Pregnancy Testing, Options and Information
Some people have basic questions about how pregnancy happens. Some may have questions about avoiding a pregnancy. Some may wonder about options for an unintended pregnancy.
Pregnancy testing is available by nursing appointment in the student health center. There is a fee associated with this service regardless of insurance coverage. Pregnancy testing must be paid for online prior to the scheduled appointment and a copy of the receipt must be brought to the appointment. For payment information see cost of services . There is no fee to come in and speak to the nurse about pregnancy testing, options and information. Call the appointment desk at 209-228-2273 to schedule a nursing appointment or discuss payment options.
Only you can decide what is best for you when it comes to pregnancy. The Student Health Center clinicians are available to help. A staff member at your local Planned Parenthood health center can also talk with you about all of your pregnancy-related concerns. We can help you get the care that you need. Additional information: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception For All Students (EC)
Emergency Contraception is available by nursing appointment for a fee in the student health center regardless of insurance coverage. The most commonly known medication is Plan B. At the Student Health Center we carry a generic equivalent. It is also available at any pharmacy without a prescription to those 17 years and older. It is to be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex or birth control failure. Call the appointment desk at 209-228-2273 to schedule a nursing appointment.
What are the directions for taking Plan B or its generic?
The patient should take one tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sex. It can be used up to five days after unprotected sex or birth control failure, but becomes less effective after 72 hours.
Are there any side effects after taking Plan B or its generic?
Side effects are minimal with Plan B or its generic. Some patients may experience mild nausea and some people get temporary breast tenderness until their next menstrual cycle. Also, Plan B or its generic will often change the timing for menstruation.
How effective is Plan B or its generic?
Plan B or its generic is effective approximately 90 percent of the time when used within 72 hours. It is not 100 percent effective. It is more effective the sooner it is used. Contraception must be used consistently at all times to prevent pregnancy. If you use Plan B or its generic, and if you do not begin menstruation within three weeks, then you need to perform a pregnancy test.
What about payment for Plan B or its generic?
There is a fee for Plan B or its generic equivalent if you are not covered by UCShip. Fees must be paid online prior to your appointment and a copy of the receipt must be brought to the appointment. Call the appointment desk at 209-228-2273with questions about appointments and payment options.
Can I get EC at a local pharmacy or Planned Parenthood?
Yes. Emergency contraception is now available without a prescription to those 17 years and older at any local pharmacy or at the local Planned Parenthood.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/california/merced/95348/merced-health-center-2526-90130#!emergency-contraception
Are there any requirements?
Plan B or its generic is kept behind the counter in the pharmacy.
Who can buy it?
Both women and men 17 and older can purchase EC without a prescription. EC is also available by prescription to students under 17.
Are there any restrictions on getting it often or getting more than one at a time?
There are no other restrictions. Students can get more than one at a time and can get it as often as they like.
Walk-In/Same Day Visits — For illness or injury
Student Health Center same day services are available on a walk in basis for ill or injured students.
Students speak to the triage nurse first. The triage nurse will assist in making an appropriate plan of care. There is no cost to speak with the triage nurse.
Same day appointments are limited. Come in or call early in the day for an appointment 209-228-2273. The health center hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday excluding holidays or campus closure dates.
Emergency — call 911, if you are using a campus phone call 9-911.
The Student Health Center is NOT an emergency room. By calling 911, first responders will provide you with the most prompt response to an emergency, whether on or off campus.
Advice Nurse
Emergency — call 911, if you are using a campus phone call 9-911.
Contact 209-228-0065, 9 a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays or campus closure dates.
Not sure what to do? The advice nurse will help you figure it out. If your call goes to voicemail, please don’t hang up — leave a message. The advice nurse will get back to you promptly. You can also use our secured messaging system for non-emergent matters through myHealth.
To speak to an advice nurse after clinic hours contact 209-228-2273 and follow the prompts to speak to an after hours nurse.
Students covered by UC SHIP can call the 24/7 nurse line 24-hours a day, seven days a week and speak confidentially to a registered nurse. These nurses are trained to help you make more informed decisions about your health situation. This number is also on the back of your member ID card. A nurse is just a phone call away!
This information was adapted from the UCSC health center website. https://healthcenter.ucsc.edu/services/.