Sexual & Reproductive Health
Clinic 555 offers confidential, low-cost, quality sexual and reproductive health services for adults and teens. Services range from low cost to free. Fees are based on family size and income. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
- Bring photo ID and insurance card.
- Billing is available for Medical Assistance (MA) and some insurances.
Walk-in service is available, but appointments are recommended. Patients with appointments will be seen ahead of those who walk-in.
Hours
Please arrive 30 minutes before closing to ensure services.
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 8:15 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8:15 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| The clinic is closed from noon - 1 p.m., Monday - Thursday. | |
Location
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health Center
555 Cedar Street, Saint Paul MN 55101
Metro Transit bus and Green Line stop near the clinic. Patient parking is available in the lot behind the building or in metered parking around the block.
Pregnancy testing
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.
Birth control
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.
The pill (oral contraceptives)
Pills containing hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are taken daily to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries. Learn more about the pill
The shot (Depo Provera)
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. Learn more about the shot
Implant (Nexplanon)
A matchstick-sized rod that is inserted into the arm to prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickening your cervical mucus. It must be inserted by a health care provider. Learn more about implants
IUD - intrauterine device (ParaGard and Mirena)
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 prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm move so they can’t get to an egg. Learn more about IUDs
The patch (Xulane)
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. Learn more about the patch
The ring (Nuva 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. Learn more about the ring
Condoms
A condom is a sheath covering the penis made of latex or polyurethane which collects the sperm and keeps it from reaching the egg. Learn more about condoms
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. Learn more about diaphragms
Emergency contraception (ella or PlanB)
Take one pill to help prevent pregnancy within 120 hours after sex without birth control (unprotected intercourse) or failed birth control, examples include if the condom breaks or comes off or you forget to take your birth control pill. Learn more about emergency contraception
Natural family planning or fertility awareness
Tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to determine her fertility. This information is then used to "plan" intercourse to avoid or achieve a pregnancy. Learn more about natural family planning
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). Learn more about abstinence
Emergency contraception
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.
Sexually transmitted infections
Symptoms
Get checked immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual discharge.
- Sores, bumps, blisters or itching in the genital area.
- Burning or pain with urination.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Irregular bleeding.
- Pain during sex.
Testing and treatment
- Standard STD testing includes (but is not limited to) chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
- Some STD testing is done by collecting a urine sample. Please do not urinate one hour prior to testing.
- Time frame to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea is 7-10 days after exposure.
- Diagnosis and treatment for genital warts is available if there is a growth.
- Testing for trichomoniasis is available if symptoms are present.
- Clients who have been in contact or who test positive will receive appropriate treatment from Clinic 555.
More information
HIV/PrEP/PEP
Confidential HIV testing services, support and care for those newly diagnosed, HIV prevention education, PrEP and PEP.
HIV test
Clinic 555 offers two types of HIV tests. Test results are given to you during your visit. All results are confidential. HIV prevention education is offered.
-
Rapid antibody test: Results take about 15 minutes. Tests whether or not there are antibodies to HIV in your blood. (Antibodies are your body’s immune response to infection.) If you contracted HIV, most people will have enough antibodies in their blood to test positive for HIV about 6 weeks after getting infected.
-
Rapid antibody/antigen combination test: Results take about 30 minutes. Tests whether or not there are antibodies to HIV and parts of the virus called the p24 antigen in your blood. If you contracted HIV, most people will have enough antigen in their blood to test positive for HIV about 2 weeks after getting infected. This test can show whether HIV is in your body sooner than the test above.
Resources for HIV positive patients
If you test positive for HIV at Clinic 555, our health care providers will connect you with excellent medical care, as well as provide you with support, information, and referrals to community agencies.
HIV prevention: PrEP and PEP
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a daily pill for people who do not have HIV but are vulnerable to HIV. You might consider PrEP if:
-
You or you sex partners do not always use condoms when having anal or vaginal sex.
-
You are unsure of the HIV status of your sex partners.
-
You have sex with someone who has HIV and they may or may not be on their medication.
-
You have had a sexually transmitted infection in the last 6 months.
-
You are a person who injects drugs, or you have sex with someone who does.
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is medication for people who do not have HIV but may have been exposed to it within the last 72 hours/3 days. PEP is not a guarantee that you will not get HIV, but the sooner you start PEP after the exposure, the more effective it can be. PEP is only for high risk situations. The following situations are high risk if done with a partner who has HIV or, if their HIV status is unknown, there is a significant possibility that they have HIV:
- anal or vaginal sex without a condom (including sexual assault)
- sharing drug injection equipment
Clinic 555 will help you decide if PrEP or PEP are right for you and will assist you with medication coverage/paying for the medication.
Annual gynecological exams and pap smears
Annual gynecological exam
An annual gynecological (GYN) exam is a normal and important part of taking care of your reproductive health. Primary care providers offer annual exams, but if you are uninsured or do not have a primary care provider, Clinic 555 is happy to schedule you for an annual exam. Depending on your needs, an exam may include a breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear, mammogram referral, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), and contraceptive method consultation.
Pap smear
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.
Breast and cervical cancer screening program
Sage program for women
The Minnesota Department of Health’s Sage Screening Program offers free mammograms and Pap smears to eligible women. To be eligible for the program, women must be uninsured or underinsured and meet program financial guidelines.
- For eligible women between the ages of 21-64, Clinic 555 will provide free Pap smears and follow-up cervical health procedures if needed.
- For eligible women 40 years and older, Clinic 555 will provide free breast exams and refer clients to another health center for mammograms.
Please see the Sage website for more information.
Call us for more information or to to schedule an appointment.
Clinic 555 services are supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs, Title X.
This page contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this website.
Contact Us
Clinic 555
Related Resources
- Clinic 555 brochure (PDF)
- PrEP brochure (PDF)
- PEP rack card (PDF)