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UTI, STI, or pregnancy? Figure out what’s going on in your body.

UTI, STI, or Pregnant? What’s going on?

UTIs. Many of us have been there1 — your body’s acting up, and you’re thinking, “What is happening?!” When you’re running to the bathroom every 10 minutes or maybe you’re even a little nauseous, you might be wondering, “Is it a UTI?” And if you’ve been sexually active, you might also worry, “Or could it be an STI? Or wait… am I pregnant?” UTIs, some STIs, and early pregnancy symptoms can sometimes feel kind of similar.2, 3 When symptoms overlap, it’s easy to feel totally confused and stressed out. Maybe you’re stressed about finding the best over the counter urinary tract medicine. Or maybe you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy. 

Whatever’s happening, it wasn’t part of your plan. You deserve answers and support. There’s pain relief out there, as well as home remedies. ThriVe is here for you with information, no matter what. Here in our blog section, we have answers to a ton of questions about women’s health. And if you think you might be pregnant, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests at our center. We’re a safe space for women.

So, let’s break it down and figure out what might be going on.

I think I have a UTI — what’s the best over the counter urinary tract medicine?

Could it Be a UTI?

First up, let’s talk about UTIs (aka that infection nobody’s got time for!). These things are super common, and they can hit you out of nowhere. Here’s what to watch for:

Constant bathroom trips – like, you feel like you need to pee all the time.

Burning when you pee – it’s not fun, and it’s hard to ignore.

A dull pain in your lower belly.

Cloudy or funky-smelling urine – yep, TMI, but it’s real. Not the most glamorous thing, but many of us have gone through it.1

If this sounds like you, you might have a UTI. What are the best over the counter urinary tract medicine options? Well, there’s the medicine phenazopyradine (sold under the brand names Azo ™ and  Uristat™ to help with the pain, but they’re just to help with discomfort.4 Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics — to treat your specific infection.

But you’ll want to get checked out by your doctor and get antibiotics to actually clear up a UTI.1 

And don’t forget the UTI home remedy classics — cranberry juice, drinking a ton of water, and avoiding anything that could make things worse (looking at you, caffeine).5 If you’ve been sexually active, it also might be a good idea to get tested for STDs, too. ThriVe offers STD screenings at no-cost.

Or Could It Be an STI?

Now, if you’ve been sexually active and things feel a little off (but you’re not sure it’s a UTI), some STIs have symptoms that might be easy to confuse with a urinary tract infection. Here’s the deal:

Vaginal discharge that doesn’t seem right – and maybe has a “not-so-great” smell.

Pain or discomfort in your lower belly.

A burning feeling when you pee.

Itching or Soreness in the vaginal or anal areas.3

STIs are sneaky because the symptoms aren’t always super obvious. And sometimes they might also overlap with pregnancy symptoms. But don’t freak out — just get tested! ThriVe offers no-cost STI screenings and pregnancy tests so you can figure out what’s up and get care ASAP if needed.

Could You Be Pregnant?

And finally, the big question — “Am I pregnant?” Early pregnancy symptoms can be tricky because they can also overlap with other conditions, but here’s what to keep an eye on:

Your period’s late or MIA. This is the biggest symptom.

– You’re feeling SO. TIRED. All the time.

Morning sickness (or just nausea whenever during the day).

Peeing a lot (but without the burning feeling).

Sore breasts that feel more sensitive than usual.2

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to grab a pregnancy test. And if you want the most accurate results (minus the stress and cost of choosing a home pregnancy test), ThriVe offers no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests. A test can give you clear answers and help you figure out what to do next. And we’ll always support you with information, no matter what you decide.

She knows about UTIs and the best over the counter urinary tract medicine.

What’s Your Body Trying to Tell You?

Let’s narrow things down with a quick quiz. We hope this will get you some clarity, so you know what steps to take next. Answer these questions to get a better idea of what could be going on, but remember, only a medical screening can give you the real answer.

1: Frequency of Urination

A) I need to pee like every 10 minutes, and it feels urgent — but no burning.

B) It’s not like I have to pee every minute, but it’s painful or burns.

C) I have to pee frequently, and it burns when I go.

2: Fatigue Levels

A) I am EXHAUSTED all the time.

B) I’m a little more tired than usual.

C) My energy levels are pretty normal.

3: Nausea and Vomiting

A) Yep, almost every day.

B) Maybe? But it’s not a major symptom.

C) Either no nausea, or nausea or vomiting along with back and side pain.

4: Lower Abdominal Pain

A) Yes, mild cramps in my uterus.

B) Yes, sometimes… 

C) Yes, in the center of my pelvis by the pubic bone.

5: Menstrual Cycle Changes

A) My period is late or totally MIA.

B) No changes, everything’s on schedule OR heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods.

C) My cycle is normal, but other symptoms are showing up.

6: Discharge and Odor

A) Maybe? I’m not sure.6

B) Yes, there’s an unusual discharge with an odor.

C) Maybe, but the itching, burning, and discomfort are more noticeable.

Quiz Results: What Could Be Going On?

– Mostly A’s:

If you’ve been sexually active, it’s possible you’re dealing with early pregnancy. If you’re noticing extreme fatigue, nausea, a missed period, and peeing a lot, it’s time to take a test.2 ThriVe offers no-cost pregnancy tests and can help you understand your choices. You have time. You’re going to get through this, no matter what’s going on.

– Mostly B’s:

If you’ve been sexually active, these symptoms might point to an STI. If you’re seeing discharge, feeling pain, itching, or have genital sores,3 don’t wait — get tested. ThriVe offers free STI screenings to get you the answers and treatment you need.

– Mostly C’s:

These symptoms might point to having a UTI. Painful urination, discomfort in your lower abdomen, and no changes to your menstrual cycle are typical UTI symptoms.1 While over-the-counter meds can help, it’s important to see your doctor for antibiotics to treat it properly.

No matter what your quiz results are, the best thing you can do is see a doctor and get a real diagnosis. ThriVe has your back with no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI screenings so you can stop guessing and start feeling better.

Healthy • Safe • Strong

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