This article explains the symptoms and differences between a UTI and an STI.
It also includes information on treatment and when to see a healthcare provider.
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What Is a UTI?
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UTIs can happen to anyone, including children, and they are not STIs.
However, having sex increases your risk for UTIs, particularly for people with vaginas.
UTIs can affect the bladder or the kidneys.
UTIs that affect the kidneys are typically more serious than those affecting the bladder.
Symptoms of a UTI
The symptoms of a UTI are the same regardless of sex.
They include:
Sometimes, a UTI can travel from the bladder to the kidneys.
If you develop akidney infection, you may experience:
What Is an STI?
Some STIs can also be passed through close touching and skin-to-skin contact.
Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause STIs.
However, other STI symptoms can differ depending on anatomy.
Its also common to have an STI that has no symptoms at all.
If youre sexually active, regular STI screenings are an essential part of preventive healthcare.
STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause burning during urination and pelvic pain similar to UTI symptoms.
Without medical testing, determining whether you have a UTI or an STI can be difficult.
The urge to pee when your bladder is empty may indicate a UTI.
Chlamydia can cause painful, burning urination that feels like a UTI.
Gonorrhea cannot cause a UTI because they are two different infections.
However, gonorrhea can havesymptomsthat are similar to those of a UTI, including pain during urination.
If you have a UTI, youll likely need antibiotic treatment to kill the bacteria in your urinary tract.
Thetreatment for STIswill depend on what infection you have and may include antibiotics.
If they suspect a different STD, they mayswab your genitalsto look for bacteria or viruses under a microscope.
They may also order a blood test.
Summary
UTIs and STIs can both cause painful, frequent urination.
Your other symptoms can offer a clue as to whether you have an STI or UTI.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Urinary tract infection basics.
Urology Care Foundation.What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)?
Nemours.Why am I getting urinary tract infections?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chlamydia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Aboutgonorrhea.
