Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) & Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and can affect people of all ages. Many infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, cause mild or no symptoms at first, but can lead to pelvic pain, infertility, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if not treated promptly.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of untreated STIs that causes infection and inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Early treatment is essential to prevent chronic pelvic pain and future fertility problems.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our Ob/Gyn specialists provide private, compassionate, and judgment-free evaluation, testing, and treatment. We focus on early detection, partner treatment, and protecting long-term reproductive health.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Symptoms of STIs and PID can vary widely. Some patients have noticeable discomfort, while others feel completely normal until complications develop.
During your visit at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your clinician ensures confidentiality and creates a comfortable environment where you can discuss symptoms, sexual health history, and concerns openly.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of STIs include:
- Vaginal discharge that is unusual in color or odor
- Burning or discomfort with urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Vaginal spotting between periods
- Genital itching or irritation
Symptoms suggesting pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) include:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain during intercourse
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Foul-smelling discharge
Even mild symptoms can signal early infection, and prompt evaluation prevents more serious complications.
Evaluation
Your initial evaluation may include:
- Review of symptoms, sexual history, and risk factors
- Pelvic exam to check for tenderness or discharge
- Screening for other reproductive health concerns (such as fibroids or endometriosis)
- Discussion about partner exposure and testing
- Review of menstrual patterns and contraceptive use
Our goal is to offer clear information, protect your comfort, and support your health without judgment.
Diagnosis & Risk Assessment
Diagnosis of STIs and PID combines clinical evaluation with reliable, modern testing. Tests may include:
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas
- Vaginal swabs for infection detection
- Urine testing, when appropriate
- Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis
- A pelvic ultrasound if severe pain or an abscess is suspected
- Pregnancy testing, especially if symptoms overlap with ectopic pregnancy
PID Evaluation May Also Include:
- Assessment of cervical motion or uterine tenderness
- Testing for fever, white blood cell elevation, or inflammatory markers
- Imaging if a tubo-ovarian abscess is suspected
Identifying the specific infection or complication ensures the right treatment for both you and any partners involved.
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the type of infection and whether pelvic inflammatory disease is present. Our care is confidential, nonjudgmental, and fully aligned with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) treatment guidelines.
A key part of treatment includes educating patients on preventing reinfection and helping partners receive care as well.
Treatment for Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis
- Oral or injectable antibiotics
- Same-day in-office treatment for eligible infections
- Partner notification and treatment to prevent recurrence
- Abstaining from sexual activity until treatment is complete
Genital Herpes
- Antiviral medications for outbreaks or daily suppression
- Counseling on reducing transmission risk
Syphilis
- Injectable penicillin as first-line therapy
- Follow-up blood testing to document the infection has been treated
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Rapid testing and prompt referral for HIV care when needed
- Discussion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Treatment
PID is treated aggressively to prevent long-term complications. Treatment includes:
- Broad-spectrum oral or intravenous antibiotics
- Pain management and rest
- Follow up within 48 to 72 hours to ensure there is improvement
- Hospital care for severe cases or if a tubo-ovarian abscess is suspected
- Partner treatment to prevent reinfection
- Counseling about future fertility and symptoms to monitor
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Follow-up is essential to ensure that treatment was effective and symptoms have resolved. Your follow-up care at The Medical Group of New Jersey may include:
- Repeat testing for chlamydia or gonorrhea within 3 months
- Symptom monitoring for pelvic pain or recurrent discharge
- STI prevention counseling and safer-sex education
- Birth control discussion if desired
- Ultrasound monitoring if PID complications were present
Patients with severe or recurrent PID may receive additional fertility evaluations or imaging.
With early and complete treatment, most STIs fully resolve. Prompt treatment of PID reduces the risk of chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.