BU Student Health Services (SHS) provides a range of services and programs to support your sexual health and relationships.
BU Resources
Healthcare resources
Primary Care at Student Health Services (SHS)
Book an appointment or connect with a provider about any sexual health-related care (e.g., Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing, birth control methods) through Patient Connect
Safer-sex supplies & information
Condom Fairy
A free program that sends safer sex supplies and health information right to BU students’ mailboxes
Emergency contraception options
Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) can be taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but you can take it up to five days after – the sooner the better. Learn more about how emergency contraception works.
SHS
No need to make an appointment! If you need emergency contraception, follow these steps in Patient Connect:
- Log into Patient Connect and select the option for “Messages”
- Select “Primary Care” and the option for “Ask a Nurse – Emergency Contraception”
A nurse will review your message and send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. If you have SHIP insurance, you’ll be able to pick up the prescription at no charge. If you have another insurance plan, the cost for the medication will depend on your provider’s policy.
Please note, messages sent through the Patient Connect portal are reviewed Monday – Friday, during Primary Care business hours, and Saturday until 12:00pm. If you need immediate access outside of these hours, we suggest one of the options below.
Emergency Contraception Vending Machines
Emergency contraception (a generic Plan B option) is available through two vending machines in the following locations:
- Charles River Campus
- Basement of the George Sherman Union (GSU) near BU Central for $10.00 (price as of Sept. 2024)
- Medical Campus
- L-building INS basement, near Chequers Cafe
The price is determined by the medication cost and restocking fee. No profits are made by providing this resource.
The emergency contraception vending machines have been implemented through collaborations with Students for Reproductive Freedom, Boston University Medical Student advocates, Student Health Services, and Vending Services.
Local Resources
Community healthcare resources
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing and Counseling
Interactive map of STI testing and counseling locations in Boston
Planned Parenthood
A healthcare organization that provides reproductive healthcare services and information about sexual health
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Access
Information about HIV PrEP access programs
Emergency contraception
Planned Parenthood and local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer emergency contraception at the pharmacy counter. If you pay out of pocket (without using health insurance), the cost is typically around $50.
Information and Online Resources
More information
Information about STIs
Information about how to prevent the spread, identify symptoms, and find treatment for STIs
- If you are sexually active, it’s important to get tested regularly. If you think you might have an STI, it’s important to get tested.
- BU students can schedule an appointment at SHS through Patient Connect
Birth Control Information
Information about birth control methods
- Discussing which birth control options might be right for you is an important conversation to have with your healthcare provider. BU students can schedule an appointment at SHS through Patient Connect
Planned Parenthood
A healthcare organization that provides reproductive healthcare services and information about sexual health
Information about COVID-19 & sexual health
COVID-19 and your Sexual Health, Planned Parenthood
COVID-19 and your Sexual Health, Fenway Health
Prevention and Relationships, National Coalition for Sexual Health