Hello SHC Blog
Chenelle Grant, DNP, FNP-BC, AAHIVS
At Simple Healthcare, we believe sexual health is self-care—whether you’re in a monogamous marriage, navigating polyamory, exploring your sexuality, or just want to stay on top of your health. Our mission is to break the stigma, educate our communities, and offer accessible, judgment-free testing and treatment options that actually make sense for the way people live, love, and connect.
We see anyone located in New York State through our telehealth services, and our office hub in Hauppauge, NY, offers private, in-person care with compassion at its core.
First Things First: What Are STDs?
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), also known as STIs (sexually transmitted infections), are passed from person to person through sexual contact—vaginal, oral, or anal. Some STDs can be cured, while others are manageable with treatment. Left undetected, they can lead to complications like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, or an increased risk of HIV transmission.
Common STDs We Test For at Simple Healthcare
- Chlamydia
- Often no symptoms
- Can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat
- Curable with antibiotics
- Often no symptoms
- Gonorrhea
- Can show up in the throat, rectum, urethra, or cervix
- Becoming increasingly resistant to treatment—don’t skip this one!
- Can show up in the throat, rectum, urethra, or cervix
- Syphilis
- Known as “The Great Imitator” because it mimics other diseases
- Especially rising in men who have sex with men and in pregnant individuals
- Known as “The Great Imitator” because it mimics other diseases
- HIV
- Treatable with early detection and managed with antiretrovirals
- Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
- Treatable with early detection and managed with antiretrovirals
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2)
- Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact
- Can cause oral or genital outbreaks
- Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact
- Trichomoniasis
- More common than you’d think
- Caused by a parasite and easily curable
- More common than you’d think
- Hepatitis B & C
- Can be sexually transmitted, especially through blood contact
- Screening is essential, especially if you share needles or have tattoos/piercings
- Can be sexually transmitted, especially through blood contact
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Most common STI
- Some strains cause genital warts; others can lead to cancer
- Most common STI
Testing Modalities: Yes, Where You Test Matters
STDs don’t always hang out where you think they will. That’s why we offer site-specific testing based on your actual sex practices:
- Vaginal Swab: Ideal for those who have vaginal sex. Tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
- Rectal Swab: For those who engage in receptive anal sex. Especially important for detecting gonorrhea and chlamydia that wouldn’t be caught in a urine test.
- Throat Swab: If you engage in oral sex, this test can detect oral gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Urine Test: Common and non-invasive—often the starting point.
- Blood Test: Used for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C.
At Simple Healthcare, we never assume your anatomy or sexual behavior. We ask the right questions to make sure your testing is tailored, complete, and affirming.
Turnaround Time: How Fast Will You Get Results?
We know waiting is the worst part. That’s why we work with top-tier labs to deliver results quickly:
| Test Type | Typical Result Time |
| Chlamydia & Gonorrhea (all sites) | 2–3 business days |
| Syphilis (blood test) | 2–3 business days |
| HIV Rapid (fingerstick/4th-gen) | Same day – 3 days |
| Herpes (IgG blood test) | 2–4 business days |
| Hepatitis B & C | 3–5 business days |
| Trichomoniasis | 3–5 business days |
Results are available via our HIPAA-secure portal, and if treatment is needed, we’ll call in your meds directly to your pharmacy—no waiting room needed.
How Often Should You Be Tested?
This depends on your relationship dynamics, sexual practices, and health history. Here’s what we recommend:
For Those in Monogamous Relationships:
- If both partners tested negative before entering the relationship and remain exclusive, testing once a year is usually sufficient.
- If there’s been infidelity or STI symptoms, test as soon as possible.
For Polyamorous, Open, or Non-Monogamous Folks:
- Every 3 months is ideal.
- Even if everyone is honest and uses protection, more partners = more exposure = higher risk.
For Married vs. Unmarried:
- It’s not about the ring—it’s about the risk. Testing should be based on behaviors, not marital status.
- If you’re married but not monogamous, follow the 3-month guideline.
- If you’re unmarried and dating or have multiple partners, test every 3–6 months.
No Judgment. Just Healthcare That Works for You.
We proudly serve all individuals across New York State virtually via Telehealth, and our flagship location in Hauppauge, Long Island, offers discreet, same-day in person and telehealth appointments. We understand that access, trust, and comfort matter—especially for communities historically underserved or ignored.
At Simple Healthcare, we’re rooted in the community and we speak your language—because we’re part of it.
Book a Visit Today
Whether you’re overdue for testing, have symptoms, or just want peace of mind, we’re here for you.
Call us: (888) 674-2742
Visit us: www.helloshc.com
In-person appointments: 35 Arkay Drive, Suite 200 Hauppauge, NY
Statewide telehealth: We see anyone in New York
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