Sexual Health

Sexual and Reproductive Health

on-site Services Include

Emergency contraception pills (*FREE through 2023-2024 academic year)
Contraceptive care:
- Free condoms
- Birth control pill, patch, and ring
- Depo-Provera
Testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Examinations
Pap smears
Pregnancy testing
Preventative counseling and education

emergency contraception

Health Services can dispense, prescribe or advise students where to purchase emergency contraception. We encourage students to access emergency contraception before it may be needed and to be aware of how and when to take it in order to feel prepared to use it without delay should the need arise.

There are 3 types of emergency contraception:

Progestin pills* (aka Plan B) – available without prescription through Health Services, the Health Promotion Vending Machine and local pharmacies.
Ulipristal Acetate pills* (aka Ella) – requires a prescription, available through Health Services and local pharmacies.
IUD – requires a visit with a provider outside of Health Services.

See here for a summary and comparison of each emergency contraceptive option. If you are considering options and have questions, please contact Health Services so that we can help.

*Emergency contraceptive pills delay ovulation to prevent pregnancy and are not the same as pills for abortion (or ending pregnancy). See here for more information.

FREE Emergency Contraception and Contraceptive Care through the 2023-2024 academic year

In partnership with the Student Government Association (SGA), Skidmore Health Services offers Emergency Contraception pills for FREE to students through the 2023-2024 academic year. Students may walk in to Health Services during business hours to pick up Plan B over-the-counter (at the front desk) or schedule an appointment with a provider to receive a prescription for ella at no cost.

Using funding provided by SGA, Health Services will also ensure that students have access to all contraceptive options available through Health Services at no cost. If a student seeks contraceptive care outside of Health Services, SGA funding will be used to support students’ transportation and service costs that may not be covered by their insurance

No identifying information will be shared with SGA.

hiv testing

HIV rapid finger-prick testing(3rd Generation) can be performed at Health Services for $10; results are available in 15 minutes.
HIV blood testing can be sent out to LabCorp using insurance or for a $23 out-of-pocket fee. Results are typically available within 1-2 business days.

sti testing

Testing is recommended for students who are sexually active both with and without symptoms. For most students, yearly screening is recommended. Students can discuss more personalized testing recommendations with a provider.

Most insurance companies cover the cost of STI testing (including Skidmore’s student plan). If not covered, or if students prefer testing to remain entirely confidential (ie no lab statementsent home), students can pay out of pocket to avoid using insurance. If paying out of pocket, the prices are as listed below:

Chlamydiaand Gonorrhea:$45 (applies to urine, throat, rectal testing)
Herpes culture: $40
HIV blood test $23, rapid finger stick test $10
Syphilis (treponema pallidum antibody): $26

The prices above are arranged through LabCorp and students may pay Health Services via cash, Skidmore debit card, or charge their student account.

If insurance is used but does not cover the bill, the student is responsible for the charges incurred and must submit payment to LabCorp. This will be discussed/reviewed at the time of testing as well.

abortion care

At Skidmore College Health Services we strongly support the right of every student to access evidence-based health care services and to make private, informed decisions about all aspects of their health care and their futures. In June 2022 the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade removing federal law protecting the right to abortion, therefore limiting many individuals' choice in their own care. At this time it is up to each state to establish laws protecting or restricting abortion. In New York State, state law protects abortion care regardless of your state of residence. At Health Services we can assist in providing education and counseling, connect students to local resources, and help students access the full range of reproductive health care options that are legal and available in New York State.

New York State Abortion Resources

Abortion access is available for New Yorkers and for those coming from outside of New York State. You do not have to be a New York State resident to receive care here.
Medication abortion and in-clinic abortion is available in New York State. You can speak to a provider about your options, and your privacy will be protected every step of the way.
In New York, you can get an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, you can still get an abortion if your health or pregnancy is at risk.

To locate abortion services available in New York state and to find additional resources, go here.

National Abortion Resources

We realize that when away from the College many students will be significantly affected by other state laws. See the Kaiser Family Foundation website for details about individual state access. While you are enrolled as a student at Skidmore, Health Services can provide counseling and dispense or prescribe a variety of contraception options, including emergency contraception. We encourage students to access emergency contraception (through prescription or by purchasing over-the-counter) to bring with them while traveling and to be aware of how and when to take it should the need arise. See above for details. Listed below are several national resources that are available to assist in accessing abortion care when outside of New York State.