How can one tell whether dysuria (pain on passing urine) is caused by a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection (STD)?

Hi, Ms Breth While it is not uncommon for females to get UTIs, to get 3 UTIs per year may be of concern not to mention the discomfort that can be disruptive to your life. Recurrent UTIs in females especially if you have at least 2 episodes within 6 months warrant further evaluation with your doctor. Common causes of recurrent UTIs: 1) Hygiene - due to the proximity of the urethra and the rectum in females and also that the urethra in females are shorter, it is much easier for females to get UTI.

The most common cause of dysuria is a urinary tract infection, especially in young females. This is often associated with increased frequency and urgency of passing urine. This is sometimes accompanied with fever, cloudy smelly urine or visible blood in the urine. This is usually easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. Vaginal infections such as from yeast can also cause dysuria. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or herpes also cause dysuria, and can be accompanied by genital itching and abnormal discharge from the urethra (men) or vagina.