Two very common (but different) conditions are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and chlamydia. Though they might share a couple of symptoms, these infections are caused by different factors and need different treatments. Let’s dive into what each of these infections are, how to tell them apart, and what you can do about them.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection in any part of your urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. 

Urinary tract infections are typically caused by bacteria — particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) — from the skin or rectum entering the urinary tract, but many other bacteria can cause UTIs as well. This can happen for several reasons: 

Women are also more prone to UTIs because the urethra is shorter than men’s, allowing bacteria to reach the bladder more easily.

Common UTI symptoms include: 

  • A burning sensation when you pee: This is one of the most common signs.
  • Frequent urge to pee: You may feel like you constantly need to pee, even if little to nothing comes out.
  • Cloudy, dark, or strange-smelling urine: If your pee looks unusual or has a strong smell, this could be a UTI.
  • Pelvic pain: You might experience discomfort in your lower abdomen, especially around the bladder area.
  • Fever: This happens in more severe cases, especially if the infection has spread to the kidneys.
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How to treat UTIs

Most UTIs can be cleared up with a short course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor — typically, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or ciprofloxacin. 

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen may not treat a UTI, but they can help with the pain or discomfort. 

Drinking plenty of water also helps. Staying hydrated makes you pee more frequently and helps flush bacteria from the urinary system. It’s also a good idea to eliminate anything irritating your bladder until your UTI clears up. This includes caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It’s one of the most common sexually transmitted infections but often goes unnoticed because it frequently presents no symptoms, especially in women.

Chlamydia is passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected. Since it often doesn’t cause symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it, which increases the risk of passing it on to others.

Common chlamydia symptoms include: 

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge: That is white, yellowish or foul-smelling.
  • Painful urination: Similar to a UTI, you may feel a burning sensation when you pee.
  • Lower abdominal pain: This can be a dull ache or more severe cramping.
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex: Unusual spotting or bleeding can be a sign of chlamydia.
  • Pain during sex: You might experience discomfort during penetrative sex.

How to treat chlamydia

Chlamydia can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for chlamydia are doxycycline (taken for seven days) and azithromycin (usually taken as a single dose). Make sure to finish the entire course of medication, even if you start to feel better before it's finished.

You’ll need to avoid sexual contact while being treated to prevent spreading the infection to your partner. Speaking of which, your partner(s) should also be tested and treated to avoid reinfection.

UTI vs chlamydia

Although both UTIs and chlamydia can cause similar symptoms, such as painful urination and abdominal discomfort, they are very different infections in terms of cause, transmission, and treatment.

Key differences

  • Cause: UTIs are generally caused by bacteria like E. coli entering the urinary tract, while chlamydia is caused by the sexually transmitted bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
  • Symptoms: UTIs usually cause urinary symptoms like a burning feeling when you pee, frequent urination, and cloudy urine. Chlamydia may have fewer symptoms, but when present, they often involve changes in vaginal discharge, bleeding, and pain during sex.
  • Transmission: UTIs are not sexually transmitted, though sexual activity can sometimes trigger UTIs. Chlamydia, on the other hand, is always sexually transmitted.
  • Complications: A UTI can spread to the kidneys if left untreated, causing a more serious infection. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause long-term complications like infertility.

Similarities

  • Painful urination: Both infections can cause discomfort when you pee, which is why it’s easy to confuse them.
  • Abdominal pain: Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis is common in both.
  • Treatment: Both UTIs and chlamydia are treated with antibiotics, though the type and duration of treatment will differ.

How to test for UTIs and chlamydia

A UTI can be diagnosed through a urine test, which detects the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. Your doctor will often test your urine for signs of infection if you report UTI symptoms. 

Chlamydia testing usually involves a vaginal swab or a urine test. The swab can be done during a pelvic exam or at home with a self-testing kit. It's recommended that sexually active women under 25, or women over 25 with new or multiple partners, get tested regularly for STIs.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like pain when you pee, abnormal discharge, or pelvic pain, it’s always a good idea to see a healthcare provider.

You can test for both chlamydia and vaginal bacteria that may increase the risk of UTIs with Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test. Our at-home vaginal microbiome test uncovers over 700 bacteria and fungi with a single vaginal swab, including those related to UTIs and four of the most common STIs. With Evvy’s Clinical Care program, eligible users can also access personalized care (including prescription medications) developed by a healthcare provider.

FAQ

How to tell if it’s a UTI or chlamydia? 

Figuring out whether you have a UTI or chlamydia can be a bit confusing since they share some similar symptoms. However, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish between the two. If you have a UTI, you’ll likely notice symptoms related to your urinary system. Common signs include burning when you pee, a constant urge to go even when your bladder is almost empty, and sometimes urine that looks cloudy or smells off. You might also feel some discomfort in your lower abdomen, and in more serious cases, a fever could develop if the infection moves up to your kidneys. One important thing to remember is that UTIs typically don’t cause changes in discharge or pain during sex. 

On the flip side, chlamydia can be a little sneakier. It often has few or no symptoms at all, which makes it harder to catch. When symptoms do show up, you might experience pain when you pee similar to a UTI, but chlamydia can also lead to changes in discharge, like a yellowish color or an unusual smell. Spotting between periods, bleeding after sex, or pain during intercourse can also occur, which isn’t typical for a UTI. The only surefire way to know what’s going on is through testing. An Evvy Vaginal Health Test can detect vaginal bacteria linked to both UTIs and chlamydia. 

Can a UTI be misdiagnosed as chlamydia?

If you rely on symptoms alone, then yes, a UTI can sometimes be misdiagnosed as chlamydia, and vice versa. However, it’s highly unlikely to confuse the two infections if you get tested. Rather than self-diagnosing, see your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as painful urination, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge. 

Can UTI antibiotics get rid of chlamydia?

No, antibiotics prescribed for a UTI won’t treat chlamydia. Though some broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of infections, UTIs are treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or fosfomycin. Chlamydia is usually treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Remember: the efficacy of an antibiotic highly depends on the specific bacteria you’re trying to treat!