When To See A Healthcare Provider For Cystitis Or Uti
Young children and men should see a healthcare provider when experiencing symptoms of a UTI or cystitis to rule out other conditions because both conditions can be more serious among these groups.
For women experiencing symptoms of a UTI lasting longer than three days, see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and proper treatment. Because severe cases may lead to more serious infections of the bladder or kidney that need to be treated in a hospital setting, its important to seek treatment as early as possible. Any of the following symptoms warrant a medical providers advice:
- Painful, burning/ stinging urination
- An urgent need to pee frequently but in small amounts
- Bloody, dark, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the bladder or surrounding areas
Discuss your symptoms in detail with your healthcare provider, seeking their advice regarding diagnostic testing to rule out other diseases.
Urinary Tract Infections are commonly diagnosed in thousands of people every year the same is true with the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
The symptoms of many common STDs can cross over and be similar to some of the symptoms you might experience if you have a UTI. This can be worrying for anyone who isnt sure which they have: Sexually transmitted infections and conditions can be more serious than your routine UTI and they are more likely to transfer from one person to another.
How To Tell If You Have A Uti Or An Std
by CourteneyPublished on February 2, 2021Updated on August 2, 2021
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have a UTI or an STD . UTIs can present with symptoms that are similar to those of sexually transmitted infections, such as a burning sensation, and vice versa. In this blog, well discuss the differences between the two infections and how you can tell the difference.
Difference Between Uti And Chlamydia Infections
There are different types of infections that can occur along the urinary tract and reproductive organs. The similarities of the symptoms in STDs and UTIs make it difficult to recognize. Mistaking UTIs for STDs and vice versa can lead to serious complications.
UTIs and Chlamydia are both bacterial diseases that can put ones life at risk. The signs of these can be confusing. Therefore it is important to check the timing of the symptoms, and its changed over time. Women are more vulnerable to such infections and diseases than men.
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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections
The symptoms of a basic urinary tract infection often include:
- Dark, cloudy urine that may appear red or pink from blood
- Painful or burning urination, a condition known as dysuria
- An urgent and frequent need to urinate
- A small amount of urine when you do go to the bathroom
- Urine that smells bad
- Confusion, particularly in more elderly patients
- More intense feelings of general illness
If you are experiencing symptoms of a kidney infection seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment the more likely you are to prevent long term damage and recover faster.
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All About Urinary Tract Infections
This site is dedicated to providing you with the best information regarding urinary tract infections , an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. We aim to provide the most comprehensive resource available about UTIs and how to properly address them.
We provide you with impartial, up-to-the-minute information regarding this very common infection, which affects many individuals. UTIs are quite common, so understanding causes, symptoms and which measures can be taken to help eradicate this uncomfortable condition, once and for all.
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How To Spot The Difference Between An Std And A Uti
STDs and UTIs share very common symptoms and are misdiagnosed more often than you think.
When you consider how close your reproductive organs are to your bladder and urinary tract, it can be difficult trying to figure out if you have a UTI or an STD.
What is a sexually transmitted disease ?
The disease and most often, infection, is bacteria contracted through sexual intercourse. It can also be contracted through placing your hands, mouth and genitals on the sore of someone who is infected.
These diseases have a high chance of spreading from one person to the other.
How do you get it?
Whether youre straight or gay, married or single, youre vulnerable to STDs and its symptoms.
Common symptoms of a STD include:
When to get tested
Common symptoms of UTI include:
When to get tested
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Complications From Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
Because these two diseases often have no symptoms, some people go untreated.
Even with those who have symptoms, stigma, access, or other reasons get in the way of getting medical attention.
Not receiving prompt and proper treatment can create serious health problems.
For women, chlamydia and gonorrhea that goes untreated can spread through your uterus to your fallopian tubes.
Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and transport fertilized eggs during pregnancy. If untreated bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia spread to this area, the result is pelvic inflammatory disease , affecting around 5% of women in the US.
Pelvic inflammatory disease, similar to chlamydia and gonorrhea, can have no symptoms or just some pelvic or abdominal pain initially.
Unfortunately, PID can do permanent damage to a womens reproductive system, including:
For men, gonorrhea and chlamydia can also lead to serious health problems.
One difference is that chlamydia can also spread to the urethra, causing Non-Gonococcal urethritis, which is an infection of the tube that carries urine resulting in inflammation, pain, and fever.
This cannot be caused by the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. However, for both diseases, it is possible for either to cause:
For both women and men, chlamydia and gonorrhea can develop into a form of arthritis:
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What Could Be Mistaken For A Uti
There are several conditions whose symptoms mimic UTIs. Sexually transmitted infections cause symptoms also common in UTIs, such as painful urination and discharge.
Vaginitis, caused by bacteria or yeast, can result in a burning sensation when urinating and similar discomfort that may mimic a UTI.
Often mistaken for a UTI, interstitial cystitis , or painful bladder condition, is a chronic condition affecting the bladder that does not improve with antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of IC include increased urgency and more frequent urination as well as pain in the pelvic area.
Other conditions to rule out are overactive bladder, pregnancy, prostatitis, diabetes, cancer, and kidney stones.
Chlamydia Vs Urinary Tract Infection
Here you will learn how a doctor tells the difference between chlamydia and urinary tract infection .
UTI is inflammation of the urethra or bladder that can lead to a kidney infection if left untreated.
Signs and symptoms such as frequent urination, a burning sensation while urinating, urgent urination, and lower abdominal painâcommonly referred as UTI symptomsâcan result from either UTI or chlamydia.
When differentiating between two conditions, itâs important to analyze sign and symptoms in the right context. The right context in this case means considering these things:
- What preceded the signs and symptoms
- When symptoms appeared first
- How the disease has been evolving
Itâs important to distinguish between these two conditions because chlamydia, unlike UTI , can cause irreversible reproductive system damage if itâs not detected and treated.
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Is It A Urinary Tract Infection Or Chlamydia
The only way to find out is to see a doctor and have the necessary tests done. As the symptoms of a urinary tract infection , chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases can often be similar, you won’t be able to know by checking any symptoms you might have against lists you can find online.
A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. More seriously, the infection can spread to the kidneys or ureter. UTIs are more common in women than men.
Urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and beginning to multiply in the bladder. The E. coli bacteria is implicated in many UTIs, particularly those affecting the bladder . Other bacterial infections can cause UTI.
Chlamydia is caused by infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.
If you have these kind of symptoms, your doctor may use a range of diagnostic tests to identify the cause. This can include analysis of a urine sample, culturing the bacteria that are present in your urine, an ultrasound of your urinary tract and/or cystoscopy .
Differences Between Chlamydia Vs Uti
- Unusual penile and vaginal discharge
- Genital blisters and rashes
- Painful intercourse
Summary
- Chlamydia CDC Fact Sheet .
- Ana L. Flores-Mireles, et al. . Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanismsof infection and treatment options
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Chlamydia Vs Uti: What Are The Main Differences
UTIs and chlamydia can sometimes present in similar ways. Both might cause painful urinating or frequent urination, as well as lower abdomen or pelvic pain. However, there are differences in their symptoms and what causes them.
The key symptoms of chlamydia that arent present in UTIs include unusual vaginal or penile discharge, genital blisters and rashes, testicular pain, a sore throat, and painful intercourse. Another big difference between them is how they are caused. Both are bacterial infections but they are different types of bacteria.
Chlamydia is only transmitted through sexual activity, but urinary tract infections are not contagious. There is, however, evidence that intercourse can increase the risk of a UTI. Sexual behavior and UTI history are important factors in the risk of developing UTIs.
When To See A Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor is important. Both chlamydia and UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which need to be prescribed by a doctor. Minor UTIs may clear up on their own, but its still best to get medical advice to see if you require treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor for their advice.
Its also worth remembering that you can have chlamydia without experiencing any symptoms. In fact, chlamydia usually only shows symptoms after it has progressed. Regular STD tests help you to ensure any symptom-free infections are detected as soon as possible and can be treated appropriately, especially if you have recently had unprotected sex.
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Who Should Be Tested For Chlamydia
You should go to your health provider for a test if you have symptoms of chlamydia, or if you have a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease. Pregnant women should get a test when they go to their first prenatal visit.
People at higher risk should get checked for chlamydia every year:
- Sexually active women 25 and younger
- Older women who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted disease
- Men who have sex with men
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Main Differences Between Uti And Chlamydiainfections
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What Is An Std
So, How Do You Get an STD?
STDs can occur in a myriad of ways:
- Having unprotected sex with someone who has also been affected.
- Eating contaminated food that has been contaminated with fecal matter can potentially transfer hepatitis A .
- Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has been affected by HPV or herpes can increase the risk of contracting either infection.
- Sharing sheets, towels, or clothes can increase the chance of spreading Trichomoniasis.
- Due to the risk factors of breaking the skin and mixing blood, people who share needles or even razors run a higher risk of catching, developing, and passing on STDs.
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Where Can I Get More Information
Health care providers with STD consultation requests can contact the STD Clinical Consultation Network . This service is provided by the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers and operates five days a week. STDCCN is convenient, simple, and free to health care providers and clinicians. More information is available at www.stdccn.orgexternal icon.
Division of STD Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-38271-800-783-987
References
1. OFarrell N, Morison L, Moodley P, et al. Genital ulcers and concomitant complaints in men attending a sexually transmitted infections clinic: implications for sexually transmitted infections management. Sexually transmitted diseases 2008 35:545-9.
2. White JA. Manifestations and management of lymphogranuloma venereum. Current opinion in infectious diseases 2009 22:57-66.
3. Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, Lewis FM, Lewis RM, Markowitz LE, Roberts H, Satcher Johnson A, Song R, St. Cyr SB, Weston EJ, Torrone EA, Weinstock HS. Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: Prevalence and incidence estimates, 2018. Sex Transm Dis 2021 in press.
4. CDC. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2019. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human Services April 2021.
5. Torrone E, Papp J, Weinstock H. Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection Among Persons Aged 1439 Years United States, 20072012. MMWR 2014 63:834-8.
Uti Vs Chlamydia: How To Tell The Difference
Urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia often share some symptoms. For example, both may cause pain when urinating. This can make it difficult to know whether you have a UTI or if you could have chlamydia or another STI.
The only way to know for sure is usually to see a doctor, but its also important to be educated about how to recognize the symptoms of each and the differences between them.
There might be some clues that you are experiencing one or the other, even if youre not certain until you see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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If You’re Confused About Your Symptoms And Whether They Might Be Indicative Of A Uti Or Std This Breakdown Can Help
Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist with an enthusiasm to learn from the world, combining stories in travel and wellness, culture and human interest. When she’s not reporting on all things sex and relationships for Shape, she’s exploring remote corners of the world, seeking the best in cuisine and spirits.
When it comes to your sex life, there are a lot of acronyms out there the fun ones, such as DTF or DTR are just as confusing to keep up with as the more serious likes of UTI, STI, and STD. While no one really likes to talk about the latter three, it’s sexually and medically important to know the differences between them, so you can recognize the symptoms and seek proper treatment if and when you need it. Here’s the difference between UTIs and STIs, how to tell if it’s a UTI vs STD/STI depending on your symptoms, and what to do about it.
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A note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be embarrassing to talk about anything sex-related with your healthcare provider, including STI prevention. But your sex life is an important part of your health that your provider needs to know about to care for you. Not getting the treatment you need for chlamydia can pose serious risks to your health. Speak with your provider about getting regularly screened for chlamydia and other STIs to reduce your risks of complications. Practice safer sex to prevent the spread of chlamydia.
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A Look At Yeast Infections
Most yeast infections are mild and can clear up within a few days with OTC treatment or prescribed medications. But others can be more severe and may take up to two weeks to clear. Some mild yeast infections can occasionally go away without any treatment and the help of home remedies, but more often than not, you will need OTC or prescription medications to treat the yeast infection.
If you choose to treat your condition with OTC medication or natural remedies and the symptoms dont go away, you need to see a medical professional who can diagnose and treat you. You may be dealing with something other than a yeast infection.