What constitutes a sexual health emergency may vary from person to person, or from one moment in a person's life to another.  

Regardless of the concern, sometimes it helps to talk to a caring health professional who can provide confidential support, information, suggestions, and reassurances when it comes to these highly personal matters. Whatever your emergency, concern, or fear (unwanted sex or pregnancy, exposure to disease, sexual assault or abuse, or something else), don't hesitate to call Gannett to be connected with a health care provider, day or night. Just call 255-5155.  

• Think you might be pregnant?
  
• Didn't get your period when you thought you would?
  
• Did the condom break or was there some other failure of a safer sex method?
  
• Were you sexually assaulted?
  
• Had too much to drink and unsure about what happened?
  
• Need to talk about ANOTHER sexual health matter?

If the thought of being pregnant brings anxiety and concerns, caring Gannett staff members are available to talk with you confidentially over the phone or in person.

A Gannett health care provider or counselor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for phone consultation. Call 607 255-5155 to be connected to someone who can provide information, answer questions and discuss options.

• If it is within five (5) days of unprotected sexual intercourse, emergency contraception (EC) is available. Students over 18 years of age can purchase non-prescription EC at any pharmacy (including the Gannett Pharmacy). Those under 18 will need a prescription. You can get this on a walk-in basis during Gannett's business hours. Or, call Gannett any time of day or night for a phone consultation to discuss this option and, if appropriate, get a prescription.
• If you think you could be pregnant but are not certain, you can have a confidential pregnancy test at Gannett for $5. The test can be done as early as two days after a missed period. We offer the test on a walk-in basis, or you can make an appointment.
• If you've had a positive pregnancy test or are just worried, Gannett's clinical counselor is available for pregnancy options counseling. The counseling is completely patient-centered, confidential and free.
  

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There may be several reasons for a missed period or delayed menstruation. College stress and a new chaotic routine can throw off a regular cycle. Changes in eating patterns or restrictive eating can also cause ammenorhea (no menstruation). And if you are sexually active with men, a missed period could indicate pregnancy.

In any case, it is best to see a health care provider who can review your health records and discuss your personal situation. If you have missed a period, call Gannett to make an appointment.

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In the case of condom breakage, you may be worried about disease transmission, unplanned pregnancy, or both.

Worried about infection or disease?

Talk to your partner about the possibility of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Because symptoms are rarely present at the time of infection, it is important to assess whether there was a chance of transmission (based on your past sexual histories).

When Gannett is open, call and make an appointment to talk with a clinical counselor. The visit is free and confidential. A clinical counselor can help you assess your risk of exposure, discuss the need for a medical evaluation, tell you how to make an appointment for STI or HIV testing, and provide valuable information that may help support you and address your concerns.

Think you might be pregnant?

If there is a chance of pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure (e.g., a condom broke), or unwanted or forced vaginal intercourse within the last five days (120 hours), you may want to consider emergency contraception (EC). EC is most effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse (preferably within 72 hours). Emergency contraception can be purchased at the Gannett Pharmacy or, if under 18 years of age, can be prescribed by a Gannett healthcare provider. Call Gannett to consult by phone, day or night.

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If you (or someone you know) has been sexually assaulted, consider the following:

• Call or talk to to someone you trust and tell them what happened. If you don't want to tell a friend or family member, talk to an RA, GRF, GCA, or someone else you trust. Ithaca's Advocacy Center has a 24 hour hotline (277-5000) and you can speak confidentially to a trained sexual assault counselor. Gannett has an on-call health care provider available for urgent phone consultation, even when Gannett is closed.
• Get medical attention. It may be important for you to be examined for physical injury and STIs and/or discuss options for pregnancy and HIV prevention. Call Gannett 255-5155 day or night, and a healthcare provider will offer information about your options for care.
• Consider whether or not you want to have physical and medical evidence of assault recorded for legal purposes. If so, call or go to the Emergency Room at Cayuga Medical Center within 72 hours of the incident. Should you decide to press charges, the evidence collected there will significantly increase the possibility of successful prosecution.
• Consider talking with Cornell's Victim Advocate. The Advocate can outline options, connect you with services, and help with academic or other pressures you may be feeling.

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Alcohol (or other drugs) can induce what is sometimes called a "black out"; having had too much to drink can cause memory lapse. For some highly intoxicated students, this means wanted or unwanted sexual activity. To awaken the next morning and be uncertain of exactly what happened (or with whom) can bring about feelings of confusion, discomfort, anxiety or even trauma. Talking with non-judgmental friends or professionals may help clarify how you feel about what may have happened. Gannett's clinical counselors is available to help work through these issues. If you suspect you have been sexually assaulted while intoxicated, consider talking with the clinical counselor or the Victim Advocate.

Gannett has medical and mental health staff members available for consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Concerns about your (or a friend’s) health or well being should not be dismissed or delayed. For consultation or questions, call us at 607 255-5155 day or night.

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