If you’re sexually active, getting tested for STIs is a good way to ensure you and your partner(s) remain healthy. Most STIs may be treated with antibiotics, but some can cause serious health issues over time if left untreated. Some STIs cannot be cured (although their symptoms can be managed), so it’s important to always use protection during sexual activity. 

We recommend you get tested if: 

• You have unprotected sex 

• You’ve had unprotected sex in the past and did not get tested afterward 
• You’re using a barrier method (e.g., a condom) and it breaks 
• Your partner has an STI 

Learn more about our rapid (same-day result) tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea here. 

*Certain STIs, such as chlamydia, are very contagious and can spread rapidly in the community. For this reason, CHS is required to report some STI tests to the Whitman County Health Department within three business days. The health department may conduct contact tracing, but your personal information will not be shared.

Using contraceptives and safe sex supplies can protect you from STIs and unplanned pregnancies. CHS has a variety of supplies available over the counter and by prescription, so you can choose the method(s) that fit your needs. 

Cougar Health provides the following safer sex supplies in our pharmacy: 

• Condoms (internal and external)
• Dental dams 

In addition, you can find free condoms at the LGBTQ+ Center, the Women*s Center, and in many residence halls. Safer sex supplies are also available at Planned Parenthood. 

The following birth control methods are available by prescription from a provider:

• Birth control Implant (to replace Nexplanon)
• IUDs – both hormonal and copper IUDs available
• Birth control pill
• Emergency contraception
• Birth control patch
• Birth control shot
• Vaginal Ring

Remember that birth control does not protect you from STIs. To prevent STI transmission, use a barrier method from the safer sex supplies list above. 

The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can help prevent cancer-causing infections and pre-cancers. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 11-26 receive the HPV vaccine. It is a safe and effective way to reduce your risk of HPV infections and pre-cancers. 

You can receive your shots at CHS if you haven't been vaccinated. The three-shot series is given over six months. 

If you’re not sure if you’ve been vaccinated, check with your primary care provider or pediatrician in your hometown or someone in your family who knows your immunization records. 

Sexual Assault is any sexual activity lacking clear, knowing, and voluntary consent. This can include nonconsensual sexual intercourse or other physical contact.  

If you have experienced sexual assault, CHS and our campus partners have resources to support you in getting the care you need. 

Please call 911 in an emergency. 

You can also contact: 

• Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse: 509-332-4357 
• Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 
• Pullman Regional Hospital: 509-336-7359 
• WSU Police Department: 509-335-8548 

• Don’t panic. Check-in with yourself and speak to someone who can support you.  Cougar Health Services offers 24-hour nurse consultation and a 24-hour mental health crisis line.  
• If you are concerned about pregnancy, find the nearest pharmacy and purchase emergency contraception.  
• If you are concerned about STIs, schedule an appointment with a nurse.
• 
  
  • Don’t panic. Check in with yourself and speak to someone who can support you.  Cougar Health Services offers 24-hour nurse consultation and a-24 hour mental health crisis line.  
  • If you are concerned about pregnancy, find the nearest pharmacy and purchase emergency contraception.  
  • If you are concerned about STIs, schedule an appointment with a health care provider.   

• Emergency contraception is available over the counter at the CHS pharmacy or any other retail pharmacy in Pullman.  
• You can also get emergency contraception from the Wellness Kiosk (vending machine) on the ground floor of the CUB.
• You do not need a prescription to purchase emergency contraception; however, you will need a prescription if you want your insurance to cover the medication. Please call CHS to inquire about getting a prescription.   

• You can find free condoms at the CHS pharmacy, LGBTQ+ Center, the Women*s Center, and in many residence halls around campus.

• WSU Health Education 
• RAINN 
• Planned Parenthood  
• CDC website