Urinary Tract Infection Versus Yeast Infection

What Are Yeast Infections

Yeast Infection vs UTI

Yeast is a type of microscopic fungi, and most yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans. This fungus is present in all healthy vaginas and is kept in check by other bacteria. But, at times, this equilibrium can be disrupted due to causes such as antibiotic use and hormone imbalance like during pregnancy. This can result in an overgrowth of yeast, causing an infection.

Typical symptoms of a yeast infection include:

Painful urination
Redness of the vulva
Thick, white discharge

The typical treatment for a yeast infection is an antifungal medication usually a cream. Over-the-counter creams include Monistat and prescription creams include terconazole. Some patients may also be prescribed a one-time dose of an oral antifungal, such as fluconazole.

But, for those who would prefer to treat their yeast infection naturally, here are the home remedies that may work and the ones that dont.

When To Consult A Doctor

Identify and treat the right infection to stay as healthy, happy, and comfortable as possible. And knowing the difference between UTI and yeast infection will help you do that.

If you have questions about UTIs and yeast infections, talk to a doctor online and get the answers and treatment you require. It is vital to treat these infections as soon as detected.

Other Diagnostic Studies On Urine

In the 1970s, an assay for antibody-coated yeasts in urine was devised as a marker for infection. However, this was subsequently shown to be a nonspecific finding that was present in most yeast-containing urines that were tested, including urine samples from several patients who did not have Candida in their kidneys at necropsy .

Identification of casts containing yeasts in the urine was evaluated to distinguish upper from lower tract infection and colonization. The description of this finding in urine from patients with upper tract infections led to subsequent experimental studies in animals . In rabbits with disseminated candidiasis, casts containing hyphae and blastoconidia could be visualized within the first 3 d of infection and persisted for up to 10 d in rabbits given a higher inoculum. Although they could be seen on direct examination of a wet mount of urine, they were more easily seen when the urine was filtered and the filter was stained for fungi. It does appear that finding casts containing yeasts is a specific indicator of upper tract infection, but the technique is time consuming, requires expert evaluation, and is insensitive if wet mounts only are examined.

Also Check: What Will Cure A Urinary Tract Infection

Uti Vs Yeast Infections: Diagnosis & Testing

Both UTIs and yeast infections are diagnosed using different means and methods.
While yeast infections are often easy to confirm using a straightforward pelvic examination and by taking a detailed history of illness, UTIs require more specific tests.
The doctor will also ask you about the nature of the discharge and other related symptoms to confirm their diagnosis.
As for UTIs, there exists specific UTI testing to confirm the diagnosis.
This often involves collecting a urine sample and examining it to detect bacteria in it.
The lab might also use a culture test to ascertain the type of bacteria causing the UTI.
Your doctor will also ask questions about your medical history and the color and odor of the urine.
Correlating these findings with the test results will provide an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors might also suggest both tests if youâre exhibiting symptoms that appear like both conditions.

Get Help With Utis And Yeast Infections From Your Baptist Health Doctor

UTIs and yeast infections are very common. If you think you have one or the other or both yes, you can have a yeast infection and a UTI at the same time contact your Baptist Health doctor. If you dont yet have a doctor, you can find one in our online provider directory.

Next Steps and Useful Resources

Read Also: Royal Canin Urinary So Dry Food

Diagnosing A Yeast Infection

An experienced doctor can often diagnose a yeast infection based on the history and symptoms you discuss. If you are seeing a provider in person, your doctor will examine you to evaluate the discharge and take a sample of vaginal fluid with a cotton swab to send to the lab. These lab tests can also be used to identify other causes of discharge, such as STIs.

What Is The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis

One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesnt produce such symptoms.

To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:

ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections, which may have been sexually transmitted
perform an examination to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge
take a sample of the discharge for analysis to see whether overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present
test the pH of the vaginaa pH of

Don’t Miss: Urinary Tract Infection Otc Antibiotics

Possible Answers To Whether You Can Pass A Uti To Your Partner

Hello! Please note that all links on this blog leading to Amazon are affiliate links . This allows us to maintain an independent opinion when reviewing brands while earning commission when you shop. Please support us and go on a shopping spree with Amazon

Since sex is the main trigger for UTI, you probably wonder if you could pass a UTI to your partner?

The answer is not likely, but lets examine this further.

First of all, congrats on feeling better, I assume? When I used to have my UTIs I definitely didnt think about sex.

Since you are wondering if you could pass a UTI to your partner, you must feel better!

Dont Miss: How To Take Azo Urinary Tract Defense

Symptoms Of Yeast Infection Vs Uti

Whatâs the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection?

Only a doctor can tell you for sure whether youve got a yeast infection or UTI . But each condition has its own distinctive set of symptoms, which could give you clues about which type of infection you might have.

Karyn Eilber, MD, a urologist who teaches at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles and founder/CEO of lubricant-maker Glissant, explains that if your symptoms are primarily related to urination, you probably have a UTI. That includes UTI symptoms like:

feeling like you have to pee all the time
an urgent need to urinate
a burning sensation when you pee
pee thats reddish, pinkish, or cloudy

When youve got a yeast infection, you generally experience vaginal irritation all the timenot just when you have to urinate, Dr. Eilber tells Health. The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of a yeast infection include things like:

vaginal discharge thats thick and white, almost like cottage cheese
vulva is swollen and red
burning sensation, especially when you pee or have sex
watery vaginal discharge

If your main symptom is burning sensation when you pee, it might be tricky for you to figure out if its a yeast infection versus a UTI.

Its possible that when a woman who has a yeast infection urinates, the outside skin will burn, and thats where sometimes the confusion can come in with a UTI, says Dr. Gersh.

But chances are good that youll also experience other symptoms that will help you narrow down the cause.

Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Urinary Tract Infection Test

The Vulva And Skin Irritation

At the first sign of vulvar itching, we often suspect a yeast infection is to blame and with good reason as itâs the most common cause of vaginal and vulvar itching!

It just so happens that the second most common cause of vulvar itching â dermatitis â isnât as well known.

Because the skin of the labia minora is similar to the skin on the inside of the cheek, vulvar dermatitis does not present the same way it does on the rest of the body. For example, skin flaking, and redness might not be noticeable in the same way.

Uti Or Yeast Infection: Whats The Difference

Urinary tract infections and yeast infections are two distinct yet common conditions among women that may present with similar symptoms. This can make it tricky to determine which infection is present when symptoms appear, making self-diagnosis not always accurate. Hector Chapa, MD, a Texas A& M College of Medicine OB-GYN, weighs in on the common confusion between the two and how you can help tell the difference.

Recommended Reading: Male Urinary Tract Infection Treatments

Yeast Infection Causes Symptoms Treatment And Prevention

Yeast Infection Causes: Yeast infections are commonly caused by the Candida albicans fungus, and 75 percent of women will get at least one yeast infection in a lifetime.
Yeast Infection Symptoms: Like in the case of a UTI, you may experience painful urination if you have a yeast infection. Making it essential to know the difference between UTI and yeast infection. Itchiness, burning, or soreness around the vaginal area is another common symptom. You may even have redness or swelling of the vulva. These symptoms can be associated with thick vaginal discharge that is mostly odorless.
Yeast Infection Diagnosis: A physical exam and a vaginal swab are done in order to diagnose a yeast infection. Although, symptoms are self-explanatory and sufficient to start treatment.
Yeast Infection Treatment: An over-the-counter medication or antifungal cream can treat a yeast infection. There are several other treatments as well.
Yeast Infection Prevention: The first step to preventing a yeast infection is to alter your wardrobe choices. The following prevention tip is wearing cotton underwear and not wearing tight-fitting jeans or pants. Another way to prevent yeast infections is to change out of those sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible.

How To Prevent The Occurrence Of Yeast Infection

Difference Between Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis

Except in the cases of pregnancy and hormone therapy, it is possible to control the occurrence of yeast infections. By taking any of the following precautions, you can drastically reduce your chances of infection:

Always wear neat, clean cotton panties that allow air to pass through
Avoid tight-fitting clothes like pantyhose, especially during humid weather
Avoid using scented pads and tampons.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotic

Though they are often lumped together, UTI and vaginal infection are not the same thing. Both infections affect different systems of the body, and should be treated in a different manner. That said, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water keeps you fit and helps you to fight the infections.

Do You Have A Urinary Tract Infection Or Yeast Infection

UTI vs yeast infection is a subject that majorities of women have either with each other or with their physician. This is because UTIs and yeast infections can have similar symptoms, but require different treatments.

As such, it is paramount to understand the difference between them. The fact is that most women experience a yeast infection or/and urinary tract infections at some point during their lifetime. It is advisable to see a doctor if you think you have either one of these virginal infections.

The Difference Between Urinary Tract Infection And Yeats Infection

1. Yeast Infection

Its symptoms include:

Pain when urinating

Pain during sex

Soreness

Yeast infections are easy to treat however, it is important to see your doctor the moment you think you have an infection.

Statistics On Yeast Infection

According to the National Women Health Associations report, mentioned that women and girls of all ages can get a virginal yeast infection. It continued to say that three out of four women would have a yeast infection at some point in their life. Again, almost half of women have two or more infections. Vaginal yeast infections are rare before puberty and after menopause.

2. UTI

Its symptoms include:

Intense and frequent urge to urinate

Pain when urinating

Burning feeling and itchiness

The urine may look cloudy, dark or bloody and at times have a foul smell

Statistics On UTI

What Are The Causes Of A Uti

A UTI is mainly caused by bacteria, though fungi and viruses can also be the reason. UTIs can be of two typeslower tract infection involving the urethra and bladder, and upper tract infection involving the ureters and the kidneys.

Any factor that can irritate the urinary tract can cause a UTI:

Dont Miss: Urinary Tract Infection Foods To Avoid

Recommended Reading: Symptoms Of Pinworms In Urinary Tract

How Long Does Each Infection Last

The severity of the infection and the treatment method determine how long both a yeast infection and a UTI lasts. A UTI generally goes away 1-2 days after starting antibiotics. A complicated UTI, on the other hand, can take several days to weeks to fully treat. Similarly, a mild yeast infection can go away after a few days.

How Are These Infections Different From Stis

Yeast infection and Urinary Track Infection (UTI)

The main difference is how the infections are classified. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs are not classified as STIs.

While sex can increase risk of yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs, they are not considered sexually transmitted infections because they are not infections transmitted from one person to another. All sexually transmitted infections are strictly transmitted from an STI-positive person, to someone who is not positive for that STI through direct skin-to-skin contact or through exchange of bodily fluid exchange.

Another difference is that all of the infections mentioned here are totally curable with adequate treatment. While some STIs are curable , there are also some viral STIs that can be treated, but cannot be cured.

However, all genitals infections can be asymptomatic. Or, result in similar symptoms like itching, burning, or pain during sex or while urinating.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Usually doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs. Once you start taking medication, your symptoms should go away in a few days, but this doesnt mean you can stop taking the medicine. While you are on the mediation, drink plenty of water to help flush the bacteria out of your system.

To help ease the pain of a UTI, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and try putting a heating pad on your lower abdomen.

If you have recurrent UTIs , your doctor may recommend additional treatments.

Whats Different About Utis And Yeast Infections

Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, while UTIs result from bacterial infections in the urinary tract. Yeast infections cause itching, pain and odorless vaginal discharge. UTIs, on the other hand, cause urinary symptoms, such as a frequent urge to urinate and painful urination.

Both infection types are quite common, but yeast infections are more common, according to the CDC. Weve listed the symptoms of the more more common infection of the two, the yeast infection, below.

Recommended Reading: How Can You Get A Urinary Tract Infection

Thrush Treatment For Men

Thrush in men is usually easily treated with a course of an antifungal cream. These can be bought at a pharmacy or a large supermarket, or prescribed by a doctor. There are several creams available, including:

Note that these creams may affect latex condoms and contraceptive diaphragms/caps, making them less effective.

Another option is an antifungal tablet, such as fluconazole. This is a one-off tablet which is swallowed.

Also Check: Best Food For Yeast Infection

Asymptomatic Candiduria Previously Healthy Patient

The presence of candiduria should be verified with a second, clean-voided urine culture. Many times it is found that the first culture was contaminated, especially in samples from female patients. Once the presence of candiduria is confirmed, a careful history and physical examination and screening laboratory studies to look for symptoms or signs of predisposing factors are essential because occult diabetes mellitus, genitourinary structural abnormalities, diminished renal function, and metabolic abnormalities may be discovered . If no explanation for candiduria is found, a follow-up examination of the urine is generally all that is necessary because candiduria can be expected to resolve within weeks to months without therapeutic intervention in the vast majority of individuals .

Read Also: Azo Urinary Tract Health Gummies

Wash Using The Gentlest Fragrance

Technically, all you really need to clean the genitals is warm water, says Dr. Brandye, but a gentle bar soap could also work. Dr. Brandye prefers bar soap over liquid, as bar soaps tend to have less additional ingredients that could cause potential irritation compared to liquid soaps.

Dr. Brandye likes the Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin for this. And while itâs technically not a âsoapâ, Dr. Brandye says it doesnât matter as the Dove bar is a mild cleanser and moisturizer, which can help maintain skin integrity.

For her patients with recurring infections of either yeast or BV, Dr. Brandye recommends RepHresh Pro B, which is a probiotic specifically meant for maintaining a healthy vaginal pH .âIt is a tablet that you take by mouth every day, and used along with good perineal hygiene habits, works really well,â she says. Just remember, you still gotta treat the yeast infection, but the probiotic is a good extra step in case you want to prevent recurring future ones.

Recommended Reading: What Antibiotics Are Good For Kidney Infection

Other Risks And Cautions

While unusual, a yeast infection can cause a second condition to develop. Only in rare occasions can a vaginal yeast infection cause a yeast urinary tract infection, whereas most UTIs are secondary to bacterial etiologies, not fungal, Fosnight tells Insider.

She says the risk of fungal UTIs further increases if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

On the other hand, UTIs do not cause vaginal yeast infections, however, the antibiotics used to treat those UTIs can cause an imbalance of the normal microbiota of the vaginal canal leading to a vaginal yeast infection.

Recommended Reading: Best Treatment For Male Urinary Tract Infection