For women, undiagnosed or untreated STDs can lead to serious health issues such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and increased risk of cervical cancer. At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, Dr. Richard Lorenzo, D.O., and Kortney Jones, ARNP, are committed to empowering women with knowledge, preventive care, and compassionate support to protect their reproductive health.
This blog explores what you need to know about STDs and how you can reduce your risk while maintaining control over your sexual wellness.
STDs—also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—are infections transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Common STDs include:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
HIV
Many STDs can be asymptomatic, especially in women, which is why regular screening is so important. Left untreated, certain infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and compromise fertility. HPV, one of the most common STDs, can cause cervical cancer.
Consistent and correct use of condoms or dental dams during sexual activity significantly reduces the risk of STD transmission. Latex and polyurethane condoms provide a barrier against most infections. While they do not eliminate all risk—especially with skin-to-skin infections like herpes or HPV—they are highly effective when used properly.
At Complete Healthcare for Women, we educate our patients on proper condom use and provide practical guidance for safer sex practices.
Vaccines are available for HPV and Hepatitis B, both of which are sexually transmitted. The HPV vaccine is recommended for individuals up to age 45 and protects against strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The Hepatitis B vaccine is part of routine childhood immunizations, but adults who haven’t been vaccinated should consider it.
If you're unsure about your vaccination status, Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP can review your immunization history and recommend appropriate vaccines.
Because many STDs have no symptoms, routine screening is essential. At Complete Healthcare for Women, we follow CDC and ACOG guidelines to recommend appropriate testing based on your age, risk factors, and sexual history. For example:
All sexually active women under 25 should be screened annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Women over 25 with new or multiple partners should also be screened yearly.
HPV testing is typically done alongside Pap smears starting at age 30.
HIV testing is recommended at least once for all adults and more frequently for those at higher risk.
Screenings are quick, discreet, and often performed during your annual wellness exam.
Open and honest communication with sexual partners is crucial. Talk about STD testing, sexual history, and protection methods before becoming intimate. While these conversations can feel uncomfortable, they are essential for maintaining your health and building trust.
It’s also important to remember that mutual monogamy with a partner who has tested negative for STDs significantly lowers your risk of infection.
The more partners you have, the higher your risk of being exposed to STDs. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling sex life, but being selective and ensuring partners are tested can help protect your health.
Substance use can impair judgment and lead to risky behaviors, including unprotected sex or difficulty remembering whether protection was used. Staying clear-minded allows you to make decisions that prioritize your well-being.
If you experience unusual discharge, pelvic pain, itching, burning with urination, or sores around the genitals, schedule an appointment right away. These could be signs of an STD. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help stop the spread of infection.
At Complete Healthcare for Women, we provide a safe, confidential space for women to ask questions, seek testing, and receive treatment. Whether you’re concerned about a recent exposure, want to update your screenings, or simply want to talk about sexual health, Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP are here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based care.
We believe in educating our patients so they can make informed decisions and lead healthy, confident lives.
Take control of your sexual health—book your STD screening or wellness visit today.
Complete Healthcare for Women – Obstetrics and Gynecology
509-392-6700
Richard Lorenzo, D.O.
Kortney Jones, ARNP
