Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be mistaken for signs of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Here's how to tell them apart.
UTIs are fairly common, usually affecting one in five women at least once in their lifetime. They usually occur when bacteria from feces travel up the urethra, sometimes reaching the bladder or kidneys. As with all diseases, it is best to detect symptoms as soon as possible in order to seek treatment.
Many people may confuse symptoms with those of STIs.
“Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Symptoms of a UTI can range from mild discomfort to very painful, and women are much more likely to suffer from them than men,” says urologist Ruslan Hasanov, especially for MedicForum.
Five common symptoms of UTIs associated with urination:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Needing to urinate more than usual at night
- Urine looks cloudy
- The need to urinate is sudden or more urgent than usual
- Blood in the urine
However, there are other symptoms that may include:
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back, just below the ribs
- Fever or feeling hot and chills
- Very low temperature below 36C
STIs are sexually transmitted infections.
6 ways to prevent urinary tract infections
< br>“There are many types of STIs and STDs, and they are more common than many people think. According to the World Health Organization, more than a million STIs are infected worldwide every day.”
For women, STI symptoms may include:
- Unusual discharge< /li>
- Lumps
- Skin growths
- Pain when urinating
- Rash
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Itching of the genitals or anus
- Warts and blisters
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