WeARE The Clinic was founded to help address the lack of reproductive healthcare services for youth, young adults, and the underserved in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Clinic offers confidential reproductive healthcare services, education, and community outreach. No person will be denied needed services based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or the ability to pay.
Clinic Services
VERY EFFECTIVE
PRETTY EFFECTIVE
NOT AS EFFECTIVE
Your healthcare provider can help you decide which type of birth control is best for you, but no matter which type you choose, you must use it correctly each and every time you have sex.
BIRTH CONTROL
THE IMPLANT
The implant is a very small rod inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm to provide birth control. It slowly releases progesterone and is highly effective. The Implant is effective for at least 3 years.
THE IUD
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a little, t-shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus. The procedure is done in the clinic and provides birth control releasing the hormone progesterone or copper. It is effective for 3-10 years depending on the type of IUD.
THE PILL
The Combination pill contains estrogen and progesterone and is taken daily. The combination pill is highly effective when taken correctly. Women generally get regular periods on this pill.
THE PATCH
Like the combination pill, the patch contains estrogen and progesterone. It comes as a small square film that adheres to the skin and is changed weekly.
THE SHOT
The shot is an injection of the hormone progesterone that provides birth control for 3 months. It is administered by a healthcare professional.
THE RING
The ring also contains estrogen and progesterone and is a small, flexible piece of plastic that’s inserted into the vagina to provide birth control. The ring only needs to be inserted once a month.
MALE
CONDOM
A condom is a thin covering worn on the penis during sex. Condoms are the only method of birth control that also prevents STIs.
INTERNAL
CONDOM
A female (or internal) condom is a pouch that’s inserted in the vagina or anus before sex for birth control and protection against STIs.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Pain with urination or low abdominal pain
Pain with intercourse
Genital itching or sores
SYMPTOMS FOR MEN
Discomfort or pain with urination or ejaculation
Discharge from
Genital sores
CHLAMYDIA and GONORRHEA
Bacterial infections. These are tested together often with a urine test and can be cured with Antibiotics. Chlamydia is very common and can lead to infertility in women if not treated.
SYPHILIS
Bacterial infection. This infection can be detected through a blood test from the arm or finger and can be cured with Antibiotics.
HIV
Viral infection. This infection is the cause for AIDS and can be detected through a blood test from the arm or finger. There are medications available to treat the infection.
HERPES
Viral infection. This infection causes sores that can be detected by a swab of the sores or from a blood sample. There are medications available to treat the infection.
HPV
Viral infection. This infection causes genital warts and is linked to genital, anal and oral cancers. It is detected on pap smears. There are treatments available as well as a vaccine to prevent disease.
OTHER CLINIC SERVICES
PHYSICAL EXAM
During a physical, we’ll take a full medical history and examine your body for signs of disease. We can provide this for work, school, or just because you’re due for one. Pap smears are done according to medical guidelines.
BREAST EXAMS
Breast exams can detect a lump in your breast and other changes that might require more testing. Breast exams are one of the most important early breast cancer screenings.
EDUCATION
Anyone can meet with a healthcare professional at any time at no cost. We also have many printed resources available to help you learn about your body, options for birth control and other sexual health services.
PREGNANCY TESTING
We can provide you with free, safe, and confidential pregnancy testing, including printed guide for area resources.
PREGNANCY RESOURCES
If you are pregnant, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at WeARE-The Clinic first. We can answer questions and help connect you to the right resources.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency contraception is sometimes called the morning after pill and is a very safe and effective form of contraception that can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. We provide all patients with emergency contraception to use if needed.
BARIATRIC SURGERY SUPPORT
If you've had or are planning to have Bariatric Surgery (weight-loss surgery), managing birth control is very important. WeARE provides the information and support you need before and after surgery.
TRANSGENDER
CARE
WeARE offers supportive and inclusive care for the Transgender and gender diverse community.