Chlamydia vs UTI: Differences, Similarities, Causes, and More

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Chlamydia and urinary tract infections are prevalent infections that are caused by bacteria. While chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual activities, other factors can cause UTIs. This article compares and contrasts Chlamydia vs UTI.

Read on to learn the difference and similarities between chlamydia vs UTIs.

What does chlamydia mean?

Chlamydia is an STI- one of the most frequently recorded sexually transmitted infections in the US, according to the CDC. This infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

It is typically transmitted through contact with sexual fluids like pre-cum, semen, and vaginal fluids. In addition, it can infect the anus, throat, eyes, and the genitals.

Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic. This means that most people can have chlamydia and transmit it to others without even knowing because symptoms rarely occur on infection.

Chlamydia is typically curable and can be treated with prescription antibiotics.

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What is a UTI?

UTIs are common. A urinary tract infection refers to a bacterial infection in the parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, kidneys, and ureters.

The lower urinary tract, like the urethra and bladder, gets most infected. Some symptoms of a UTI include burning or discomfort during urination, frequent urge to pee, and cloudy or cola-colored urine, among others.

UTIs are easily treatable. However, they can become complicated and severe if the infection reaches the kidneys.

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Chlamydia vs UTI: Symptoms

Chlamydia and UTI have similarities and differences, especially in their symptoms. However, more prominently than differences, both infections share more similarities in the type of symptoms they cause in the body.

Chlamydia is typically asymptomatic, but in instances where the symptoms show, they can be confused with symptoms of a UTI. For example, both infections can cause discomfort when urinating and pain in the testicles and lower abdomen.

One of the significant differences in the symptoms of both infections is the absence of penile or vaginal discharge for UTIs. Chlamydial infections can cause an unusual yellowish, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or a whitish, watery discharge from the penis.

Whereas UTIs are not known to cause any genital discharge.

The common symptoms of chlamydia can include the following:

  • Discomfort or pain during sex
  • Burning feeling during urination
  • Vaginal or penile discharge
  • Pain in the testicles
  • Irregular bleeding between periods
  • Sore throat
  • Conjunctivitis

Common UTI symptoms can include the following:

  • Unusual consistent urge to urinate
  • Pain or burning sensation when peeing
  • Cloudy, bright pink, red, or dark-colored urine
  • Unusual foul-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain

Chlamydia vs UTI: Causes and risk factors

Bacteria cause UTIs and chlamydial infections. However, the specific bacteria that cause both infections are different. For example, the chlamydial bacteria is typically known as Chlamydia Trachomatis, while UTIs are caused by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract- prevalently E. coli.

In addition, the modes of transmission for both infections are different. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection typically transmitted through contact with sexual fluids from an infected person.

Alternatively, UTIs are not contagious and cannot be spread through sexual contact.

differences between chlamydia Vs UTI

Chlamydia vs. UTI: Treatment

Another significant similarity between both infections is the treatment. Chlamydia and UTIs are curable with antibiotics.

However, both diseases require different antibiotics to be wholly cured.

Chlamydia is predominantly treated with azithromycin or doxycycline. To use antibiotics for chlamydia, your healthcare provider may recommend the following dosage:

  • Azithromycin- single dosage of 1g, then one dose of 500mg for two days
  • Doxycycline- one dose every day for seven days

Alternative antibiotics

Other alternatives for chlamydia treatment include levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and erythromycin.

In addition, UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe the following antibiotics for UTIs:

  • Bactrim (Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole)
  • Monurol (Fosfomycin)
  • Nitrofurantoin
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Cephalexin

Read Also: Chlamydia in Throat: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Chlamydia and UTIs are prevalent among people aged 15 to 25. According to the CDC, two out of every 3 new chlamydial cases are reported by young people aged 15-25. Alternatively, people aged 18-39 are more at risk of getting a UTI.

This puts sexually active people within the age bracket at a significant disadvantage in contracting both infections, considering their similarities.

Suppose you’re experiencing a burning sensation during urination; it’s best to contact your doctor immediately for medical advice. Your doctor will recommend a test to determine your condition and appropriate treatment.

Vaginal and penile discharges are symptoms specific to chlamydial infections. UTIs and chlamydia share similar symptoms, but genital discharge is typically specific to chlamydia, similar to yeast infections. Therefore, UTIs are not expected to cause unusual or abnormal genital discharge.

Suppose you have a foul-smelling discharge from your vagina or a watery penile discharge. Discussing with your healthcare expert as soon as possible would be best. You might have a chlamydial infection, so immediate treatment is advisable.

Chlamydia and urinary tract infections have similar symptoms. Therefore, differentiating between both infections may be challenging. The most significant difference in the symptoms of both diseases is genital discharge.

UTIs don’t typically cause genital discharge, while chlamydial infections may trigger a foul-smelling, yellowish vaginal discharge in women or a whitish, watery discharge from the penis in men.

Suppose you experience symptoms of both infections. Your best action is to talk to your healthcare expert immediately.

Your doctor will recommend a test to determine the nature of your infection before prescribing the appropriate antibiotics for treatment.

Getting tested for chlamydia can be pretty straightforward. You can get tested at your healthcare expert’s office, the health department, the local health center, or a community health clinic. Alternatively, you can do an online consultation and take a chlamydia test with an at-home test kit from your home. Doctor Alexa is an online telemedicine outfit that offers world-class services to cater to your medical needs at your convenience. You can schedule a consultation here.

The content on Doctor Alexa’s blog is reviewed by Advanced practice registered nurses or pharmacist and is intended for educational purposes only. This information should not be relied upon as professional medical counsel. Be sure to always consult with your physician about the dangers and benefits of any medication, treatment or procedure.

You shouldn’t wait to see the doctor for simple health needs.