Chlamydia vs Yeast Infection: How to Tell the Difference

Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms like itching, unusual discharge, and burning when you pee? Chlamydia and yeast infections are two common infections that share a lot of similarities, so it’s no wonder many people struggle to tell them apart. 

However, recognizing the difference is crucial for maintaining your sexual and overall health, as both conditions can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. By learning the details about chlamydia and yeast infections and how to identify and treat them, you can take proactive steps to protect your well-being. 

Let’s dive into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for both chlamydia and yeast infections.

Chlamydia vs yeast infections 

Chlamydia and yeast infections are two different types of vaginal infections, each caused by different organisms and requiring unique treatment approaches.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia.

On the other hand, a vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a type of fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the naturally occurring fungus Candida (usually, Candida albicans). 

Unlike chlamydia, yeast infections aren't considered a sexually transmitted infection. Although sex can be a risk factor, yeast infections occur even if you're not sexually active.

Other common triggers for yeast infections include:

• Taking antibiotics or steroids
• High estrogen levels (from pregnancy or hormone therapy)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing
• Prolonged exposure to moisture (e.g., wet bathing suits, sweaty workout clothes).

It's important to note that while yeast infections can cause discomfort, they're generally not considered a serious health concern. Chlamydia, on the other hand, untreated chlamydia can lead to complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms of chlamydia and yeast infections

Chlamydia can be tricky because it often doesn't show any visible symptoms, earning it the nickname "silent" infection. That's why it's super important to get tested regularly for STIs to catch it early for proper diagnosis. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Yellow or white discharge that has a strong or foul smell
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Painful sex
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Lower abdominal pain.

On the other hand, vaginal yeast infections have more noticeable symptoms compared to chlamydia. Common yeast infection symptoms include:

• Intense itching in and around the vagina
• Thick, white, "cottage cheese-like" vaginal discharge
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Painful sex
• Soreness or rash around the vaginal area.

It's really important to reach out to a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis because the symptoms of thrush and chlamydia can be similar. They can perform the necessary tests and provide the right treatment based on the specific infection.

Chlamydia vs yeast infection discharge

Both chlamydia and yeast infections can cause abnormal discharge, but some key differences can help you figure out which condition you might be dealing with.

• Chlamydia discharge: The vaginal discharge from chlamydia is usually white or yellow with a foul smell. Some women may not notice any discharge at all, especially in the early stages of the infection.
• Vaginal yeast infection discharge: On the other hand, the vaginal discharge from a yeast infection is typically thick, white, and clumpy. It usually doesn't have a strong odor but can come with intense itching and redness around the vulva. This type of discharge is often easy to recognize due to its distinct texture and the accompanying symptoms of discomfort and irritation.

By paying close attention to the color, consistency, and accompanying symptoms of your discharge, you can get a better idea of whether you might have chlamydia or a yeast infection. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Yeast infection vs chlamydia diagnosis 

If you think you might have a yeast infection or chlamydia, your healthcare provider will first talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. Then they will do a pelvic exam to check for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.

To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor may take a vaginal fluid sample for examination under a microscope to see if Candida is present.

To diagnose chlamydia, your healthcare provider may suggest something called a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). This involves providing a fluid sample through a vaginal or cervical swab, or a urine sample. The sample is then sent to a lab to see if Chlamydia trachomatis is present. Sometimes, it may take up to two weeks for accurate results, so it's best to wait at least 14 days after sexual contact before getting tested.

You can also do an at-home test, like Evvy's Vaginal Health Test and Expanded PCR Panel, which can detect both yeast species and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Treatment 

Although they may look and feel similar, chlamydia and yeast infections are treated differently. Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, azithromycin, and doxycycline. 

It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms disappear and avoid sexual activity until the infection is fully cleared. Additionally, recent sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

Most yeast infections are treated with antifungal medication, which can be prescribed by a healthcare provider or purchased over-the-counter (OTC). Options include:

• Topical antifungals: Creams, ointments, or suppositories applied directly to the affected area (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole).
• Oral antifungal: A single dose of fluconazole.

Both infections should start to clear up within a week with proper treatment. 

How to prevent chlamydia and yeast infections

Both yeast infections and chlamydia are a fact of life if you have a vagina and are sexually active, so there's no foolproof way to 100% prevent them. That said, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of infection and stay on top of your reproductive health:

• Use condoms and dental dams during sexual activity to reduce the risk of both vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections.
• Don't douche, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infections, including STIs.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, as this can create a warm and moist environment that promotes the growth of yeast.
• Get tested for STIs at least once a year if you're in a committed relationship, or after having sex with a new partner. 

FAQ

Do I have a yeast infection or chlamydia?

Determining whether you have a yeast infection or chlamydia depends on the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. If your discharge is thick, white, and resembles cottage cheese, and you have intense itching and redness around the vulva, it’s likely a yeast infection. On the other hand, if your discharge is white or yellowish, and accompanied by a noticeable odor, along with possible pelvic pain, pain during sex, or bleeding between periods, it may be chlamydia. But since both conditions can have overlapping symptoms — and chlamydia often doesn't cause symptoms at all — the only sure way to know whether you have a yeast infection or chlamydia is to get tested.

What STD itches like a yeast infection?

Several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause vaginal itching, including chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and pubic lice.