I wanted to actually know whether these tests are able to recognize UTI caused by Bacterial STDs or not?
Hi kamma2222
In regard to sexually transmitted infections (STI) dipsticks only really gives you an idea that something is going on. For example if your dipstick came up positive for leukocytes (white blood cells) it could be an indication that you could have an infection in your urinary tract e.g. UTI. The dipstick will not tell you if it is an STI that is causing the problem or something else.
A urine culture and sensitivity is mainly used for detecting the bacteria that will cause infections in the bladder. It will not pick up chlamydia infections and is not good at detecting gonorrhea infections or the other bacteria that causes STI.
When most people talk about urinary tract infections they usually mean bladder infections. Bladder infections are common for woman and are not usually caused by STI.
It is uncommon for young men to get bladder infections most urinary tract infections in men are infections of the urethra (pee tube) that are mainly caused by an STI.
Given this it is important when you see the doctor for a possible UTI that they always include a test for gonorrhea and chlamydia if there is a risk.
One common thing I have noticed is that it can be difficult for people to talk about sex with their family doctor. Especially if they see the rest of the family. For diagnosing a UTI it is really important that the doctor knows a little bit of your sexual history. You don’t need to tell them everything but letting them know there are some casual partners are maybe just asking for an STI test will help.
I have seen many men in the past that tell their doctor that they are having pain when urinating but say they have no sexual risks. Makes it hard to work out what is going on.
Doctors have to keep all your information confidential. You could also go to a walk in clinic instead.
HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com
www.bccdc.ca
