Ignoring the pain is a really bad approach to dealing with any discomfort that your body is having, especially when it is occurring in your genital area. According to the STD Treatment Los Angeles team, when you are experiencing pain in that area, it is usually one of two things, a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
STDs And UTIs – How Can You Tell The Difference?
When you experience discomfort in your genital region, there are two very common causes, UTIs and STDs. They are very easily mistaken for one another. Because the symptoms can be very similar, they are often hard to distinguish.
What Is A UTI?
A UTI is a common infection that is the result of bacteria entering into the urinary tract and then proliferating. (The urinary tract consists of the urethra, kidneys, bladder, ureter). Although UTIs are very common the symptoms need to be taken seriously. The longer you wait to receive treatment the more the infection spreads and causes complications. In addition, here are several ways that bacteria can enter the urinary tract, including
- “holding it” when you have to urinate
- prolonged inactivity
- wearing non-cotton underwear
What Is An STD?
An STD is a disease that is transmitted through sexual contact, intravenous drug use, or non-sexual body-fluid exchange, such as childbirth or breastfeeding. Many STDs are treatable if medical professionals are able to diagnose them in a timely manner. STDs can occur in several ways.
- Having sex without protection is one of the most common ways
- Skin-to-skin contact, sharing clothes, towels, etc.
- Sharing needles or razors which break the skin and mix blood
Differences And Similarities between STDs and UTIs
STDs and UTIs often share common symptoms and can be misdiagnosed for one another. Here is a list of symptoms that UTIs and STDs share.
- Painful or burning urination
- Foul smelling urination
- Dark or cloudy urination
- Unusual discharge
- Increased frequency or urgency of urination
- Pelvic Pain
Here are symptoms more commonly associated with STDs than UTIs
- Blisters on or near the genital area
- Rash on or near the vagina
- Pain during intercourse
- Fever, Nausea, Sore throat
What To Do If You Are Experiencing Any Of These Symptoms
Listen to your body. For instance, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above or any other general discomfort in or around the genital area, you should consult your physician immediately. In conclusion, the longer you wait, the more complications may arise and the more difficult it becomes to treat.
About STD Free Los Angeles – STD Treatment Los Angeles
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