Frequent urination is a relatively common symptom that can be caused by many different conditions. But you may have wondered if an STD can cause frequent urination. It’s important to know the possible causes of this symptom so you can seek medical assistance, and get tested for STDs and other conditions when appropriate.

Do any STDs cause frequent urination? Keep reading this article to find out.

Can a STD make you pee a lot?

Yes. In fact, it’s common for frequent urination to be a sign of STDs, along with other common STD symptoms. However, not all STDs cause this symptom. Since frequent urination and STDs are so frequently related, it’s very important to know exactly which STDs can cause this symptom.

STDs that make you pee often

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis, and it’s one of the STDs that makes you pee a lot. According to Stanford Health Care, symptoms and signs of chlamydia can include:

Painful urination
An itchy sensation during urination
Frequent urge to urinate
Cloudy urine
Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
Anal discharge
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Bleeding after intercourse
Painful intercourse

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and frequent urination is one of this STD’s symptoms. According to Planned Parenthood, many cases of gonorrhea are completely asymptomatic, and signs of gonorrhea may be milder in women, which makes it easy to confuse this STD with a UTI or a different infection.

Other signs of gonorrhea can include:

Painful or burning sensation when you pee
Frequent urge to pee
Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
Bleeding or spotting between periods
Pain during intercourse
Lower abdominal pain
Anal bleeding or discharge
Painful bowel movements

Trichomoniasis

Frequent urination and STD infections can also be caused by trichomoniasis. This infection is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. According to the MSD Manual, signs of trichomoniasis can include:

A frothy, green or yellow vaginal discharge that has a fishy smell
Irritated or swollen genitals
Painful urination
Painful intercourse

Other causes of frequent urination

Although a constant urge to pee can be caused by an STD, there are many other conditions that can lead to this issue. If you’re experiencing frequent urination, it’s important to seek medical assistance in order to rule out possible underlying diseases that can also cause this symptom. Let’s go over some of the other causes of frequent urination that you should keep in mind.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

According to The Cleveland Clinic, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of frequent urination. UTIs can affect different parts of your urinary system, including your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Other bladder problems can also cause frequent urination, including:

Interstitial cystitis
Overactive bladder syndrome
Bladder cancer or tumors

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that’s characterized by abnormal levels of blood sugar. One of the most common symptoms of poorly managed diabetes is frequent urination, which happens because your kidneys are forced to work harder in order to filter the additional sugar from your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, other signs of diabetes include:

Excessive thirst and hunger
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Blurred vision
Frequent infections
Slow wound healing
Tingling or numbness affecting the hands and/or feet
Swollen gums

Pelvic tumors

In some cases, pelvic tumors can increase the frequency and urgency of urination, since tumors can put pressure on the bladder. Other signs of an undiagnosed pelvic mass include:

Pelvic pain
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Nausea or vomiting
Urinary incontinence

Prostate problems

The prostate is a small gland that is located just below the bladder in males, and it produces part of the sperm fluid. The prostate can become enlarged and put pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urination and urinary incontinence. This can be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and in some cases, prostate tumors.

Medications

There are several medications that can cause frequent urination as a side effect, including:

Tricyclic antidepressants
Antihistamines (allergy medications)
Decongestants
Calcium channel blockers (blood pressure medications)
Alpha blockers (blood pressure medications)
Mood stabilizers
Antipsychotics
Some antidiabetic medications
Opioids

Diuretics, on the other hand, are medications that are specifically used to increase urination for different reasons. Some blood pressure medications can also contain additional diuretics to help manage hypertension.

Since frequent urination can be caused by such a wide range of undiagnosed conditions, it’s important to seek medical help to determine the root of the issue.

Additionally, it’s also important to get tested for STDs to find out if an STD and frequent urination are related in each case. One of the most convenient ways to get tested is by using an at-home STD testing kit, which can be used from the privacy of your home. You can learn more about at-home STD testing at STDWatch.com.

Sources:

Symptoms of Chlamydia - stanfordhealthcare.org

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea? - plannedparenthood.org

Trichomoniasis - msdmanuals.com

Urination: Frequent Urination - my.clevelandclinic.org

Diabetes symptoms: When diabetes symptoms are a concern - mayoclinic.org

What STD Makes You Pee a lot?