Sexual & Reproductive Health

The thought of pregnancy can be an emotional time for many women. If you have missed a period and think you may be pregnant, you should take a test.

• Pregnancy testing is available with same day results.
• Counseling and educational materials are offered to anyone wanting to discuss pregnancy and pregnancy alternatives.

Choosing the right birth control method can be a very personal decision. As you are reviewing your options, our staff is willing to assist in making the decision that's right for you and your body. 

Clinic 555 offers the following medically accepted methods of birth control.

Oral Contraceptives (the pill) 

Pills containing hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are taken daily to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Depo Provera (the shot)

Injections or shots of the hormone progesterone are given every 3 months. The hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg and also thins the uterine lining.

Nexplanon (implant) 

A matchstick-sized rod that is inserted into the arm to prevent pregnancy. It must be inserted by a health care provider.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) 

An IUD is a small device shaped like a "T" which is placed in the uterus by a health care provider. IUDs either contain copper or progesterone and are described below.

Ortho Evra (the patch)

A thin adhesive patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks or upper body. Each patch is worn for 1 week. After 3 weeks of wearing patches you take one week off, at which time you will get your period. The patch releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen into the bloodstream, which stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. The patch also thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for the sperm to get to the egg.

Nuva Ring (the ring)

A thin flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. You wear the ring for 3 weeks, then you take a week off, which allows for your period. The ring releases the hormones progesterone and estrogen into the bloodstream, which stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. The patch also thickens the cervical mucus making it harder for the sperm to get to the egg.

Condoms

A condom is a sheath covering the penis made of latex polyurethane which collects the sperm and keeps it from reaching the egg. 

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. The diaphragm blocks the sperm from entering the cervix and reaching the egg. Diaphragms come in different sizes and must be "fitted" to your body by a doctor or nurse.

Emergency contraception

Helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours after sex without birth control (unprotected intercourse) or failed birth control.

Natural family planning

Tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to determine her fertility. This information is then used to "plan" intercourse to avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

Abstinence

Not having sexual activity (vaginal, anal or oral) at any time. It is the only method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and protecting against HIV and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

Emergency contraception (sometimes called the “morning after pill”) helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours after sex without birth control (unprotected intercourse) or failed birth control.

If you think you need emergency contraception, call as soon as possible. Most women will not need an exam – but may need to answer a series of questions. 

Pap test (sometimes called pap smears) 

A test to check for changes in the cells of your cervix. This test can determine if you have an infection, abnormal or unhealthy cervical cells or cervical cancer. This test is recommended for every woman who is 21 years and older. Results from your Pap test normally take about two weeks and you will be contacted if the results are NOT normal (abnormal).

Abnormal pap test results do not mean that you have cancer. Most often there is a small problem with the cervix. If this is the case, a nurse will contact you by phone to discuss next steps.

If the results of the pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, you will most likely be asked to repeat your pap test. If the test finds more serious changes, you might be asked to have a colposcopy. Clinic 555 offers follow-up and treatment to abnormal pap tests.

Colposcopy 

Colposcopy is a special exam done for women who have had abnormal pap smears. The cervix is viewed through a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope. The colposcope allows the doctor or nurse to see the cells of the vagina and cervix in great detail. If the colposcope detects abnormal cells on your cervix, you may be recommended to have a LEEP procedure.

LEEP or LOOP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) 

LEEP is used to remove the abnormal cells of the cervix. The procedure uses a thin wire to cut away a very thin layer of surface cells. During LEEP, your cervix will be numbed with a local anesthesia. The procedure takes only a few minutes and recovery time is brief in most cases.

Sage program for women

Free mammograms and pap smears are available to eligible women through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)’s Sage Screening Program.

Eligibility and additional services

Women who are uninsured or underinsured, meet program financial guidelines, and are:

• Age 21-65: cervical services (Pap smears).
• Age 40 or older: mammograms.

Patients eligible for the Sage Screening Program can schedule additional services for one low fee:

• Expanded medical exams.
• Complete medical history.
• Blood pressure reading.
• Lab work (cholesterol, hemoglobin, urine analysis and stool samples).
• Educational materials
• Birth Control

Please call to determine eligibility, price of additional services, and to schedule an appointment.