Urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections in women are often misdiagnosed by emergency departments – in fact, nearly half of the times. Such misdiagnoses lead to misuse of antibiotics and an increase in antibiotic resistance.
Lead researcher Michelle Hecker said, “Less than half the women diagnosed with a urinary tract infection actually had one. Sexually transmitted infections were missed in 37 percent of the women, many of whom were wrongly diagnosed with urinary tract infections.”
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The investigators wrote, “Overdiagnosis of UTI [urinary tract infection] was not only a common cause of unnecessary antibiotic use, but also contributed to the underdiagnosis of STI [sexually transmitted infection] since 64 percent of the patients with a missed STI were diagnosed as having a UTI instead. An abnormal UA [urinalysis] result, seen in 92 percent of our subjects, was a common finding, poorly predicted the presence of a positive urine culture, and may also have contributed to the overdiagnosis of UTI.”
The main problem is that UTIs and STIs share many common symptoms, such as frequent urination, pain when urinating, and urination urgency.
The investigators also found that many women treated for UTIs did not even present symptoms of a UTI or had any urine cultures pointing to a UTI.
Nearly one million UTIs are diagnosed annually, along with 20 million STIs, but many STIs go undiagnosed or unreported, so the actual number of cases may be quite higher.
Difference in UTI and STI symptoms
Although urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections share many symptoms, there are some key differences that help tell the two apart.
Symptoms of a UTI include:
- Higher and more frequent urge to urinate
- Pain or discomfort when peeing
- Feeling as if you are unable to fully empty your bladder
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Urine which is cloudy or foul-smelling
- General feeling of unwell including aches and pains
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Symptoms of an STI include:
- Changes in urination habits
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Itching genitals
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal bleeding
- Rashes or sores
If any of the above symptoms are present, you should see your doctor. If either one progresses, it increases the risk of infection and complication.
Related: Can you have sex with a UTI?
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
