STD Screening at Your OB-GYN Visit: What You Should Know

Richard Lorenzo
Aug 7
2 min read

Routine visits to your OB-GYN are a vital part of your overall health—and they’re also the perfect opportunity to address something many people overlook: screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Whether you’re sexually active, planning a pregnancy, or simply due for your annual exam, STD screening is a confidential, quick, and important part of preventive care.

At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we offer personalized, nonjudgmental care that empowers you to make informed decisions about your sexual and reproductive health.

Why STD Screening Matters

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are incredibly common. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has an STI at any given time, and many of them don’t show symptoms. Left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious complications, including:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Infertility
Chronic pelvic pain
Transmission to sexual partners or unborn children

Regular screening ensures early detection and treatment—helping you stay healthy and protect your partner(s).

Who Should Get Screened?

At your OB-GYN visit, your provider will tailor screening based on your age, medical history, and sexual activity. In general, you should consider STD screening if:

You’re under age 25 and sexually active (chlamydia and gonorrhea screening recommended annually)
You’re over 25 and have new or multiple sex partners
You’re pregnant (early screening is recommended for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and chlamydia)
You’re experiencing symptoms like abnormal discharge, burning, pain, or sores
You’ve had unprotected sex or a known exposure

Your provider at Complete Healthcare—whether it’s Dr. Richard Lorenzo, DO or Kortney Jones, ARNP—can help determine which tests are right for you.

What Tests Are Typically Included?

Common STD screening options at an OB-GYN visit may include:

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Urine test or swab
Syphilis: Blood test
HIV: Blood or rapid fingerstick test
Hepatitis B and C: Blood test
Trichomoniasis: Swab or urine test
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Pap test and/or HPV test, depending on age

Your provider will talk with you about what’s indicated based on your history and current concerns.

What to Expect at Your Visit

STD screening is private, respectful, and usually completed in a few minutes. We provide:

A confidential environment
Clear explanations of which tests are being done and why
Rapid treatment or referrals if a test comes back positive
Education and support to help prevent reinfection

There’s no shame or stigma in getting tested—it’s simply part of caring for your body.

How Often Should You Be Screened?

Frequency depends on your risk factors, age, and whether you’re trying to conceive. For most sexually active women:

Annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea if under 25
Every 1–3 years for HIV depending on risk
Additional tests based on symptoms or new partners

During your annual wellness exam, we’ll review your needs and offer appropriate testing.

Schedule Your Visit Today

At Complete Healthcare, we believe in proactive, compassionate women’s healthcare. Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP, are here to answer your questions, provide expert screening, and help you stay in control of your sexual health.

If it’s time for your annual OB-GYN visit or STD screening, call us today at 509-392-6700 or schedule online.

Call 509-392-6700 to schedule your consultation today.