Student Health Center

A directory of local, New York state, and nationwide support resources can be found here. 

RPI Dining Services

RPI Dining Services provides students who have a meal plan with access to complimentary consultations with the campus registered dietitian to discuss food allergies, intolerances, and/or other dietary needs. 

If you are a student on a meal plan, you can schedule an appointment with the dietitian by emailing Kimberly Mayer, RDN or calling (518) 276-8989.

Epinephrine In the Dining Halls

Rensselaer was one of the first universities in New York State to stock backup epinephrine in its four dining halls (Commons, Russell Sage, BARH, and Blitman) for students who have known anaphylactic reactions to certain food products and who may occasionally forget to carry their personal epinephrine auto-injectors. Managers are trained in AllerTrain™ emergency protocols. This backup administration also provides a layer of response for students who may have an allergic reaction for the first time to previously unknown food allergens. 

We strongly encourage students who are prescribed epinephrine to carry it with them at all times.

Rensselaer Dining Services provides students who have a meal plan with access to complimentary consultations with the campus registered dietitian to discuss topics such as: 

• food allergies
• Celiac disease
• other special dietary needs
• eating healthy on campus
• vegan and vegetarian nutrition
• weight management
• sports nutrition

Additionally, the campus dietitian is available to offer campus presentations on a request basis.  

If you are a student on a meal plan, you can schedule an appointment with the dietitian by emailing Kimberly Mayer, RDN or calling (518) 276-8989.

Gynecology services are provided by a nurse practitioner in our Student Health Center, with on-site services including:

• Pelvic and breast exams
• Pap tests for cervical cancer
• STI testing and treatment
• HIV testing and referral to treatment
• Contraceptive prescriptions and management
• Emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Counseling related to sexual health issues
• Management of common gynecologic problems including vaginal infections and irregular periods

When you call to make your appointment, you will be asked about the purpose of your visit (such as a routine pelvic exam, a first gynecological exam or other reason), so that the appropriate amount of time can be scheduled for your appointment. 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common. Some people have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and do not know it because STIs often show no symptoms. Other individuals have symptoms of infection but don’t know what to do.

What are the symptoms of an STI?

While the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STI) vary from person to person or may not be present at all, the following are often symptoms of infection and should be evaluated by a medial professional:

• Painful urination
• Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
• Skin changes (bumps, sores, rashes, lesions or warts) in or around the genitals, anus or throat
• Genital/anal itching or pain
• Pelvic discomfort or pain, or an abnormal PAP test (for biological females)
• Testicular pain

STI Screening/Testing WITH STI Symptoms

The Student Health Center has services and support to help you learn more about your STI status. Screening/Testing is offered at the Student Health Center by appointment. The visit, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, and HIV testing are free of charge.

STI Screening/Testing WITHOUT STI Symptoms

There is no single test to screen for all STIs. To provide you with individualized STI screening, your medical provider will ask about your concerns, sexual history, risks, and sexual practices.

Together, you can decide which tests are appropriate for your risks and exposure. We encourage you to answer questions honestly, even if doing so makes you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. We are not here to judge, but rather to help you! And, your information is always kept confidential.

The Student Health Center also encourages students to have open communication with their partner(s) about their risks, so students can come to appointments with a better understanding of their overall personal risk factors. Having this type of conversation with your partner(s) might feel awkward, but it is important that you have it in order to maximize your ability to get the best treatment if needed. 

And, if you're curious to know if you can transmit an infection to a partner even if you don't have symptoms, the answer is "yes." STIs can be transmitted even when symptoms are not present. Fortunately, tests are available to diagnose some STIs – such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV – even when symptoms are not present. 

STI Prevention

There is no absolute way to prevent all STIs, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming infected.

• Get vaccinated for HPV (human papillomavirus). The Gardasil vaccine is able to prevent the types of HPV that causes most cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the head and neck, penis, anus, vulva, and vagina. In addition, this vaccination can protect against the HPV strains that cause most genital warts.
• The Gardasil vaccine is available at the Student Health Center to everyone, but is offered at no cost to students who have the school insurance.
• Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A if you're a biological male who has sex with other biological males.
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms during any sexual contact if you are sexually active (oral, vaginal and/or anal).
• Reduce your number of sex partners to decrease your risk for STIs.
• Practice mutual monogamy by agreeing to be sexually active with only one person who has agreed to be sexually active only with you.

Additional Resources

• Planned Parenthood

• Centers for Disease Control

   

   

Click here to access a resource directory for Gender Affirming Care.