26, Sep, 2025

STIs vs UTIs: How to Tell the Difference

If you’ve ever experienced pain when urinating, unusual discharge, or discomfort in your lower abdomen, you may have wondered: “Do I have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?”

The truth is, the symptoms often overlap, making it difficult to know without proper testing. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and allow infections to worsen. Here’s how to tell the difference, and when to book a test.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria (usually E. coli) entering the urinary system. UTIs are common, especially in women, and affect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.

Typical UTI symptoms include:

Burning or pain when urinating
Needing to urinate more often than usual
Passing small amounts of urine frequently
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Lower abdominal or back pain

UTIs are not sexually transmitted, but sexual activity can increase the risk.

What Is an STI?

Sexually transmitted infections are spread through sexual contact. Common bacterial STIs include Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, while viral infections include Herpes, HPV, and HIV.

Common STI symptoms include:

Burning or pain when urinating
Unusual discharge (different colour, smell, or consistency)
Genital itching, rashes, or sores
Pain during sex
Bleeding between periods or after sex (in women)
Testicular pain or swelling (in men)

Notice the overlap? That’s why testing is crucial.

👉 If you’re unsure, book a confidential STI screen today at STI Clinic.

The Key Differences

Here are some pointers that can help you distinguish between a UTI and an STI:

Discharge: UTIs don’t usually cause abnormal discharge, whereas many STIs do.
Location of pain: UTIs often cause pelvic or bladder pain, while STIs may cause additional genital irritation, sores, or unusual bleeding.
Sexual history: If you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner, an STI is more likely.
Recurrence: Frequent UTIs could actually be an undiagnosed STI.

That said, the symptoms are too similar to rely on guesswork.

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

It’s common for people, and even healthcare providers, to mistake an STI for a UTI. This is especially true in women, where urinary and reproductive systems are closely linked. Sometimes, patients are treated with antibiotics for a UTI when the real issue is an STI, meaning the infection persists.

👉 Avoid confusion. Get tested at STI Clinic for clear answers and the right treatment.

When to Get Tested

You should consider STI testing if:

You’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner
Symptoms return after UTI treatment
You notice unusual discharge or bleeding
Your partner has been diagnosed with an STI

Testing is quick, painless, and confidential, and it’s the only way to be sure.

Get Expert Advice Today

Don’t let confusion affect your health. Book a private consultation now to accurately diagnose and treat STIs or UTIs with complete confidentiality.

Can You Have Both at the Same Time?

Yes. It’s possible to have both a UTI and an STI simultaneously. This makes accurate diagnosis even more important, as the treatment for each is different.

At STI Clinic, our expert team ensures you get the right test for your situation, so nothing is overlooked.

Final Thoughts

UTIs and STIs share many of the same symptoms, which can make it hard to know what’s really going on. The safest step is not to self-diagnose, but to get tested.

With discreet appointments and fast results, STI Clinic makes it easy to take control of your health.

👉 Book your confidential test today at STI Clinic and get clarity on your symptoms.