Salisbury University students on campus

Sexual & Reproductive Health

Student Health offers many services for sexual and reproductive health. Students are able to schedule appointments for contraception, emergency contraception, sexually transmitted Infection Testing and abnormal vaginal discharge, as well as for an Annual Gynecologic exam with a Pap (if over the age of 21). Appointments can be scheduled online, through the Student Health Web portal, or by calling 410-543-6262.

Contraceptive Resources:

Student Health Services provides routine gynecological care, information and prescribing of contraceptives, including emergency contraception, and pregnancy testing.

Emergency Contraception:

We offer Plan B and Ella emergency contraception in Student Health Services. If SHS is closed and you need access to emergency contraception there are a few options. It can be obtained through a Pharmacy such as CVS and there is 24/7 access to Plan B through our vending machine which is located in Guerrieri Student Union next to the ATM.

Student Health Services do not provide fertility services, abortion services, pregnancy care, or postpartum healthcare. You can find community sexual and reproductive health resources, including facilities that perform abortions, listed below.

For additional Contraceptive resources check out:

  • Planned Parenthood (Abortion Services Provided at some of these locations)
    • Maryland Virtual Health Center of PPM 410-576-1414
    • Seaford Center, Delaware 302-643-2857
    • Easton Health Center, Maryland 410-576-1414
    • Dover Center, Delaware 302-678-5200
    • Annapolis Health Center, Maryland 410-576-1414
  • All Options, (Pregnancy, Parenting, Abortion, Adoption Resources)
  • Bedsider
  • Plan C
  • I need an A
  • Go Ask Alice!

In addition to the services provided by SHS listed above here is a list of local Community Health Sexual Health Services.

  • Wicomico County Health Department Phone: (410) 543-6962 Website: Wicomico Health Department
  • Capital Women’s Care Phone: (410) 543-9111 Website: cwcare.net
  • Chesapeake Healthcare OB/GYN office Phone: 410-546-2424

Free Sexual Health Supplies:

  • Stop by Student Health Services Self Care area and make a bag of grab and go items that include internal and external condoms, dental dams and lube.

STI/HIV testing:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that sexually active individuals be STI screened at least once a year or in between new partners. Depending on your risk level, more frequent screening may be recommended. An open and honest dialogue with your healthcare provider will help to determine your risk, needs, and appropriate tests.
  • Student Health Services perform screening for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV and Syphilis. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, it is critical that you make an appointment with a provider instead of utilizing any free services.
  • Salisbury University Health Services offers STI screening to its students at a cost of $10. Results of the STI testing are handled with the utmost confidentiality, and not shared with others without the student’s permission.
    • Allow 30 minutes for an appointment if you are not having any symptoms, and 60 minutes if you are having symptoms such as discharge (vaginal or penile), painful urination, and/or pelvic pain. Most asymptomatic screening tests are done on a urine sample. 
    • Do not urinate for a least an hour before your visit, or the test will not be accurate. The urine test screens for the two most common bacterial STIs in the United States, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The urine sample is sent to the state lab and typically take two weeks to process.
  • Diagnostic testing for Herpes can be ordered if a lesion is present.
  • Examination will be completed for visual clues of STIs such as genital warts, molluscum, pubic lice (crabs)
  • If you have no symptoms you may also request a free STI testing kit through the link listed here I want the kit
  • SHS offers HIV and Syphilis testing as well. Your provider will determine if you need this testing depending on your risk factors. If needed, the provider will schedule an appointment with the nurse to have your blood drawn. You must return in person to receive your results. This testing costs an additional $10. Results of the HIV/syphilis screen are given to the student in person during a follow-up appointment in about 2 weeks.
  • Barrier methods such as male or female latex condoms are your best protection against STIs, other than abstinence. However, condoms do not completely eliminate risk from STIs. Viruses can still be transferred from person to person despite regular, conscientious condom use. This is because skin to skin contact still occurs, allowing for transmission; also, viruses are smaller than bacteria and therefore may be able to pass through latex condoms.
  • The HPV vaccine is recommended for all men and women. It is usually administered at the age of 11, but can be given up to the age of 26. However, we do not carry this in Student Health Services.

HIV Prevention Medication

  • This is available through the Wicomico County Health Department. Their information is listed below.

Phone: 410-543-6943
Fax:410-548-5151
Website: PrEP Program WCHD
Location: 300 West Carroll Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Hours of Operation:; Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

TIPS - for optimal Pap smears/pelvic exam results

  • Schedule your pap smear mid-cycle if possible. Avoid the time when there is heavy menstrual bleeding. Blood may obscure cervical cells making accurate evaluation difficult.

48 hours prior to your pap smear:

  1. If sexually active, no intercourse
  2. No vaginal creams or suppositories
  3. No douching
  4. No tampons
  5. No diaphragms
  6. No female condoms
    • If you are using NuvaRing, please remove the ring just before coming in for your scheduled appointment. The ring can be removed for 3 hours without affecting its potency.
    • STD screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be done at the same time