reasons why you may have missed your period, and our providers can help you find answers. You may be asked to complete a pregnancy test. Once pregnancy has been ruled out, other factors will be considered, such as stress levels, medications, and changes in health behavior or habits.