But that’s not entirely accurate A uti isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (sti). In some cases, sexually transmitted infections (stis) caused by pathogens like *chlamydia trachomatis* or *neisseria gonorrhoeae* can also lead to utis by causing inflammation and increasing susceptibility to bacterial colonization in the urinary tract Preventing bacterial transmission during sexual activity is key to reducing uti risk. It’s easy to see why people get confused when it comes to urinary tract infections (uti) and sexually transmitted infections (stis) After all, both involve genitals and they can share some similar symptoms
But it’s important you understand the difference so that you know when it’s time to see a doctor Let’s learn about utis and stis, the signs and symptoms you should look out for. Learn more about how to tell if you have a uti or std and the differences between urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. When engaging in sexual activities, friction and movement can push bacteria from surrounding areas into the urethra Therefore, while you cannot “catch” a uti from someone else like you would with an std (sexually transmitted disease), sexual activity can increase your risk of developing a uti if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Differences between a uti and an std utis and stds may share some symptoms, such as painful urination, but they have different causes and treatments