X-Clinic
X-Clinic at Codman Square Health Center
Our X-Clinic offers community members counseling, testing, and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Our STD testing is fast, accurate, and delivered with care.
We treat people of all ages, backgrounds, and gender identities. We are an LGBTQ+ friendly clinic, and have a multi-cultural and multi-lingual staff. We are proud to be a safe space for all! We can test and treat any patient regardless of citizenship status.
If you have any questions about services or would like to make an appointment, you can call us at 617-822-8350 or fill out an X-Clinic appointment request.
Please note that the X-Clinic is closed May 15 – 18.
Services
Express Services
Express Services
Express visits are for anyone looking for a quick check up with no symptoms and no known exposures to a STI/HIV. Call (617) 822-8350, fill out an online appointment request, or walk-in during our hours of operation. If you have access to MyChart after an appointment is scheduled, you can complete the online screening form and come in and provide self-collected samples and you’re on your way!
STI Consultation and Testing
STI Consultation and Testing
Our X-Clinic Navigators are experts at talking through your sexual health needs and can help you determine what testing, prevention, and/or treatments are best for you. If you are experiencing symptoms, think you were exposed to any STI, or are planning to have a new sexual partner since your last test, it’s important to be tested.
Testing and Sexual Health Counseling for Teens
Testing and Sexual Health Counseling for Teens
Testing for teens is completely confidential and free. The X Clinic always provides free condoms, and we offer a wide variety of birth control options. You can access your Family Planner or primary care provider for contraception.
PrEP (HIV Prevention Medication)
PrEP (HIV Prevention Medication)
If you are HIV negative and think you may be at risk for contracting HIV, you can get a prescription for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). BostonIsPrEPared.com can tell you what you want to know about PrEP, and Codman can get you a prescription!
HIV Testing
HIV Testing
We have the latest generation of HIV testing equipment and can get your results within 24 hours.
We also have extensive case management and treatment for people who are HIV positive. Find more information about HIV services at Codman.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency Contraception
Codman offers emergency contraception for people who have had sex without birth control or who have encountered other situations, such as missing several birth control pills, having a condom fail, or sexual assault. Our navigators can help you determine which method of emergency contraception is best for you and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
Hours
Hours *
Monday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday/Thursday: 9 am – 7:30 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 1 pm – 4:30 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
*Please note that the X-Clinic is closed May 15 – 18. Patients are welcome to visit our Urgent Care department.
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Our X-Clinic makes taking care of your sexual health easy. Fill out the below form and one of our X-Clinic Navigators will get back to you to schedule an appointment.
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Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
ChlamydiaGonorrheaHIVHPVSyphilisTrichomoniasis Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Genital Herpes Mycoplasma genitalium (M gen)
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial infection in the US. It has the highest prevalence in people aged 24 and younger. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Test: Codman offers patients a collection swab and or/urine cup that they self-administer in the health center.
Symptoms: Symptoms include abnormal discharge, pain during sex, burning or itching of genitals. Many people will not experience any symptoms.
Treatment: Antibiotic pills (doxycycline) for about a week. Pregnant people can get a single dose of an antibiotic.
Follow Up: Providers recommend coming back for another test three months after treatment.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial communicable disease in the US. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
Symptoms: Symptoms include penile, vaginal, or rectal bleeding or discharge.
Test: Codman offers patients a collection swab and or/urine cup that they self-administer in the health center.
Treatment: Oral or injection antibiotics.
Follow Up: Providers recommend coming back for another test three months after treatment.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with certain bodily fluids, often through unprotected sex or injection drug use.
Symptoms: It can cause a flu-like illness shortly after infection, and then often remains asymptomatic. Many people do not experience any symptoms.
Test: Codman’s lab staff performs a test in the health center and results are available in about 24 hours.
Treatment: There is no cure for HIV, but there are medications (oral or injectable) that you can take to live a healthy and long life. It’s vitally important to treat HIV, even if you have no symptoms. The earlier people are treated, the better their outcomes.
Follow Up: We have case managers who work with people living with HIV through the lifespan to ensure that they stay healthy.
HPV
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a very common infection. There is a vaccine to prevent HPV infection, and it is recommended that everyone under 26 years get it. If you are older than 26 and would like the vaccine, talk to your medical provider.
Symptoms: Tiny warts on your genitalia. Many times, people cannot see those warts.
Test: A health care provider can usually diagnose the warts by looking at the genital area. Speak to your PCP or visit Urgent Care to be tested.
Treatment: Treatment depends on what health issues the patient experiences. Your provider can discuss treatment options.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a systemic infection that can affect any part of the body. It is more prevalent in men who have sex with men.
Symptoms: Early infection can cause genital ulcers or a rash. If it’s not treated it can remain in the body and cause symptoms decades after infection.
Test: Codman lab staff will draw blood for the test.
Treatment: Antibiotic injections
Follow Up: Providers recommend coming back for another test three to six months after treatment.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is very common and can persist for years if not treated.
Symptoms: People may experience vaginal discharge (often yellow-green and with an odor), genital itching, and painful urination. Some people do not experience any symptoms.
Test: Speak to your PCP or visit Urgent Care to be tested.
Treatment: Antibiotic pill
Follow Up: Providers recommend coming back for another test three months after treatment.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
Symptoms: People may experience vaginal itching, pain during urination, a thin discharge with an odor, or burning during urination.
Test: Speak to your PCP or visit Urgent Care to be tested.
Treatment: Antibiotic pill or vaginal gel.
Follow Up: If you are no longer experiencing symptoms, there is no need for follow up.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a lifelong infection that can be asymptomatic or cause intermittent genital ulcers.
Symptoms: Itchy or painful blisters, swollen glands
Test: Speak to your PCP or visit Urgent Care to be tested.
Treatment: There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and reduce the chances of transmission.
Follow-Up: Follow-up depends on a patient’s symptoms and your PCP can help manage.
Mycoplasma genitalium (M gen)
Mycoplasma genitalium (M gen) is a bacteria that is spread through sexual contact.
Symptoms: It can be asymptomatic or people can experience vaginal itching, burning with urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods. Some people may experience vaginal or penile discharge.
Test: Speak to your PCP or visit Urgent Care to be tested.
Treatment: Antibiotic pills.
Prevention
Sex should be fun, safe, and always consensual. Learn how to keep yourself safe!
Use condoms for penile sex.
Get vaccinated for HPV if you are younger than 27. (If you are 27-45, talk to your health care provider.)
Get tested regularly and get tested with your partner.
Decrease your number of sexual partners.
Talk to your provider about PrEP for HIV.
Talk to your partner about your sexual needs and desires.
Support Groups
LGBTQ+ Support Group:
Ages 14-19
LEARN MORE ⇒
Trans & Non-binary Support Group: Ages 12-17
LEARN MORE ⇒
Trans & Non-binary Support Group: Ages 18-29
LEARN MORE ⇒
Support Group for Parents of Trans & Non-binary Individuals
LEARN MORE ⇒
Additional Resources
Follow a manual added link
Boston is PrEPared
There are medical providers in every community in Boston who can help you prevent getting HIV with a once-daily pill or an injection every eight weeks.
Follow a manual added link
We Are Here
We Are Here is a community-based multimedia campaign featuring Black and Brown members of the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Boston raising awareness about health and wellness services.
Links and Resources
Access information, resources, and services related to sexual health, HIV prevention and treatment, PrEP, PEP, family planning, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call the Call Center (617) 825-9660 and tell the receptionist you would like to request a referral to a specialist. Leave a number that you can be contacted back at throughout the day. Let them know what type of referral you are requesting. Make sure you have seen your provider within the past year or understand that an appointment may be necessary for the provider to make an assessment prior to initiating the referral.
It can take up to 60 days or less.
Yes. You can call the Call Center at (617) 822-8271 and ask to schedule an appointment with Insurance Services.
Yes, we will process an application for non-patients on a walk-in basis.
We provide an Uber for patients who need to go to specialty services at BMC. See our Information Desk to arrange a ride.
Become a Patient
At Codman Square Health Center, you get exceptional, personal care from a specialized, multilingual care team. Our convenient resources include an extensive list of primary, specialty, and preventive care services. Call our Patient Service Center at 617-825-9660.
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