Chlamydia, Herpes and Thrush
Chlamydia, thrush and herpes are common infections and have overlapping symptoms. If your body is exhibiting abnormal symptoms, chances are it is trying to tell you something.
Published: Tuesday 15 November 2016
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. It is mainly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK.
Herpes, on the other hand, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus causing painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas. There isn’t a cure for herpes and there is a chance of recurrence but the symptoms can be cleared up using medications.
Thrush, unlike chlamydia and herpes isn’t a sexually transmitted infection, but is a common yeast infection which is both unpleasant and uncomfortable.
The best course of action is to diagnose the issue with a doctor before taking medication that may have unpleasant side effects. If you are unsure whether you have chlamydia or herpes simply drop by a GUM clinic to be sure, as antibiotics will not solve the issue if the cause is viral or fungal rather than bacterial.
What is the difference between them?
| Infection | Chlamydia | Herpes | Thrush |
| Symptoms | Abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex or urination, fever, and swollen genitals, itching | Abnormal vaginal discharge, painful blisters around genitals, pain on urination, flu-like aches and pains | Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, burning sensation while urinating, genital swelling and red sores, pain during sex |
| Cause | Bacterial | Viral | Fungal |
| Treatment | Azithromycin | Aciclovir/Valaciclovir | Clotrimazole |
| Course | 2 tablets | 1x3 tablets daily | Cream x2/x3 daily and/or Oral Capsule/Pessary |
| Sex | Avoid for 7 days after treatment | Avoid during outbreaks | Avoid until symptoms subside |
| Partner | Treat | Treat if contact with blisters | Treat |
While chlamydia and herpes are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), thrush can infect a person through sex as well as a weak immune system, poor hygiene, and even tight clothing.
It is also worth noting that they are separate from urinary tract infections (UTIs), which includes cystitis. UTIs are caused by bacteria and can manifest from introducing a foreign object close to the urinary tract such as inserting tampons, catheters and diaphragms for contraception.