By Keira Hardesty and Lillian Glaros

The University of Maryland offers free sexual health, contraception and healthcare supplies that can be found in the University Health Center, the LGBTQ+ Equity Center and some dorms. Here’s a list of some of the products included.

Sexual health

External condom: A thin sheath that covers a penis to prevent sperm from entering someone’s body.

Internal condoms: Condoms that are inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent sperm from entering someone’s body.

Dental Dams: A sheet of latex placed against the body before oral sex.

Lubricant: A gel that can increase pleasure and reduce STI risks during sex.

Gloves: A hand covering used while touching genitals, to protect against dirt and STIs.

The largest supply of these items is on the ground floor of the health center, where you have the opportunity to make your own grab-n-go bag. Faculty, staff and student leaders can request bulk packs of supplies for sexual health events.

Birth control

Birth control pills: A hormonal pill taken once a day to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy.

NuvaRing: A small flexible ring worn inside the vagina that secretes hormones that prevent pregnancy.

Diaphragm: A shallow silicon cup inserted into the vagina before sex to cover the cervix and block sperm.

Contraceptive patch: A patch that releases hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy.

Implant, also known as Nexplanon: A thin rod that releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy and can last for up to three years

Shot, or Depo-Provera: An injection received once every 3 months to prevent pregnancy.

IUD: A small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is taken after sex. It works most efficiently the sooner it’s taken, and this university offers two options.

Plan B One Step: Free for students and can be obtained over the counter at the health center pharmacy. Students must present their UID to get this medication. You can also purchase it for $15 at convenience stores on campus, such as the North or South Campus Markets. 

Ella: This option is more effective, but requires a prescription from the health center. Appointments must be scheduled as soon as possible within at least five days after unprotected sex.

Pregnancy tests

Students can get free pregnancy tests by providing their UID at the health center pharmacy.

STI and HIV testing

These tests should be taken 10 days after a possible exposure to gonorrhea or chlamydia and 3 months after exposure to HIV. The health center offers two options.

Free STI Express Test: This test should be taken by students with no symptoms or exposures. Appointments for these tests are free and you can be tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. A limited number of tests are available each week.

STI testing with a medical provider: These appointments are not free, and can be billed to insurance or paid for out of pocket. They could also include physical exams, which are more effective for people experiencing symptoms.

HPV and Hepatitis B vaccine

HPV vaccine: This vaccine decreases the chance you will be infected with HPV, a group of viruses that can infect the skin, which is associated with types of cancer and genital worts. The vaccine is most effective if taken from ages 9 to 26 and an appointment can be scheduled at the health center.

Hepatitis B Vaccine: This vaccine is given to most children in the United States, but the health center also offers appointments.

Other providers around the University of Maryland

Metropolitan Family Planning Clinic

5915 Greenbelt Road, College Park, MD 20740

Services include:

  • Abortion pill
  • Surgical abortion
  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Non-hormonal contraceptives
  • Long acting contraceptives
  • Sterilization
  • Exams, STD testing and birth control

Carol Whitehill Moses Center of Washington, D.C.

1225 4th St. NE Washington, D.C., 20002 & Planned Parenthood Prince George’s County of Suitland

5001 Silver Hill Road Suite #103, Suitland, Maryland 20746

Services at both locations include:

  • Abortion
  • Birth control
  • Morning after pill
  • Gender-affirming care
  • HIV care
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Pregnancy planning
  • Prenatal services
  • Postpartum services
  • STD testing and treatment
  • Sexual/reproductive concerns
  • Vaccines
  • Preventative medicine

The Carol Whitehill Moses Center of Washington D.C. also provides mental health services.

University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center Assault and Abuse Services

901 Harry S. Truman Drive North, Largo, Maryland, 20774

This center provides services for victims of sexual assault, sexual trafficking, elder abuse, domestic violence, strangulation and more.

The emergency department provides care such as:

  • HIV screening and preventative treatment to prevent transmission from sexual assault 
  • Emergency contraception
  • STD treatment
  • Injury treatment
  • Collecting evidence
  • Diagnostic testing

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center includes services such as:

  • 24-7 help hotline at 240-677-2337 monitored by trained professionals
  • Trauma counseling from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in regular business hours
  • Danger assessments
  • Safety planning, such as information on getting protective orders
  • Victim advocacy