3 Sexual Health Services USC Provides
By Judy Lee ‘17
In recent news, USC jumped up from 73 to 36 on Trojan Condoms’ Most Sexually Healthy Campuses in the nation. Go us! That said, not only is it important to foster a sex-positive campus, it is important to be educated on what USC can provide to better your own personal health!
Additionally, due to the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, applicable state laws, and University requirements, a referral will not be required for the following circumstances:
• Treatment of an Emergency medical condition
• Routine and Preventive Services (see below for coverage details)
• Official School breaks (If your specific school is on break and you need to seek medical attention, no referral is required)
• OB/GYN Care
• Maternity Care
• Pediatric Care
This means that there is an array of benefits you are entitled to as a full time student. Here are three very important services that the USC Engemann Health Center provides:
1. Contraception
Condoms
Cost: Free
According to Planned Parenthood, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, when using a condom, it’s important to note that there is a right and wrong way to use them. Most of them come pre-lubricated, but it’s also worth noting that the health center also supplies free water-based lubricants.
Birth Control Pill
Cost: Free with USC Aetna Student Health Insurance
According to the health care benefits summary: Brand-Name Prescription Drug or Devices for a Preferred Provider will be covered at 100% of the Negotiated Charge, including waiver of per Policy Year Deductible if a Generic Prescription Drug or Device is not available in the same therapeutic drug class or the prescriber specifies Dispense as Written.
Plan B
Cost: $20
Emergency contraception is available through the Advice Nurse at Engemann Student Health Center on a walk-in basis or at the Campus Pharmacy.
IUD
Cost: Free with USC Aetna Student Health Insurance
According to WebMD: An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is wrapped in copper or contains hormones. The IUD is inserted into your uterus by your doctor. A plastic string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the cervix into the vagina. You can check that the IUD is in place by feeling for this string. The string is also used by your doctor to remove the IUD. And IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Depo Provera
Cost: $112
When used effectively, this birth control shot is 99% effective. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Each shot of Depo-Provera will protect you from pregnancy for 12 weeks.
2. STI Testing
Syphilis
Cost: $4.19
Syphilis is an STD that can cause long-term complications such as blindness if not treated correctly. Symptoms in adults are divided into stages. These stages are primary, secondary, latent, and late syphilis.
Chlamydia
Cost: $54
Chlamydia is a common STD that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
HIV
Cost: Approx. $30
The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. About 1 in 8 people in the United States who have HIV don’t know they have it. Additionally, as part of your confidential and private health record, disclosure is prevented without your specific written authorization, except by subpoena. There is no control of results once you authorize their disclosure.
3. Preventative Screenings
Pap Smear
Cost: 100% covered by USC Aetna Health Insurance
According to the CDC, the Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for pre cancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. National guidelines recommend that women begin having a Pap smear every three years at the age of 21, and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every year if they are sexually active and age 25 or younger.
Mammogram
Cost: 100% covered by USC Aetna Health Insurance
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast that can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. This type of mammogram is called a screening mammogram. Screening mammograms usually involve two x-ray pictures, or images, of each breast. The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt.
Colorectal Cancer
Cost: 100% covered by USC Aetna Health Insurance
Aetna coverage includes charges for colorectal cancer examination & laboratory tests, for any non-symptomatic person age 50 or more, or a symptomatic person under age 50.
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer might not cause symptoms right away, but if it does, it may cause one or more of these symptoms:
• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool, which may make it look dark
• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
For more information on any of the above, visit the USC Engemann Health Center’s website, and/or give them a quick call at (213) 740-9355. Most importantly, protect on!
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