Can sexually transmitted diseases cause frequent urination?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause frequent urination. Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis often trigger inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) or urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as increased urgency, burning, and painful urination.

Because frequent urination can stem from many causes—ranging from STDs and UTIs to bladder or prostate issues—identifying the root cause quickly is essential for effective treatment. A fast, private evaluation can help you understand your symptoms and decide on the right next step. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can indeed cause frequent urination. This happens because some STDs can lead to infections or inflammation in the urinary tract. For example, infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause symptoms similar to urinary tract infections, such as the need to urinate often.

How STDs Cause Frequent Urination:

Infections: STDs can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which make you feel like you have to urinate more often.
Inflammation: STDs can cause inflammation in the urinary tract, leading to discomfort and frequent urination.

What to Do:

If you think an STD might be causing your symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare provider. You can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before your appointment. They can help diagnose the problem and provide the right treatment. Remember, frequent urination can have many causes, so getting the correct diagnosis is key.

(References)

Wanic-Kossowska M, Kozioł L, Bajew L, & Czekalski S. (2001). Acute and chronic urinary tract infections caused by .... International urology and nephrology, 11583368.
Lipsky BA. (1999). Prostatitis and urinary tract infection in men: what's new. The American journal of medicine, 10190383.
Bremnor JD, & Sadovsky R. (2002). Evaluation of dysuria in adults. American family physician, 11989635.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.