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Normalizing STD Testing

3 mins read

 

Part of defining and managing your overall picture of health involves a commitment to reproductive health. The health consequences of ignoring your sexual health are severe, whether you have one partner or many sexual partners over your lifetime. Sex is a healthy part of adult life and screening for sexually transmitted diseases can keep you safe.

Great City Medical is dedicated to normalizing sexual health, helping to destigmatize reproductive and sexual health care through a variety of birth control, family planning, and other health services. One of those areas is testing for sexually transmitted diseases.

Who should get STD testing?

Anyone who is sexually active, monogamous or not, should receive regular STD testing and screening to ensure that a wide range of issues are diagnosed early and treatments provided. This isn’t just an issue of public health. It’s a vital part of your overall health picture and could have a profound impact on your life if you allow stigma to prevent you from seeking and receiving care.

A clinic setting can be intimidating, but doctors and healthcare providers are here to help you make the best decisions for your health. Those decisions are always better when you have all the information you need.

 

Why should I get an STD test?

STD prevention begins with a clear and open plan to keep you safe and healthy. We must normalize STD testing for the reproductive health of young people as well as older populations. Together, our prevention efforts can help everyone participate in healthy sexual activity while staying safe.

Many STDs are not only preventable but easily treatable the earlier you catch them. Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia grow progressively worse and more aggressive the longer a patient waits before treatment, so regular STI testing is a vital part of catching issues early on.

 

What about HIV testing?

HIV is another issue that’s more manageable the earlier you’re able to diagnose it. Regular HIV testing is a vital part of community health care, and the health consequences of waiting for that diagnosis can be severe both for you and your community.

The stigma surrounding more serious sexually transmitted diseases like HIV may have prevented people from getting tested in the past. Still, healthcare organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are working to remove the barriers to testing. Regular STD testing allows everyone to take control of their sexual health.

 

How often should I get tested?

It’s essential to get yourself tested at least once a year, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. The practice of including testing in your yearly checkups provides you with a greater picture of your overall health.

If you change sexual partners or begin a relationship with someone new, getting tested can also help keep open communication channels and allow you to make decisions about your relationship and activities with the best information possible.

Young adults in the dating world are particularly susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases, but anyone who is sexually active can be at risk. The sex-positivity movement has done a lot to reduce the embarrassment surrounding regular STD testing, and people should take advantage of low-cost or free testing that many health centers provide.

The STDs that we test for at Great City Medical include

  • Herpes I
  • Herpes II
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis A/B/C
  • HIV
  • Mycoplasma
  • Ureaplasma
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomonas

 

Taking control of your sexual health

Don’t fear those test results. The more knowledge you have, the more power you gain over your overall journey for health and wellbeing. It’s so important to take advantage of your local health department and health centers for all your healthcare needs, including sexual health. 

The more you normalize STD testing, the better able you are to be open with your partners. Begin to demand your partners receive regular testing as a prerequisite for your activity together to show them and the world that you value your overall health.

If you are looking for a primary care doctor to talk about this, you’ve come to the right place!

what people say about us

Testimonials

Excellent
Tamika A.
Very nice , on time, and Dr Asst was brown skin girl power 👍🏼
Katherine R.
Amazing staff and doctor
Elizabeth C.
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Response from the owner:Hello Elizabeth, We appreciate your wonderful review and the 5-star rating. We’re thrilled to hear that you found our facilities comfortable and our staff both friendly and professional. That’s exactly the type of experience we strive to provide. Thank you for taking the time to share your positive feedback. We look forward to serving you again soon!
Tony C.
Good
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star rating! 🌟 Your support means a lot to us. We’re glad to know we’re meeting your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
daniella F.
Excelente servicio
Response from the owner:¡Hola! Mil gracias por tu comentario y por tus palabras sobre nuestro servicio. ¡Nos alegra muchísimo saber que lo consideras excelente! Ese es nuestro objetivo cada día. ¡Gracias por compartirlo!
Fernando M.
Excelente atención desde que pisas el lugar. La atención telefónica ejemplar. La interacción con los profesionales de salud es muy cordial. Siempre hay un equipo que quiere hacer la experiencia agradable..
Response from the owner:¡Hola! Fernando Muchísimas gracias por tomarte el tiempo de dejarnos esta reseña tan positiva. Nos alegra enormemente saber que tu experiencia fue excelente, desde la atención telefónica hasta la cordialidad de nuestro equipo. ¡Comentarios como el tuyo nos motivan a seguir dando lo mejor! Gracias de nuevo.
claribel J.
They very understanding and pacientes
Response from the owner:¡Hola! Muchísimas gracias por tu comentario. Nos alegra mucho saber que sentiste que fuimos comprensivos y pacientes contigo. ¡Gracias por compartirlo!
Veronica D.
Excelente Centro de Salud.
El personal muy calificado y con mucha educación.
Response from the owner:¡Hola Verónica! ¡Gracias por tu increíble reseña! 🌟 Nos alegra muchísimo saber que consideras nuestro centro como “excelente” y que valoras la calificación y educación de nuestro personal. Trabajamos día a día para ofrecer un servicio cálido y profesional, así que tus palabras nos motivan a seguir mejorando. Es un honor atenderte y contar con tu confianza. ¡Prometemos seguir manteniendo ese estándar de calidad que mereces en cada visita!
Cal F.
Staff is friendly& respectful& service with a smile
Doctor’s & physicians assistants have nice bed side manners, And answers all your questions with a smile they,re ggreatt .
Response from the owner:Hi Cal, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind words—we’re thrilled to hear you felt welcomed and well-cared for! 😊 Our staff works hard to make sure every interaction is respectful and friendly, so your shoutout means the world. We’ll definitely pass your praise to the doctors and physician assistants—they’ll be over the moon to know their bedside manners and thorough answers made your experience positive. At Great City Medical, we believe a smile and clear communication go hand-in-hand with great care, so thank you for noticing! We’re here to keep that standard high for you every time.
Andrès A.
Muy agradable experiencia, personal siempre predispuesto a ayudarte, buen ambiente e higiénico… muchas gracias
Response from the owner:¡Hola Andrès! ¡Muchas gracias por tus amables palabras! 😊 Nos alegra mucho saber que tuviste una experiencia agradable y que nuestro personal, el ambiente higiénico, y la disposición para ayudarte cumplieron con tus expectativas. Trabajamos duro para crear un espacio donde todos se sientan bienvenidos y seguros, así que ¡tu feedback nos motiva a seguir mejorando! Es un honor ser parte de tu cuidado, y esperamos verte de nuevo muy pronto. ¡Gracias por confiar en nosotros!
Sterling S.
It’s wonderful, they take good care of me.
Response from the owner:Hi Sterling, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so happy to hear that you feel well taken care of — that’s always our goal. It truly means a lot to us to know that you’ve had a great experience. We look forward to seeing you again!
Daysi P.
The doctor and staff were truly amazing. They are friendly, caring and very professional. I was seen immediately and felt very comfortable in the calm
environment.
Response from the owner:We aim to make every patient feel prioritized. Your outstanding review tells us we’re meeting that goal! Thank you for your praise – it encourages us as we continue delivering excellent service. Until next time!
Bety M.
Excellent atencion
Response from the owner:We are thrilled you had such a positive experience in our office! Your fantastic review motivates our team to continue providing exceptional patient care. We appreciate you sharing your feedback.
Pauline H.
Excellent condition and service the nurses and the staff are very friendly and helpful and the doctor are great
Response from the owner:We aim to make every patient feel prioritized. Your outstanding review tells us we’re meeting that goal! Thank you for your praise – it encourages us as we continue delivering excellent service. Until next time!
Sofia Z.
Muy agradecida todos las chicas muy atentas en todo muy buen servicio…..gracias
Response from the owner:💖 We’re honored you think so highly of our service. Thank you for the fantastic review – it motivates us to keep up the great work. We can’t wait for your next visit!
ORIANA S.
Great doctor and service
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star rating! 🌟 Your support means a lot to us. We’re glad to know we’re meeting your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Escarlet C.
Muyyyyyy buena soy una de las primera paciente hace más de 5 años y no me voy de hay hasta que dios quiera excelente servicio amabilidad y profecionalismo sigan así
Response from the owner:¡Hola Escarlet! ¡Muchas gracias por tu increíble lealtad y estas palabras tan motivadoras! 🌟 Nos llena de orgullo haber sido parte de tu cuidado por más de 5 años y que sigas confiando en nosotros. Tu apoyo significa todo para nuestro equipo. Prometemos seguir manteniendo ese servicio excelente, amabilidad y profesionalismo que valoras tanto. ¡Es un honor ser tu elección de salud, hoy y siempre (Dios mediante)! Gracias por inspirarnos a dar lo mejor cada día.
Thomas R.
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. Doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best!! All of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed.. Dr Marly Granna is the best .. you don’t meet doctors like her anymore these days 🙇‍♂️🙏(Merry Christmas to all..”God Bless”.
Response from the owner:We aim to make every patient feel prioritized. Your outstanding review tells us we’re meeting that goal! Thank you for your praise – it encourages us as we continue delivering excellent service. Until next time!
Abdourahaman I.
Very Good service with a lot of details
Response from the owner:We’re thrilled you had such a great experience with us! 😀Thank you for taking the time to leave a review – it means the world. Looking forward to serving you again soon!
diane R.
Outstanding overall.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star rating! 🌟 Your support means a lot to us. We’re glad to know we’re meeting your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Elsa N.
These team of professionals are the best, so happy they are taking care of me.
Response from the owner:Hi Elsa, thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We’re thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our team of professionals. It’s our goal to provide the best possible care to our patients, and we appreciate your kind words. Thank you for choosing Great City Medical, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at wecaretohear@greatcitymedical.com.
Akerke B.
I really like this medical centre. The staff is very responsive, doctors are professionals!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star rating! 🌟 Your support means a lot to us. We’re glad to know we’re meeting your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Armentha White (.
Very good
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star rating! 🌟 Your support means a lot to us. We’re glad to know we’re meeting your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Arturo Rodriguez L.
Excelente servicio…. todo fue muy rapido
Response from the owner:¡Hola Arturo! ¡Gracias por tu excelente reseña! 😊 Nos encanta saber que disfrutaste de un servicio rápido y de calidad—¡es justo lo que siempre buscamos ofrecer! Tu confianza nos inspira a seguir manteniendo este estándar en cada visita. Es un placer atenderte, y esperamos seguir siendo tu elección para un cuidado ágil y profesional. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Rahma M.
nice services
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star rating! 🌟 Your support means a lot to us. We’re glad to know we’re meeting your expectations. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Tharciany
Great and attentive professionals
Response from the owner:Your glowing review has made our day! We take pride in providing excellent service, so we’re glad it shows. Thanks again for the kind words, and we hope to see you back again soon!
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