When used consistently and correctly, safer sex supplies can reduce the risk of pregnancy and contracting or transmitting many STIs. These free supplies are available in a variety of locations on campus and are an important sexual health safety resource.

Types of free safer sex supplies provided on campus include external condoms, insertive condoms, oral dams, gloves, and lubricant. For more information about these safer sex supplies and how to use them, click here.

You can find free safer sex supplies in the following locations:

• The Health Promotion & Wellness Services resource table on the ground floor of the University Health Center (This table has the most extensive supply, with many different types and the ability to make your own grab-n-go bag).
• The lobby of the University Health Center
• The LGBTQ+ Equity Center at 2218 Marie Mount Hall
• Residence Halls (expanded access coming soon) 

Have feedback or an idea of where you want to see free safer sex supplies on campus? Fill out this survey.

Looking for latex-free, larger, snugger, or other specialty condoms or gloves? Fill out this form, and your request will be filled for discreet pickup at the University Health Center. 

SHARE THE LOVE: When visiting a free safer sex supply location, we ask that you take only what you need. Do not take the free supplies in bulk. Fill out this form if you need large quantities for a program or event.

You can find locations to buy or get free safer sex supplies both on and off campus on our Sexual Health Resource Map.

We provide bulk packs of safer sex supplies for faculty, staff, and student leaders (RA, DFSL chapter leader, student org president, etc.) who are hosting a sexual health event and/or have residential or office space where students can easily access the supplies.

Bulk packs are limited to two per month. Requests are available to pick up at the University Health Center within 2 weeks. 

STIs are infections that can be passed from one person to another during sexual activity (some are also transmitted in other ways, such as through skin-to-skin contact or blood). They are very common – about 20 million STIs are diagnosed in the United States each year, and half of those are in people aged 15-24-years-old. 

Many people infected with an STI do not experience symptoms or have mild ones that could be easily overlooked, so testing is the only way to know if you are infected. While some STIs can have serious health impacts if left untreated, all STIs are treatable, and most are curable. 

^{*Recommended for regular asymptomatic screening if sexually active}

^{Key: F=fluid transmission S=skin-to-skin transmission}

The most effective way to prevent STIs is through abstaining from sexual activity. If you are sexually active, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of getting or transmitting an STI. 

For more information about STI prevention medication and vaccinations, see the Gynecology, Genital, Reproductive, and Sexual Health Services page here.

For more information about STIs and risk reduction strategies, see our FAQ here. If you have additional questions about STIs (including prevention and testing options), we’re here for you! Schedule a free one-on-one session with a health educator by calling 301-314-8184. 

STI Express Test is our free screening program for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. STI Express Test is for students who do not have symptoms or a known exposure and are seeking STI testing as part of their regular wellness routine. 

If you are sexually active, it is recommended to be screened on a regular basis, especially if you have more than one partner. A provider can help you determine the appropriate testing frequency for you.

For the most accurate results, wait at least 7-10 days after a possible exposure to be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and up to 3 months after a possible exposure to be screened for HIV (although some tests can detect HIV more quickly). 

Free STI/HIV events are occasionally offered on specific days and times throughout the academic year on a first come, first served basis. The next event will be on Wednesday, October 25th. More details will be available below when it gets closer. 

We are working to offer more free testing opportunities on campus. Stay tuned for more info!

A limited number of free STI Express Test appointments are offered weekly throughout the academic year. These appointments do not include a physical examination and do not bill insurance. These appointments are only available to registered students* with NO SYMPTOMS and NO KNOWN EXPOSURE to a partner who tested positive for an STI.

During your visit, a health educator will ask you questions about your sexual health history and help you make an informed decision about which test(s) are right for you. Then a phlebotomist will perform the blood draw, if selected, and instruct you on how to self-collect necessary specimens.

These appointments include free HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia screening. These appointments will NOT bill any insurance plans. In the case of a positive test, patients are responsible for treatment costs (bill to insurance or self-pay).

Appointments can be scheduled online at MyUHC.umd.edu (select either Gyn/Reproductive Health or Genital Health, then STI Screening & Testing, then Free STI Express Testing) or by calling 301-314-8184.

Note: If you have SHIP or Maryland Medicaid, DO NOT schedule a free STI Express Tests appointment. Patients with SHIP and Maryland Medicaid can see a provider for no charge and should schedule STI testing appointments with a health care provider. For more information, click here.

STI testing appointments with a medical provider are available to students, staff, and faculty at the University Health Center. These appointments may be billed to insurance or you can choose to pay out of pocket. If you have the student health insurance plan (SHIP) or Maryland Medicaid, there is no charge for these appointments.

If you are experiencing symptoms, the only recommended testing option is with a medical provider so that they can best assess what is going on, get you the correct tests to make the most accurate diagnosis, and provide treatment as needed. If you are not experiencing symptoms, you may also choose this option but prefer a physical exam or consult with a medical provider.

Appointments can be scheduled online at MyUHC.umd.edu. Select either Gyn/Reproductive Health or Genital Health (penis/testicle care), then STI Screening & Testing, then STI Screening and Testing - WITH a provider or by calling 301-314-8190 for Gyn/Reproductive Health or 301-314-8184 for Genital Health. 

Contraceptive methods, or birth control, can decrease the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy, as well as help manage bothersome symptoms related to the menstrual cycle and certain medical conditions.

There is no one “best” method of birth control – the best method for you is the one that works best for your life and your needs. Some contraception options are hormonal vs. non-hormonal, taken every day vs. managed every few years, and can range in effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.

If you aren’t sure which method is best for you, we recommend the following resources:

• Birth Control Guide
• Birth Control Methods Chart
• Birth Control Q&A Webinar

Birth Control Q&A Webinar Playlist:

Question 1: How do I know which birth control method is right for me? Is there one best kind of birth control?

Question 2: People often talk about birth control in the context of heterosexual sex - why else might someone want to take birth control?

Question 3: What are the best birth control methods for people taking testosterone?

Question 4: I can't use hormonal birth control, what are my options? How does that work?

Question 5: What are the benefits and risks of Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)?

Question 6: Is there a limit to how many times you can take Plan B?

Question 7: What if I am already on birth control (the pill, IUD, etc.) and having sex- why would I still want to use barrier methods?

Question 8: Does birth control affect fertility?

The UHC offers the following reproductive health services: 

• Birth control consultations to help you decide on a method of choice
• Birth control methods (pills, ring, patch, shot, implant, IUD)
• Emergency contraception pills (over the counter and by prescription)
• Pregnancy testing and counseling

For more information about these services and how to schedule them, click here.

For off-campus reproductive health resources, click here.

Interested in a live presentation? Visit our Invite Us In page!

• Sexual Health 101 Presentation Playlist
• Birth Control Q&A Playlist
• Queer Safer Sex Presentation Playlist

• Any Questions? Podcast: The Pleasure Gap
• Any Questions? Podcast: STIs & Stigma
• Any Questions? Podcast: Kinky Sex
• Any Questions? Podcast: Consent & Communication

The HPWS Wellness Toolkit has several activities and resources focused on sexual health. From lesson plans around recorded presentations and podcasts to a trivia activity to a guide to safer sex supplies and distribution, faculty/staff and student leaders can use these tools to create a culture of wellness in their campus communities.

Our digital sexual health education library contains many of our educational materials and handouts. Feel free to use them for your own knowledge or print off a batch to share with students!