Introduction

The Health and Wellness Service is welcoming and affirming of all students at Tufts, including students of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Most health concerns of LGBT students are the same as those experienced by non-LGBT students. However there are some health issues that are specific to the LGBT community. Our medical staff have been trained in LGBT health issues, and are comfortable and confident in responding to your concerns. We have experience working with students with a range of gender identities and sexual orientations. Our health forms and sexual history forms are inclusive. We hope you come and see us, and give us feedback on your experience in our office.

LGBT Health FAQs

How can I get STI testing at Health Service?
Health Service provides routine STI testing both by scheduled appointment, and during specified "STI Walk-In" times. STI testing is also a regular part of women’s gynecologic appointments. Students who have symptoms that are worrying them or who have been exposed to someone with a diagnosed STI can come to Walk-In at any time. Call Health Service to make an appointment or find out about the "STI Walk-In Clinics." See our Sexual Health web page for more information on STI testing.

Do you offer anonymous testing?
No, we are not an authorized anonymous testing site. We provide confidential testing, which means that the results are entered into your confidential medical record. The results of the testing are released only to you, and cannot be released to any outside party (including partners and parents) except as mandated by state law. Since HIV testing is now considered to be a routine screening test and is universally recommended, there are very few anonymous testing sites.
 
All states require that certain test results including HIV be reported to public health authorities in order to track epidemiological trends and develop effective prevention strategies. Massachusetts requires that licensed health providers report HIV and AIDS cases by name to the Massachusetts HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program at the Department of Public Health (DPH). The DPH has strong security measures in place to prevent dissemination of HIV/AIDS reporting data. In addition, state regulations prohibit names from being shared with anyone else, including state or federal government entities.

Does Health Service carry the HPV vaccine? Can you give it to men?
Yes, Health Service carries Gardasil, one of two vaccines currently licensed for use against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Gardasil is licensed for use in men and women ages 9 through 26, and we administer it to both men and women. It is most effective if given before becoming sexually active. It provides protection against 4 strains of HPV: two strains that most commonly cause cancer of the cervix, and two strains that most frequently cause genital warts. It is a three shot series, given over a 6 to 12 month period. The vaccine does not treat HPV; it can only help prevent it. There are dozens of strains of HPV, so those who are immunized need to be aware that they can still catch HPV—vaccination just decreases the likelihood. Even those who are vaccinated should follow standard recommendations to reduce their chance of all sexually transmitted infections: consistent use of barriers (condoms, oral dams), and limiting the number of partners. For information on cost, see "What does it cost" page.

What health care do you provide for transgender students?
Health Service provides reproductive and sexual health care tailored to fit an individual student’s specific needs. Thus, the health care provided would take into account biologic sex, any anatomic variations particularly following surgery, and specific sexual practices
Transgender students interested in hormonal therapy are welcome to come and consult with us. We will work with the student to develop the best treatment plan for them. We refer students to experienced providers for initiation of hormone therapy—generally at Fenway Health Center. We can usually take over ongoing care and follow-up after the intiation and initial adjustment of hormones—typically after about a year.

Please also visit the LGBT Center website or the Fenway Health website for additional resources.