{"id":4714,"date":"2025-09-05T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4714"},"modified":"2025-10-02T11:24:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T11:24:45","slug":"do-i-have-thrush-or-an-sti","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/do-i-have-thrush-or-an-sti\/","title":{"rendered":"Thrush or STI: how to know the difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often tricky to spot from symptoms alone. Most STIs go undetected \u2013 after all, most don’t produce any symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when symptoms do appear, they can easily be confused for other conditions, some of which you might dismiss as unserious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thrush symptoms are sometimes mistaken for STI symptoms. It’s easy to understand why. Thrush and STIs can both affect the genitals can cause pain and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do you tell?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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If you think you may have an STI, you should get tested. Book an STI at a sexual health clinic near you today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is Thrush?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects both men and women. It\u2019s caused by a fungus called candida, <\/em>which is usually harmless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A thrush infection can be triggered by factors that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your genitals, such as antibiotics, poorly controlled diabetes, a weakened immune system, pregnancy, or hormonal changes like menopause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing tight clothing, using perfumed hygiene products, or excessive washing can also contribute to its development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an STI?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that most people get through sex. They’re usually viruses, bacteria, or parasites that transfer from one person or the other during the sexual act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The term “sexually transmitted infection” can be a bit misleading, though. While the vast majority of STIs transmit through sex, some STIs can be transmitted in other ways, like through kissing, foreplay, oral sex, sharing sex toys, and sharing needles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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