STD Clinic

Can gonorrhea or chlamydia be mistaken for a UTI? STD clinic in Seoul, Korea

The short answer

Yes. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause burning urination and frequency, just like a bladder infection. If a 'UTI' keeps coming back, does not respond to treatment, or comes with yellow discharge, an STD swab should be done alongside the urine test.

Both cystitis and urethritis from STDs inflame the urinary tract. The urine test for cystitis does not detect gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Clues it may be an STD

  • Yellow or unusual discharge
  • A new partner
  • Urine culture negative or antibiotics not working
  • Pelvic pain

At Dami we can run a urine test and an STD swab in the same visit.

Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center