A UTI infection has many of the same symptoms as the STD Chlamydia. And interestingly, both UTI infections and Chlamydia can be triggered by sex, especially in younger women. While only Chlamydia testing (or testing for a UTI infection) will let you know for sure which one you have, it’s a good idea to know as much as you can about the differences between the two.
It’s no secret that sex can lead to Chlamydia and other STDs, but many people don’t realize that sex can trigger UTI infections or that younger women are at higher risk than older women for both UTI infections and Chlamydia. Here’s why:
Some people may have to get both (depending on your results). But knowing where to start can be tricky. Chlamydia symptoms and UTI infection symptoms can look a lot alike. Both conditions can cause stomach pain and painful urination.
But UTI infections, unlike Chlamydia, can cause:
The tricky thing is that Chlamydia symptoms (which also include vaginal discharge, nausea, fever, and spotting) often don’t show up. At all. That means that a lot of people with Chlamydia never get the STD testing they need.
Whether you have symptoms of an STD or a UTI infection, it’s important to seek medical care. Untreated Chlamydia can lead to long-term complications like infertility and untreated UTI infections can become painful. Luckily, both are fairly common conditions and can be cured with antibiotics.
How Does Sex Affect UTI Infections?
It’s no secret that sex can lead to Chlamydia and other STDs, but many people don’t realize that sex can trigger UTI infections or that younger women are at higher risk than older women for both UTI infections and Chlamydia. Here’s why:
- Cervix maturity. Before age 25, the cervix isn’t fully mature. That means that bacteria like those that cause Chlamydia may have an easier time establishing themselves in younger women’s bodies. That’s one reason why the CDC recommends annual Chlamydia testing for women under 25.
- Movement. UTI infections happen when bacteria get in the urinary tract. The more foreign objects and substances come in contact with the urethra, the more opportunities bacteria have to spread. That’s why sex and use of spermicides can lead to UTI infections in women.
Should I Get STD Testing or UTI Infection Testing?
Some people may have to get both (depending on your results). But knowing where to start can be tricky. Chlamydia symptoms and UTI infection symptoms can look a lot alike. Both conditions can cause stomach pain and painful urination.
But UTI infections, unlike Chlamydia, can cause:
- Cloudy urine;
- Frequent urges to urinate; or
- Inability to urinate.
The tricky thing is that Chlamydia symptoms (which also include vaginal discharge, nausea, fever, and spotting) often don’t show up. At all. That means that a lot of people with Chlamydia never get the STD testing they need.
Whether you have symptoms of an STD or a UTI infection, it’s important to seek medical care. Untreated Chlamydia can lead to long-term complications like infertility and untreated UTI infections can become painful. Luckily, both are fairly common conditions and can be cured with antibiotics.
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