Chlamydia vs Yeast Infection: How to Tell the Difference

Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms like itching, unusual discharge, and burning when you pee? Chlamydia and yeast infections are two common infections that share a lot of similarities, so it’s no wonder many people struggle to tell them apart. 

However, recognizing the difference between chlamydia and yeast infections is crucial for maintaining your sexual and overall health, as both conditions can worsen if left undiagnosed and untreated. By learning the details about chlamydia and yeast infections and how to identify and treat them, you can take proactive steps to protect your well-being. 

Let’s dive into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for both chlamydia and yeast infections.

Key differences between chlamydia and yeast infections

Chlamydia and yeast infections are two different types of vaginal infections, but they’re actually quite different in what causes them, how they feel, and how you treat them.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, and it spreads through unprotected sex (whether vaginal, anal, or oral). Yeast infections (also known as vaginal candidiasis), on the other hand, happen when the naturally occurring fungus Candida (usually Candida albicans) grows out of balance. These aren’t considered STIs and can pop up even if you’re not sexually active.

When it comes to symptoms, chlamydia can be sneaky — sometimes there aren’t any visible symptoms. But if you do notice signs, it might be abnormal discharge that’s watery or cloudy, burning when you pee, or some pelvic pain. Yeast infections usually come with intense itching, redness, and a thick, white discharge that looks kind of like cottage cheese.

Treatments are different, too. Chlamydia needs antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, while yeast infections can usually be treated with antifungal creams or pills you can get over the counter. It’s super important to get chlamydia treated quickly to avoid serious issues down the road (such as pelvic inflammatory disease), but yeast infections, while annoying, are usually easier to manage and less risky.

How to know if you have chlamydia or a yeast infection

Trying to figure out whether you have chlamydia or a yeast infection can be confusing since they can cause similar symptoms, but there are some key signs to help you tell them apart.

With chlamydia, many people don’t have symptoms at all, which is why testing is so important. When symptoms do show up, they might include a watery or cloudy vaginal discharge, discomfort when you pee or have sex, or lower abdominal pain. Sometimes there might also be spotting or bleeding between periods. Because chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it won’t cause itching or thick discharge like yeast infections do.

On the other hand, a vaginal yeast infection usually causes intense itching and irritation around the vulva, redness, and swelling. The vaginal discharge is often thick, white, and clumpy, and usually doesn’t have a strong smell. You might also feel soreness or vaginal burning, especially during urination or sex, but it’s different from the burning caused by chlamydia.

If you’re ever unsure or if symptoms last more than a few days, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider. 

Can you have a yeast infection and chlamydia at the same time?

Yes, it’s possible to have a yeast infection and chlamydia at the same time, though they’re caused by different organisms. Co-infections can happen because some risk factors overlap — for example, having unprotected sex increases the chance of catching chlamydia, and changes in vaginal health from infections or antibiotics can trigger yeast overgrowth. Also, chlamydia can sometimes irritate the vaginal area, making it easier for the Candida fungus to grow.

Treatment involves addressing both infections separately: antibiotics for chlamydia and antifungal treatment for yeast. If you suspect you might have both, it’s important to get tested and treated promptly to avoid complications and feel better quickly.

Symptoms of chlamydia vs yeast infections

Chlamydia can be tricky because it often doesn't show any visible symptoms, earning it the nickname "silent" infection. That's why it's super important to get tested regularly for STIs to catch it early for proper diagnosis. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Yellow or white discharge that has a strong or unpleasant odor
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Painful sex
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Lower abdominal pain.

On the other hand, vaginal yeast infections have more noticeable symptoms compared to chlamydia. Common yeast infection symptoms include:

• Intense itching in and around the vagina
• Thick, white discharge
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Painful sex
• Soreness or rash around the vaginal area.

What does chlamydia vs yeast infection discharge look like?

Both chlamydia and yeast infections can cause abnormal discharge, but some key differences can help you figure out which condition you might be dealing with.

• Chlamydia discharge: The vaginal discharge from chlamydia is usually white or yellow with a foul smell. Some women may not notice any discharge at all, especially in the early stages of the infection.
• Vaginal yeast infection discharge: On the other hand, the vaginal discharge from a yeast infection is typically thick, white, and clumpy. It usually doesn't have a strong odor, but can come with intense itching and redness around the vulva. This type of discharge is often easy to recognize due to its distinct texture and the accompanying symptoms of discomfort and irritation.

By paying close attention to the color, consistency, and accompanying symptoms of your discharge, you can get a better idea of whether you might have chlamydia or a yeast infection. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Testing and diagnosis for chlamydia vs yeast infection

If you think you might have a yeast infection or chlamydia, your healthcare provider will first talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. Then they will do a pelvic exam to check for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.

To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor may take a vaginal fluid sample for examination under a microscope to see if Candida is present.

To diagnose chlamydia, your healthcare provider may suggest something called a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). This involves providing a fluid sample through a vaginal or cervical swab, or a urine sample. The sample is then sent to a lab to see if Chlamydia trachomatis is present. Sometimes, it may take up to two weeks for accurate results, so it's best to wait at least 14 days after sexual contact before getting tested.

You can also do an at-home test, like Evvy's Vaginal Health Test and Expanded PCR Panel, which can detect both yeast species and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Can you get chlamydia from a yeast infection?

You can’t get chlamydia from a yeast infection — they’re completely unrelated. A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungus, while chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Having a yeast infection doesn’t turn into chlamydia or make you more likely to catch it on its own. However, if you’re sexually active and experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider. Sometimes different infections can feel similar, and getting the right diagnosis means you’ll get the appropriate treatment and feel better faster. 

Treatment 

Although chlamydia and yeast infections can have overlapping symptoms, their treatments are very different because they’re caused by different organisms. Chlamydia, a bacterial infection, requires antibiotics. The most common regimens include:

• Azithromycin: A single dose taken once
• Doxycycline: 100 mg taken twice daily for 7 days.

It’s important to finish the entire course, even if symptoms go away, and to avoid sex until you’ve completed treatment. Any recent sexual partners should be tested and treated too, to prevent reinfection.

Yeast infections, caused by fungal overgrowth, are typically treated with antifungal medication, available both over the counter and by prescription:

• Topical antifungals: Clotrimazole, miconazole, or tioconazole creams or suppositories 
• Oral antifungal: A single dose of fluconazole (Diflucan). 

Most people feel relief within a few days, but symptoms should fully clear within a week.

If eligible, you can access prescription treatment for yeast infections and STIs like chlamydia directly through Evvy’s platform, making it easier to get the care you need from home.

For daily vaginal microbiome support, Evvy’s Women’s Complete Probiotic includes clinically validated strains of Lactobacillus and can be especially beneficial whether you’re prone to yeast infections or are taking antibiotics. 

How to prevent chlamydia and yeast infections

Both yeast infections and chlamydia are a fact of life if you have a vagina and are sexually active, so there's no foolproof way to 100% prevent them. That said, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of infection and stay on top of your reproductive health:

• Use condoms and dental dams during sexual activity to reduce the risk of both vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections.
• Don't douche, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infections, including STIs.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, as this can create a warm and moist environment that promotes the growth of yeast.
• Get tested for STIs at least once a year if you're in a committed relationship, or after having sex with a new partner. 

FAQ

Do I have a yeast infection or chlamydia?

Determining whether you have a yeast infection or chlamydia depends on the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. If your discharge is thick, white, and clumpy, and you have intense itching and redness around the vulva, it’s likely a yeast infection. On the other hand, if your discharge is white or yellowish, and accompanied by a noticeable odor, along with possible pelvic pain, pain during sex, or bleeding between periods, it may be chlamydia. But since both conditions can have overlapping symptoms — and chlamydia often doesn't cause symptoms at all — the only sure way to know whether you have a yeast infection or chlamydia is to get tested.

Does chlamydia itch like a yeast infection?

Chlamydia doesn't usually cause the same kind of intense itching that a yeast infection does, but it can happen. With chlamydia, the symptoms tend to be more subtle or even go unnoticed at first. If there is any irritation, it’s usually more like a mild discomfort or burning, especially when you pee or have sex, rather than that deep, relentless itch you get with a yeast infection. If you're feeling itchy and uncomfortable, it's more likely to be a yeast infection, but it’s always a good idea to get tested just to be sure (especially because chlamydia can fly under the radar and still cause problems later on).

Can chlamydia come from a yeast infection?

No, chlamydia can’t come from a yeast infection; they're caused by completely different things. Chlamydia is an STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. You get it through sexual contact with someone who has it. A yeast infection, on the other hand, is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, which is naturally found in the body. It’s not sexually transmitted, and it can happen for a bunch of reasons like stress, antibiotics, or hormone changes. That said, it is possible to have both at the same time, and their symptoms can overlap a little, like discharge or discomfort. So if something feels off, it’s totally okay (and smart) to check in with a healthcare provider to get the right diagnosis and proper treatment.

Do I have chlamydia or a yeast infection?

While both can cause vaginal discomfort, they show up a bit differently. A yeast infection usually causes intense itching, redness, swelling around the vulva, and thick, white, clumpy discharge. It often feels very irritating, especially around the outer vaginal area. Chlamydia, on the other hand, is often called a “silent” infection because many people don’t have any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include watery or yellow discharge, a burning feeling when you pee, mild pelvic pain, or spotting between periods. Chlamydia usually doesn’t cause intense external itching like a yeast infection does. If you're unsure, it's best to get tested because you can’t confirm which it is based on symptoms alone.

Does chlamydia itch like a yeast infection?

Not typically. Chlamydia doesn’t usually cause the kind of external vulvar itching and irritation that’s common with yeast infections. If you're experiencing a lot of itching and thick discharge, it’s more likely to be a yeast infection, but testing is the only way to know for sure.