S.H.E. (Sexual Health Empowernent) CLinic

What is the S.H.E. Clinic?

S.H.E. Clinic (Sexual Health Empowerment) is Midwest Health Center for Women’s (MHCW) newest initiative. The Sexual Health Empowerment Clinic provides sexual health care services for women who have sex with women and all others who are queer-identified and female-bodied, regardless of gender identity.

Why the need for the S.H.E. Clinic?

During the research and focus group phases of this new initiative, it was discovered that women who have sex with women are at a higher risk for uterine, breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and some STIs than heterosexual women. Women who have sex with women are less likely to have insurance, less likely to seek out health care, and less likely to receive appropriate gynecological health care when they do seek it out. This, combined with higher rates of smoking and alcohol use, higher stress levels, and poorer nutrition, results in a major health concern for this community.

It was also discovered that the potential patient population would likely match MHCW’s current population with their issues of access due to being uninsured or underinsured. In addition, it was determined that women in the Twin Cities area are fortunate to have many options to receive low cost “family planning” health care services to meet their needs, but that unfortunately does not extend to lesbian and bisexual women for their unique sexual health care needs.

What can you expect at the S.H.E. Clinic?

The S.H.E. Clinic seeks to reduce health disparities affecting women who have sex with women by providing sexual health care services that are welcoming, inclusive, and affordable.

Services of the S.H.E. Clinic include:

 Pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, your health care provider will feel your pelvic organs to check their size and texture by inserting one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and pressing on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This can find ovarian cysts and some types of cancer.

 Pap smear: During a pap smear, a few cells are removed from your cervix and vagina with a cotton swab. These cells are checked for abnormalities, like the HPV virus or signs of cancer. Caught early, cervical cancer is not life-threatening.

 Breast exam: During a breast exam, your health care provider will examine your breasts, feeling for any lumps, and check your nipples for discharge. Regular breast exams are vital for early detection of breast cancer.

 Screening for sexually transmitted infections: HIV testing is available by blood test or by oral swab, syphilis testing is done by blood test, and chlamydia and gonorrhea are tested by a cervical swab. Your health care provider can also treat genital warts and discuss options for herpes outbreaks.

For more information, call 612-332-2311 or 1-800-998-6075 and ask about the S.H.E. Clinic.