You deserve straightforward answers — without judgment.
Whether you are here because of a new relationship, a routine checkup, a specific concern, or simply because you want to be responsible about your health — you are in the right place. STI screening is a normal, important part of healthcare, and at Broad Medical Group, it is treated with the same care and professionalism as any other medical service.
STI screening is a routine part of preventive gynecologic care. The CDC recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active women under 25, and for women 25 and older with risk factors CDC STI Guidelines 2021. The USPSTF recommends at least one HIV test for all adults ages 15–65 USPSTF 2019. Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at their first prenatal visit. At Broad Medical Group, Dr. Jennifer Broad provides confidential, judgment-free STI testing with same-day and next-day appointments available. Comprehensive panels include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, herpes, HPV, and trichomoniasis. Most results return within 2–7 days, and on-site treatment is available for most common infections.
Sexually transmitted infections are extraordinarily common. The CDC estimates nearly 26 million new STI cases in the United States each year, and many of them are diagnosed in women during routine gynecologic visits. Despite how common these infections are, the decision to get tested can feel stressful. We understand that, and we want you to know: there is no question too small, no concern too embarrassing, and no judgment in this office.
At Broad Medical Group, STI screening is treated as a normal, integrated part of your gynecologic care — because that is exactly what it is. You can request testing at a standalone appointment dedicated to STI screening, or it can be incorporated into your annual well-woman exam as part of your routine preventive care. Either approach is perfectly appropriate.
If you have an urgent concern — a new symptom, a known exposure, or a partner who has tested positive — we offer same-day and next-day appointments so you do not have to wait and worry. Call our office directly at (949) 720-9848 or request an appointment online, and we will get you in as quickly as possible.
Dr. Broad tailors every screening panel to your individual history, risk factors, and concerns. The following table outlines the infections included in a comprehensive STI panel and how each test is performed.
| Infection | Test Method | What You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Urine sample or vaginal swab (NAAT) | The most commonly reported bacterial STI in the U.S. Often causes no symptoms at all. Untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems. Easily cured with antibiotics. |
| Gonorrhea | Urine sample or vaginal swab (NAAT) | Frequently co-occurs with chlamydia and is tested at the same time with the same sample. Can also be asymptomatic. Treated with antibiotics, though antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing concern. |
| HIV | Blood draw | The USPSTF recommends at least one HIV test for all adults ages 15–65. Early detection is critical — modern antiretroviral therapy allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives with an undetectable viral load. |
| Syphilis | Blood draw (RPR/VDRL) | Syphilis rates have been rising significantly in the U.S., including among women. Treatable with penicillin in early stages. Screening is especially important during pregnancy — untreated syphilis can cause serious harm to a developing baby. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood draw | A viral infection affecting the liver, transmitted through sexual contact or blood exposure. A vaccine is available and is the best form of prevention. Screened routinely during pregnancy. |
| Hepatitis C | Blood draw (if risk factors present) | Less commonly transmitted sexually, but recommended for anyone with risk factors including IV drug use history, blood transfusion before 1992, or birth year 1945–1965. Highly curable with modern antiviral therapy. |
| Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) | Blood draw (IgG antibody) or swab of active lesion | Very common — the WHO estimates that two-thirds of the global population under 50 has HSV-1. Blood testing can detect prior exposure even without active symptoms. A swab of an active sore provides the most definitive diagnosis during an outbreak. |
| HPV (Human Papillomavirus) | Cervical swab (performed with Pap smear) | The most common STI overall. Most infections clear on their own, but persistent high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical cancer. HPV testing is done as part of cervical cancer screening beginning at age 30 (or earlier if Pap results are abnormal). |
| Trichomoniasis | Vaginal swab | A parasitic infection that can cause vaginal discharge, odor, and irritation — but can also be asymptomatic. Easily treated with a single dose of oral antibiotics. Often overlooked in standard panels unless specifically requested. |
No symptoms does not mean no infection. Many of the most common STIs — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and HPV — can be present for months or even years without causing any noticeable symptoms. The only way to know your status with certainty is to get tested. If you are sexually active, screening is appropriate even if you feel perfectly fine.
Screening recommendations are based on national guidelines from the CDC and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). These guidelines are designed to catch infections early — before they cause complications and before they are passed to partners. Dr. Broad follows these evidence-based recommendations and adjusts screening based on your individual risk factors and concerns.
All sexually active women under 25: Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Women 25 and older: Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea if you have a new sexual
partner, multiple partners, or a partner who has been diagnosed with an STI.
All adults ages 15–65: At least one HIV test in your lifetime; repeat testing
if risk factors are present.
Pregnant women: Screening for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
at your first prenatal visit.
Anyone with symptoms such as unusual discharge, sores, pelvic pain, or painful urination.
Anyone who asks. You do not need a “reason” to request STI testing.
Wanting to know your status is reason enough.
If you are not sure whether you need testing, that is completely okay. During your visit, Dr. Broad will review your history and help you determine which tests are appropriate. There is no pressure and no assumptions — just a thoughtful conversation about what makes sense for your health.
Many patients choose to incorporate STI screening into their annual well-woman exam, which already includes a review of sexual health, contraception, and age-appropriate screening. Others prefer a separate, focused visit. Both options are available, and both are treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.
STI testing is simpler and faster than most patients anticipate. There is no lengthy preparation, no fasting, and no complicated procedures. Here is what a typical screening visit looks like at Broad Medical Group:
If all results are negative, you will receive your results through the patient portal or a follow-up call from our office.
If any result is positive, Dr. Broad contacts you personally. She will explain what the result means, answer your questions, and walk you through treatment options and next steps. You will not receive a positive result through a portal message or an impersonal notification — it will always be a direct conversation.
A positive STI result can feel overwhelming, but the reality is that the most common STIs are highly treatable, and even those that are not curable are very manageable with modern medicine. Here is what you need to know:
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are all bacterial or parasitic infections that are cured with antibiotics. In most cases, treatment is a short course of oral medication — sometimes a single dose. Treatment is available on-site at Broad Medical Group, so you can begin the same day you receive your results.
Herpes (HSV): While not curable, herpes is extremely common and very manageable. Antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, lower the risk of transmission to partners, and help you live comfortably. Many patients are surprised to learn how routine herpes management is in clinical practice.
HPV: Most HPV infections clear on their own without treatment. When a high-risk strain is detected, Dr. Broad will recommend a follow-up plan — which may include more frequent Pap smears or a colposcopy — to monitor for any cervical changes. Early detection through regular screening is exactly why HPV testing is so valuable.
HIV: If an HIV test is positive, Dr. Broad will refer you promptly to an infectious disease specialist for confirmatory testing and treatment. It is important to know that early detection dramatically improves outcomes. With modern antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load, maintain their health, and have a near-normal life expectancy.
Hepatitis B and C: Hepatitis B is managed with monitoring and, when needed, antiviral treatment. Hepatitis C is now curable in most cases with 8–12 weeks of oral antiviral medication. Both benefit enormously from early diagnosis.
Partner notification: If you receive a positive result, Dr. Broad will discuss whether and how to notify sexual partners. This conversation is entirely at your pace and on your terms. In California, the health department can assist with anonymous partner notification if you prefer not to have the conversation directly. The goal is to protect your health and the health of others — not to create additional stress.
Whatever the result, you will not face it alone. There is no lecture, no judgment, and no shame in this office — only practical, compassionate next steps.
We understand that privacy is a significant concern for many patients seeking STI testing. At Broad Medical Group, your confidentiality is protected by both federal and state law.
HIPAA protections: All testing, results, and treatment are part of your confidential medical record. Your health information is not shared with anyone — including partners, family members, or employers — without your explicit written consent.
What this means in practice: When you check in for your appointment, the reason for your visit is not announced or visible to other patients. Results are communicated directly to you. Insurance statements may show a “laboratory test” or “office visit” but do not typically specify which STIs were tested. If you have concerns about insurance visibility, please let us know — we can discuss self-pay options.
Minors in California: Under California Family Code §6926, minors (age 12 and older) have the legal right to consent to STI testing, diagnosis, and treatment without parental or guardian notification. This is a right protected by state law, and it is honored fully at Broad Medical Group.
Your decision to get tested is a responsible one. It should never be complicated by concerns about who might find out.
Ready to get tested? Have questions first? Either way, we are here. Dr. Broad is accepting new patients in Newport Beach and Orange County. Confidential, judgment-free care — always.
Schedule Confidential Testing →