STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection (we don’t say diseases any more-more on that another time!) Cystitis and thrush can affect anyone. These are not just problems for people with vaginas.
🚽 Cystitis is a urinary tract infection whereby the bladder becomes inflamed. It happens when bacteria enters the urethra. 🚽 This *could* happen during sex, but cystitis IS NOT an STI.
🚽Other causes are less common, such as a reaction to certain drugs or as a complication from another illness.
🚽Symptoms are: burning when urinating, a need to urinate often, cloudy urine with a strong odour, possible low grade fever and blood in urine.
🚽It will normally clear up on its own, drink plenty of water and take painkillers. If not, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.
🧀 Thrush is a fungal infection where there is an overgrowth of yeast.
🧀Symptoms are itching or burning of the vagina/vulva or penis, a thick white discharge, possible redness or swelling of the genitals, a strong smell, stinging or burning while trying to urinate and for penis owners-difficulty pulling back the foreskin.
🧀Thrush is NOT an STI, but can be passed onto a partner during sexual activity.
Please see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms.