Sexual Health & Sexually Transmitted Infections: An Overview
Sexual health is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. By getting the right sexual health services, screenings, and supplies, you are taking steps to help ensure you live a longer, healthier life. Maintaining good sexual health involves having routine check-ups with your primary care provider, doing self-examinations, and practicing safer sex by using contraceptives and being tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Regardless of your age, sexual orientation, or lifestyle, MIT Medical has the services and resources you need to stay safe and healthy.
Sexual Health Check List
As a woman, one of the most effective ways for you to maintain your health is by getting regular gynecological checkups. All women should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear to check for cervical cancer. Annual exams also give you the opportunity to discuss menstruation, contraception, sexual relationships, and any other questions or concerns you may have with your gynecologist. Women should also perform a monthly breast self-exam to check for breast cancer. Likewise, men should perform a monthly self-exam to check for testicular cancer, the most common type of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 34.
To make an appointment for basic sexual health services, including physical exams and prescriptions for contraception, call the Primary Care Service (Internal Medicine) at 617-253-4481.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Perhaps not surprisingly, college-age men and women are at a higher risk of contracting STIs than the general population. According to statistics:
- Two-thirds of all STIs occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
- By the age of 24, one in three sexually active people will have contracted an STI.
In addition to these concerns, not all STIs are symptomatically evident, not all are curable, and it’s easy to pass them on to your partners. That’s why it’s essential to get regular exams, practice safer sex, and be tested if you think you’re at risk.
Get Tested
Tests for STIs and pregnancy are free for all MIT students, and all tests are confidential. For more information, choose the appropriate link:
STI testing
HIV testing
Pregnancy testing
How MIT Can Help
MIT Medical offers a full range of OB/GYN clinical and consultative services, as well as contraceptives (including emergency contraception) and safer sex supplies. If you are pregnant, you may also receive prenatal/pregnancy care or abortion referrals. Visits for routine sexual health care, including exams and pregnancy and STI testing, are covered under the MIT Student Medical Plan, which is included with tuition. Please contact the following MIT Medical services regarding your sexual health care.
Primary Care
E23-Two East, Two Administration, Two West,
Three West
617-253-4481
For exams, contraceptives, and confidential testing
Obstetrics/Gynecology
E23-4th floor
617-253-1315
For exams, contraceptives, and confidential testing
Center for Health Promotion & Wellness
E23-205
617-253-1316
For health consultations, advice, information, referrals, and free safer sex supplies
Pharmacy
E23-Main Floor
617-253-1324
For prescription and nonprescription contraception, and safer sex supplies
Education and Information
If you’d like to learn more about sexual health and STIs, read the following documents:
Everything You Need To
Know About Herpes (PDF)
HIV Testing Resources
for MIT Students (PDF)
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