Difference Between Chlamydia And Yeast Infection
Chlamydia vs Yeast Infection
Chlamydia and yeast infect genital organs as well as other organs. Both chlamydia and yeast cause similar symptoms in genital infections. However, they differ greatly in other situations. Despite many similarities, there are a lot of differences between chlamydia and yeast infections, which will be talked about in this article, highlighting their clinical features, symptoms, causes, investigation and diagnosis, prognosis, and also the course of treatment they require.
Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia affects various systems. Therefore, chlamydia symptoms vary according to the affected organ system. Chlamydial pneumonia is the commonest chlamydial infection in the body. It spreads via droplets. It causes sore throat, hoarseness of voice, ear infections followed by pneumonia. It is easily diagnosed with blood tests for chlamydial infections. Chlamydial pneumonia responds well to tetracycline. Chlamydia psittaci causes psittacosis. It is a disease acquired from infected birds. Symptoms include headache, fever, dry cough, lethargy, arthralgia, anorexia, dizziness, and vomiting. Extra pulmonary features are legion, but they are rare. It can cause meningitis, encephalitis, infective endocarditis, hepatitis, nephritis, rash and splenic enlargement.
Yeast Infection
What is the difference between Chlamydia and Yeast Infection?
Chlamydia is a bacteria while yeast in a fungus.
Chlamydia is more likely to cause pelvic inflammation than yeast.
Is A Yeast Infection An Sti
Reviewed by our clinical team
Yeast infections like thrush cause harmless but often uncomfortable symptoms like itching and thick, white vaginal discharge.
Although they can occasionally be passed on during sex, yeast infections arent considered sexually transmitted. Most of the time, something like vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that was already present in your system.
What Causes Yeast Infection And How To Treat It
Some might think that oral contraceptives are associated with yeast infection. However, this is a myth. There is no correlation between birth control and yeast infection. Yeast infection is due to the overgrowth of yeast in your body. There are a few treatment methods for yeast infection. Your doctor may recommend oral medications to eat, vaginal pessaries to insert, or topical medications to apply, or even a combination of the options.
You May Like: Natural Remedies For Infected Tonsils
Also Check: Will Benadryl Help With Yeast Infection Itching
Syphilis Is An Insidious Disease
Syphilis occurs in three stages: in the first stage ulcers form, in the second there is a rash and inflammation of the lymph nodes, in the third the brain, heart and other organs can be affected.
An estimated 6.3 million people were infected with syphilis in 2016.
Syphilis can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. In 2016, an estimated 200,000 stillbirths occurred among 988,000 pregnant women infected with syphilis. Syphilis is the second most importantcause stillbirth worldwide and can also lead to other adverse birth outcomes such as death of the newborn, congenital anomalies, prematurity and low birth weight.
The risk of syphilis should not be neglected if you are at risk or notice symptoms of the disease, you must undergo timely examination and treatment. Syphilis can be treated with a simple penicillin regimen.
Infectious Diseases, Womens Health
Sometimes vaginitisor vaginal inflammationcan be so mild you may not think anything out of the norm is happening. Other times, vaginitis is accompanied by pain and discomfort, which may point to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
The problem? Both issues share common symptoms, which can make it hard to distinguish which one you are experiencing.
Rachel Urrutia, MD, an OB-GYN at UNC Medical Center and assistant professor at the UNC School of Medicine, explains the difference between the two and when you should see a doctor.
Chemicals Allergies And Vaginal Irritation
Vaginal itching and irritation may be caused by an infection, but sometimes a different culprit is to blame: chemical irritation or allergies.
Women may also become allergic to certain substances, such as sperm, dyes, soaps, birth control products , and hygiene products. With allergies, the womans immune system overreacts to these substances, leading to vaginal irritation, itching, and burning.
Management of chemical irritation or allergies involves finding out which chemical or substance is causing your symptoms so that you can avoid it. Your doctor can help you narrow down the cause and give you tips on how to cope until the reaction goes away. Your doctor will also help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms, such as infections, decreased estrogen levels due to menopause, or skin conditions.
Vaginal irritation and itching can also be caused by other conditions, and some of these conditions can cause serious complications if they are not properly diagnosed and treated. Thats why its important to see your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms and get appropriate treatment, rather than trying to treat the problem yourself.
Also Check: Signs Of Infection After Knee Surgery
Main Differences Between Chlamydia And Yeast Infection
Are There Free Or Pay For Clinics To Get Tested For Yeast Infections And Stds
- Free clinics in your area that can test or diagnose yeast vs STD infections may be located by contacting your local Community Health Center or simply by going to the internet and searching for free clinics in your area.
- Almost all pay clinics and urgent care centers can test you for yeast infections and STDs.
Don’t Miss: Lymphocyte Count In Early Hiv Infection
What Are The Treatments For Chlamydia
Antibiotics will cure the infection. You may get a one-time dose of the antibiotics, or you may need to take medicine every day for 7 days. Antibiotics cannot repair any permanent damage that the disease has caused.
To prevent spreading the disease to your partner, you should not have sex until the infection has cleared up. If you got a one-time dose of antibiotics, you should wait 7 days after taking the medicine to have sex again. If you have to take medicine every day for 7 days, you should not have sex again until you have finished taking all of the doses of your medicine.
It is common to get a repeat infection, so you should get tested again about three months after treatment.
Research Shows Vaginal Microbiota Transplants
Bacterial vaginosis is a common, often frustrating condition that occurs when the vagina’s main bacterial companion, lactobacilli , is overtaken by competing microbes, leaving patients at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections and preterm births. Researcher Laura Ensign is looking to treat this imbalance by creating vaginal microbiota transplants – moving bacteria from healthy vaginas into patients with BV. The researchers hope that by establishing a way to find healthy donors for transplant, they can help make this treatment available sooner.
Don’t Miss: Can I Have A Sinus Infection Without Congestion
Chlamydia And Yeast Infection: How Do You Get Infected
While yeast infections result from the unbalanced ph levels of our body, you dont get one from anywhere. Instead, vaginal candidiasis occurs due to leading a life with poor hygiene and overuse of antibiotics that mess up your metabolism, while chlamydia is mainly transmitted sexually.
Having multiple partners for those who are sexually active puts one at higher risk of getting chlamydia. Alternatively, if you had chlamydia in the past, it can recur even if you have undergone successful treatment.
What Causes Yeast Infections Vs Stds
The cause of yeast infections in men and women is most commonly Candida albicans. Women are more likely to get yeast infections and develop symptoms.
In contrast, there are multiple causes of STDs:
- The treatment for yeast infections is usually over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories containing antifungal medication like miconazole or fluconazole in women and mainly creams for men.
- Treatment for STDs varies depending on the cause of the STD .
Read Also: A Person Infected With Hiv May Be Symptom Free For
Things You Could Mistake For A Yeast Infection
Have you ever had or heard of a vaginal yeast infection Choma? Its also commonly known as vaginal thrush. They are common and most women will get them at least once in their lives. However, because they are common and because some women do get yeast infections a few times, its easy to assume you have it when you actually have something else.
The reasons you might get a vaginal yeast infection can vary from wearing the wrong underwear and stress to not changing your sanitary pads often enough. The symptoms of yeast infections are also quite similar to other infections that you could easily misdiagnose as a yeast infection. This article will explain a few of them to you.
First, lets start with the common symptoms of yeast infections. They are:
- Pain during sex
- Pain when peeing
Now here are other infections/conditions that might have some of those similar symptoms and are therefore confused for Yeast Infections:
Herpes
Read more about Herpes here.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, also known as Trich, is not a very well-known Sexually Transmitted Infection . Mainly because it doesnt always show symptoms and can go undiagnosed for a long time. Symptoms that do show up include itching, burning and thin discharge that could be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish.
Read more about Trich here.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
If left untreated, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection of the reproductive organs in women.
Bacterial Vaginosis
How Did I Get Chlamydia If I Didnt Cheat
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be embarrassing to talk about anything sex-related with your healthcare provider, including STI prevention. But your sex life is an important part of your health that your provider needs to know about to care for you. Not getting the treatment you need for chlamydia can pose serious risks to your health. Speak with your provider about getting regularly screened for chlamydia and other STIs to reduce your risks of complications. Practice safer sex to prevent the spread of chlamydia.
Read Also: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Ear Infection
How Do I Know If I Have An Sti Or A Yeast Infection
There can be a bit of overlap between the symptoms of thrush and the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection both can cause itching around the genitals and/or discharge.
However, thrush has quite a distinctive symptom: thick, lumpy, white discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. If youre having discharge like this, and itching, redness or swelling around the genitals, you probably have thrush. If your symptoms arent clear cut you might have BV or an STIs such as chlamydia, trichomonas or gonorrhoea.
Regardless, its always a good idea to see your GP or go to a sexual health clinic if youre having thrush symptoms for the first time. Its also a good idea to see a doctor or nurse if you keep getting thrush, or if treatment hasnt worked for you. If youve had it before you can go straight to your pharmacist to buy thrush treatment.
Dont Miss: What All Antibiotics Cure Chlamydia
What Is The Prognosis For A Female With Chlamydia
As discussed previously, chlamydia infection can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease if untreated, which can have serious consequences. Complications include permanent damage to the reproductive organs, including infertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia infection in pregnancy can also lead to low birth weight and premature delivery as well as pneumonia and eye damage in the newborn.
Having an untreated chlamydia infection can also increase a persons risk for acquiring HIV infection. It can also increase the risk that a person with HIV infection will transmit the infection to others during sexual intercourse.
You May Like: Oral Yeast Infection Pill Otc
Special Cases: Chlamydia In Infants And Hiv
Newborn infants are also at risk for chlamydial infections if their mother has an untreated infection at the time of delivery. Newborn infants can contract chlamydia trachomatis as they travel through the birth canal and develop eye infections or pneumonia . For this reason, chlamydia testing should be routine during pregnancy.
Having an STI, like chlamydia, can also increase your chances of contracting HIV if you are exposed it to it, or spreading HIV if you are already infected . If you think you have chlamydia, or any STI, it is important for you to seek help immediately from your healthcare provider or an STI clinic. Many clinics provide free or low-cost STI testing. This will all help keep you, your sexual partners, and your community healthy.
Download Clue to track sex and your period.
Lets support one another.
What Is The Test
A yeast infection is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans.
Stress, sexual activity, living in a warm climate, and using perfumed soaps and other personal hygiene products can also raise your risk for yeast infection.
Over-the-counter and prescription anti-fungal creams and medications usually treat yeast infections.
Read Also: Can Chlamydia Be Undetected In Tests
Also Check: Certification In Infection Control Cic
Conditions That Can Mimic A Yeast Infection
Six possible causes of symptoms that may masquerade as yeast infections include:
If you arent getting relief from the usual measures, or you arent quite sure of the diagnosis, its worth a trip to the office to get checked out, says Dr. Zanotti. Call your doctor to be sure youre addressing any problems with appropriate treatment.
Also Check: How Long To Wait Before Getting Tested For Chlamydia
Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Symptoms
The symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea overlap, so it can be difficult to differentiate between the two unless you visit your healthcare provider or take a test for chlamydia or gonorrhea.
The overlapping symptoms for chlamydia and gonorrhea in men and women include:
- A burning sensation during urination
- Abnormal genital or rectal discharge
- Pain in the rectum
With both chlamydia or gonococcal infections , men might also experience swelling and pain in the testicles and/or scrotum.
In women, both a gonorrhea and chlamydia infection might be mistaken for a yeast infection. Women may also experience painful periods, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, or abdominal pain.
Although the symptoms overlap, the discharge caused by chlamydia vs. gonorrhea can vary slightly. For a chlamydia infection, a womanâs vaginal discharge might have a strong odor and yellowish tint. Men might have a cloudy or clear discharge. With gonorrhea, both women and men may experience green, yellow, or white discharge.
If you’re a woman experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge or a man with abnormal penile discharge, be sure to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible as this is a common sign of an infection.
Recommended Reading: Signs Of Infection After Tooth Extraction
Can You Get Chlamydia From A Yeast Infection
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Recommended Reading: Why Do I Still Have Discharge After Chlamydia Treatment
Immunofluorescence Assays And Confocal Microscopy Analysis
Methanol or formaldehyde-fixed samples were stained with BioRad anti-MOMP or LPS Pathfinder stain or with a mouse anti-Chlamydia MOMP antibody /rabbit-anti-mouse Alexa Fluor 488 combination. C. albicans was either stained with aniline blue or visualized by differential interference contrast microscopy. Samples were examined and imaged using a Zeiss Axiovert microscope and Zen 2012 software. Intensity of fluorescent staining/area was measured by imaging 5 random fields from triplicate experiment samples at 200× magnification using set exposure conditions. Confocal images of chlamydial inclusions were captured on a Leica TCS SP8 with Leica LASX software at 1000× magnification. Imaris imaging and Leica LASX software were used to analyze the images.
Recommended Reading: Can Antiviral Medication Cause Yeast Infections
How Do You Prevent Chlamydia
Using a new male or female condom or dental dam every time you have sex is the best way to protect against chlamydia.
Chlamydia can be passed on by sharing sex toys. Always cover sex toys with a new condom and wash them after use to reduce your risk of getting chlamydia and other STIs.
Its important to regularly test for chlamydia, even if you dont have any symptoms, especially if youve had multiple sexual partners.
The contraceptive pill and other types of contraception wont prevent you getting chlamydia, and neither will PrEP.