At times, it can be difficult to tell whether you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea. Indeed, there are many similarities between the two, while both these infections are also relatively common. At the same time, it doesn’t help that your bladder and urinary tract are located near your reproductive organs.
Obviously, the best way to determine if you’re suffering from UTI or gonorrhea is to get tested at a clinic or laboratory. Still, there are plenty of things that can clue you in on your true condition. We discuss some of the most important distinctions and other relevant details below.
What Is UTI?
As its name suggests, UTI is an infection in the urinary tract. Most cases of UTI are caused by a bacteria called E. coli. Most strains of this bacteria are generally harmless. In fact, humans have naturally occurring E. coli in our intestines and stomach. But when the bacteria get into the urinary tract, it is then that the infection occurs. There are two common types of UTI: cystitis, which occurs in the bladder, and urethritis, which occurs in the urethra.
What Is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea (or “tulo” in Filipino) is a kind of STI. It is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is transmitted through sexual intercourse. It’s one of the most common forms of STI and its most telling symptom is the discharge of pus from the genitals. The infection can also manifest in other parts of the body, such as in the urethra, the roof of the mouth, and even the uterus.
How Are UTI and Gonorrhea Different?
The primary difference between UTI and gonorrhea is that the former doesn’t spread from person to person. It’s true that sexual activity can increase the risk of contracting a case of UTI, but you don’t have to be sexually active to get the disease. On the other hand, gonorrhea spreads exclusively through sexual intercourse. Babies can also get gonorrhea if their mothers gave birth to them while affected by the disease.
Another difference is that more women suffer from worse and recurring cases of UTI. This is because their urinary tracts are so much closer to their rectum, where some of the bacteria can come from. On the other hand, men tend to experience more serious symptoms of gonorrhea.
What Are the Symptoms of UTI and Gonorrhea?
As earlier mentioned, UTI and gonorrhea share many similarities. These include various symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, painful or burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Both UTI and gonorrhea may also cause pelvic pain.
Meanwhile, gonorrhea has some symptoms that cannot be seen in someone with only UTI. If you experience pain during sexual intercourse and develop genital rashes along with the above-mentioned symptoms, then you most likely have gonorrhea. Men may also notice some swelling and pain in one testicle, while women may experience bleeding between menstrual cycles. Finally and as earlier mentioned, gonorrhea is characterized by penile or vaginal discharge.
Other symptoms that manifest in gonorrhea but not in UTI include muscle and joint pain, sore throat, a swollen palate. The eyes may also feel swollen or painful and have increased sensitivity to light. In some cases, gonorrhea also causes pus discharge from the rectum.
Do note that there are some cases of UTI and gonorrhea that are asymptomatic. In addition, there are some instances when UTI and gonorrhea produce similar urinalysis findings. A person may also have a UTI and gonorrhea at the same time. All of these can make diagnosis and treatment a little more complicated.
How Do I Get Treated for UTI and Gonorrhea?
Before you can get treated for UTI and gonorrhea, you first need to know what condition you have. As soon as you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, get tested. This is especially important if the symptoms appear after you’ve had sexual intercourse. For gonorrhea, it’s best if you and your sexual partner both get tested even if one of you does not exhibit any symptoms.
After the diagnosis, you’ll be given a prescription of antibiotics. Depending on the severity, you will be issued different kinds of antibiotics. Make sure to finish the course of treatment to ensure that the infection is completely cured and that the bacteria won’t develop any resistances to the antibiotics.
Both UTI and gonorrhea can recur in patients. If you get infected again, don’t assume that your condition is exactly the same. Consult a doctor once more to get the correct diagnosis and prescription.
Getting a disease like UTI or gonorrhea can be worrisome. If left untreated, these infections can spread and cause irreparable damage to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys and the various parts of the reproductive system. Don’t be afraid to consult your doctor and remember to be honest. This way, you’ll get the treatment you need and your life can immediately return to normal. (AVT)
