Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often difficult to recognize based on symptoms alone. Most sexually transmitted diseases go undetected – after all, most do not cause any symptoms.
However, when symptoms do occur, they can easily be confused with other medical conditions, some of which you may dismiss as frivolous.
Thrush symptoms are sometimes confused with STI symptoms. It’s easy to see why. Both thrush and sexually transmitted diseases can affect the genitals, causing pain and irritation.
So how do you tell?
Read on to find out.
If you suspect you may have a sexually transmitted infection, you should get tested. Book an STI at a sexual health clinic near you today.
What is thrush?
Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects both men and women. It is caused by a fungus called candida, which is usually harmless.
A thrush infection can be triggered by factors that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your genitals, such as: E.g. antibiotics, poorly controlled diabetes, a weakened immune system, pregnancy or hormonal changes such as menopause.
Wearing tight clothing, using scented hygiene products or excessive washing can also contribute to the development.
What is an STI?
A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that most people get through sex. These are usually viruses, bacteria or parasites that are transmitted by one person or another during sexual intercourse.
However, the term “sexually transmitted infection” can be somewhat misleading. While the vast majority of STDs are transmitted through sex, some STDs can also be transmitted through other means, such as kissing, foreplay, oral sex, sharing sex toys, and sharing needles.
Is thrush a sexually transmitted disease?
Although thrush can often occur after sex, it is not sexually transmitted. There is an exchange of bacterial flora between people during sexual intercourse, which can compromise the natural protection of your flora and thus trigger an outbreak of thrush.
So what is it: thrush or STI?
It can sometimes be difficult to recognize based on symptoms alone.
Even though thrush is not recognized as a sexually transmitted infection, the symptoms can be similar to those of a sexually transmitted infection – making it difficult to figure out which disease is causing your genital symptoms. Likewise, both thrush and sexually transmitted diseases may not show symptoms even if you are infected.
| thrush | Sexually transmitted infection |
| Mushroom | Bacteria, viruses or protozoa |
| A result of unbalanced bacterial populations, skin irritation or damage, antibiotics, poorly controlled diabetes, weakened immune system, pregnancy or if you have gone through menopause. Sexual activity can sometimes trigger or transmit thrush. | A result of unprotected sexual activity, including oral, vaginal and anal intercourse.
In some cases, direct skin-to-skin contact is enough to transmit a sexually transmitted infection. |
| Symptoms of thrush may include: – White discharge from the vagina or penis (like cottage cheese) – Genital discomfort such as itching, redness – Pain or burning during urination – An unpleasant odor – Pain or stinging during sex. Men may find it difficult to retract the foreskin | STI symptoms may include: – Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis – Cuts, blisters, ulcers or lesions – Discomfort in the genital or anal area – Pain or burning when urinating – An unpleasant odor – Unusual bleeding – Pelvic inflammatory disease – Increased urge to urinate – Pain in the abdomen |
| Treatment consists of antifungal medications and creams that can help relieve irritation. | Depending on the STI you tested positive for, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral, or antiretroviral medications. |
| With appropriate medication, thrush can disappear within a week. In some cases, recurrent thrush may require a longer period of treatment, which can last up to six months. | Some sexually transmitted infections require long-term treatment. |
You can easily mistake thrush for an STI because thrush infections can often be triggered by sexual activity.
Sex can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the genital area. Friction during intercourse can cause microabrasions or irritation, making the skin more susceptible to infection. Additionally, semen has a different pH than the vagina, and this pH shift can create an environment where this is the case Candida albicans– the yeast responsible for thrush – can thrive.
It is difficult for some people to tell the difference between a thrush infection and a sexually transmitted infection. Some of the symptoms are the same and sexually transmitted diseases often have no symptoms at all. However, in women, symptoms are usually due to irritation of the vagina or vulva, while many sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia cause symptoms “further inside”, with symptoms deeper as the cervix becomes infected. If you have had any type of sexual encounter that you think could put you at risk, then schedule an STI screening to make sure you don’t have an infection. If your test comes back negative, you will feel happy and relieved, and if it comes back positive, you can seek treatment and not suffer any long-term negative effects. However, if you have symptoms and your tests come back negative, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out alternative causes.
Mike AsherCo-founder of Daily Sparkz
What sexually transmitted diseases can be confused with thrush?
Some sexually transmitted diseases can cause similar symptoms that can be confused with the symptoms of thrush.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia can cause unusual pain with vaginal discharge when urinating – symptoms that can overlap with thrush – and occasionally it can also cause vaginal redness that leaves us confused. Unlike thrush, it can also cause pelvic pain or bleeding between periods in women and testicular discomfort in men.
gonorrhea
gonorrhea There is often a thick, yellow or green discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. These symptoms may resemble thrush, especially if there is discharge and irritation.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes can cause itching, burning and redness similar to thrush. However, the disease is usually accompanied by painful blisters or sores, which are not a typical feature of thrush.
Trichomonas
Trichomonas can cause foamy, foul-smelling discharge, itching and redness in the genital area, and discomfort during sex – symptoms that can easily be confused with thrush.
Gardnerella
Gardnerella can be very difficult to distinguish from thrush as it also causes itching and redness in the genital area, but there is usually a change in smell as well.
Prevention of thrush symptoms
To prevent thrush from coming back or to relieve symptoms, you can do the following:
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid sex until the thrush goes away
- Use a condom to prevent transmission to your partner
- Shower instead of bathe, but avoid excessive hygiene
- Use water or emollient body washes to clean the vagina or penis
- After washing, dry the area thoroughly
Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
If you are afraid of sexually transmitted diseases and are sexually active, you should practice safe sex. You can achieve this through the consistent and correct use of barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams.
Get tested at a sexual health clinic near you
Sexual health clinics or private GUM clinics can be used to treat thrush or sexually transmitted infections after a positive result. Your doctor or nurse may examine the vagina or penis and take a swab of the discharge to test for infections. If you are concerned about any symptoms or your sexual health in general, you should get tested as soon as possible.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
This article first appeared on September 18, 2020. Last updated 09/05/2025.
This article has been medically reviewed by Steve Chapman, 02/10/2025.
