Sexual Health & Relationships

Cornell Health provides confidential resources in support of students’ sexual health – whether you need a routine checkup, a prescription for birth control, or assistance with a problem related to your reproductive health or sexual well-being.

Consultation with our sexual health nurses can help you explore options for safer sex and pregnancy prevention, and consider whether STI screening may be helpful for you and your partner(s) (see more below).

Visit our Sexual Health Care page for a complete list of our services (including Gender Services). 

Questions about confidentially – included related to billing? Visit our Confidentiality & Patients Rights page.

There are many contraceptive options available from Cornell Health, including condoms (both sheath and pouch), diaphragms, IUDs (intrauterine devices), and hormonal birth control pills, "mini-pills", patches, shots, implants, and rings. Some require a clinician visit for a prescription, and some can be purchased without a prescription at the Cornell Health Pharmacy.

If you want to discuss your options with a sexual health nurse, you can schedule a free "Contraceptive Options" appointment (available to students of any sex or gender; couples are welcome). If you choose a method that requires a prescription (such as birth control pills), a follow-up appointment and evaluation with a Cornell Health clinician will be necessary to obtain a birth control prescription.

Learn more on our Contraception Options page.

Emergency contraception (EC)

Emergency contraceptives can be used if you have had unprotected vaginal sex (or contraception failure during vaginal sex) in the last 5 days (120 hours) and don't want to become pregnant. View our fact sheet (pdf).

Available without a prescription:

• Progestin-only emergency contraception such as "Plan B," "Plan B One Step," "Next Choice," and "Levonorgestrel Tablets" are available at our Cornell Health pharmacy without a prescription. These are recommended for individuals who have had unprotected sex within the past 3 days, and/or those of average body weight/mass (BMI< 26).* 

Available with a prescription:

• Ulipristal acetate contraceptive (called "ella") requires a prescription, which can be obtained following a free nurse consultation at Cornell Health (see Appointments). Ella is recommended for individuals who had unprotected sex 4 or 5 days ago, those who had unprotected sex close to ovulation (mid-cycle), and/or those of heavier body weight/mass (BMI > 26).*
• The emergency insertion of a copper IUD (intrauterine device) up to 5 days after unprotected sex can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 99%. The Copper-T IUD is also a highly-effective method of regular contraception, and it can be left in place for up to 10 years following insertion. The copper IUD is recommended for individuals who are looking for a reliable form of ongoing birth control, those who do not have an active infection of chlamydia or gonorrhea, and/or those with weight/mass of over 35 (BMI< 35).*

*Calculate your BMI

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – sometimes called "sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)" – are often caused by bacteria or viruses, and typically (though not always) passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Most commonly, STIs are spread during unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. However, some infections – like HPV and herpes – require only skin-to-skin contact.

STIs are very common – more than half of us will get one at some time in our lives. Our sexual health fact sheet (pdf) provides a comprehensive overview of the most common infections. One thing STIs have in common is that they can be passed from one person to another even when no symptoms are present.

The good news is we can protect ourselves, and each, other from infection. Practicing safer sex allows you to reduce your risk of getting an STI. And if you believe you're at risk of infection, getting tested (whether or not you have symptoms) allows you to get any treatments you may need.

STI prevention

You can lower your risk of contracting STIs (and/or unplanned pregnancy) in the following ways:

• Participate in sexual experiences that are respectful, consensual, and affirming
• Talk with your partner about the kinds of sexual experiences you want (and don’t want)
• Assume that any sexual partner has an STI, and plan accordingly for protection
• Visit Cornell Health for safer sex information, supplies, demonstrations, and prescriptions
• Buy safer sex supplies and/or birth control supplies and keep them where they are needed
• Get immunized against Hepatitis A and B, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) (pdf)
• Consider the risks associated with sex under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs
• Consider the risks associated with sexual activity facilitated by online hook-up apps
• Think about what challenges (if any) make it difficult to maintain your commitment to practicing safer sex, and make plans to circumvent those challenges
• Get support if you feel confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed; Cornell Health staff are available to discuss these and other sexual health issues

STI testing

Get tested for STIs if you think you may have been exposed, whether or not you have symptoms. Our sexual health nurses and clinicians can talk with you about STIs, and help you get any testing or treatment you may need.

Pregnancy testing 

Students seeking pregnancy testing can purchase an at-home pregnancy testing kit from the Cornell Health pharmacy (tests are also available free of charge at the Women's Resource Center). Pregnancy testing is also offered at Cornell Health (free for students studying on the Ithaca campus).

Pregnancy options referrals 

Cornell Health supports the reproductive choices of every student who comes to us for care, and can provide you with consultation and referrals to support the continuation or end of pregnancy.

Learn more: Visit our Pregnancy Testing & Referrals page.

College is a time when many people explore and question aspects of their identities – including sex, gender, and emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction.

Students struggling with any aspect of their sexual identity – including gender and orientation, relationships, coming out, etc. – are encouraged to seek support. Cornell Health is here for students of all genders, sexual orientations, and other identities. We will respect your needs, concerns, and personal journey, and will maintain your confidentiality.

Some students find it helpful to talk with a counselor in order to explore and navigate these parts of their lives. When making a counseling appointment, you can request a counselor with expertise in sexuality and/or LGBTQ issues. Transgender students can obtain medical care and counseling through Cornell Health’s Gender Services.

Cornell’s LGBT Resource Center and Women’s Resource Center also provide on-campus support and information related to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Every relationship is different, yet generally when people feel they are in a healthy romantic and/or sexual relationship, there are some common factors.

Typically, in healthy relationships, individuals …

• are kind, truthful, and treat one another with respect
• respect one another’s needs, desires, and boundaries
• participate in mutually-consensual activities
• focus on both giving and receiving – attending to their partner’s needs as well as their own
• care about and are protective of one another’s physical and emotional well-being, seeking assistance if something goes wrong, or isn't going as hoped
• make space for time together, time apart, and time with friends
• are aware of the (positive and negative) roles alcohol and other drugs, social media, and other peer influences may play in their relationship

Learn more about how to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

If you find you are in a relationship in which someone is treating you poorly (disrespecting you, or hurting you emotionally or physically), or if you are finding it hard to establish a relationship with someone you care about, please reach out for support.

Students can schedule an appointment with a Cornell Health counselor, or drop into a Let’s Talk consultation. If you have been harassed, sexually assaulted, or experienced unwanted sexual contact (e.g., unwanted kissing or touching, strangulation or choking, non-consensual penetration) – including from a partner or friend – please refer to our Assault & Harassment page for ways to get help.

Counselors from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can provide individual support related to specific relationship concerns and frequently offer counseling groups on topics related to forming healthy relationships. Group counseling offers a safe environment to discuss problems with others who are dealing with similar concerns. Learn more on our Group Counseling page.