How to tell the difference between a yeast infection and UTI

Jocelyn Solis-MoreiraNov 17, 2020, 04:38 IST

Insider

It's important to know whether you have a UTI or yeast infection in order to get the right treatment.Rodolfo Parulan Jr./Getty Images

The main difference between a yeast infection and UTI is what causes them, which affects how each one is treated.
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called candida and are often treated with antifungal medication.
UTIs are caused by a bacterial infection and are often treated with antibiotics.
This article was medically reviewed by G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, OB/GYN Lead at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California and Kecia Gaither, MD MPH FACOG, Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

If you've experienced discomfort in your pelvic and genital area, it may not be an STD. Yeast infections and urinary tract infections are common and can also cause uncomfortable and painful symptoms in those areas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.4 million people go to the doctor for yeast infections and 8.1 million for UTI treatment every year. While more prevalent in women, men are also susceptible to UTIs and yeast infections.

UTIs and yeast infections are commonly mistaken for each other, but they're not the same. One critical difference is what causes them. A growing fungus causes yeast infections, while UTIs come from bacteria invading the urethra.

Here's how to tell the difference between UTI and yeast infections and how to treat each one.

UTI symptoms

If you experience a burning sensation when you urinate, that's a key sign that you likely have a UTI, says Aleece Fosnight, PA, a medical advisor for AeroFlow Urology. Other UTI symptoms include:

A strong, continuous urge to urinate
Frequent urination, every 1-2 hours or more
Cloudy, red, brown-ish, or pink urine
Robust urine odor
Pelvic pain

On rare occasions, you may also experience fever, back pain, or blood or a dark color in the urine. "However, this should not always be associated with a UTI and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider," says Fosnight.

Yeast infection symptoms

Yeast infections can cause painful urination, but unlike UTIs, there are other symptoms that usually accompany a yeast infection.

For women, you'll probably experience discomfort of the vagina and vulva.
For men, yeast infection (balanitis) symptoms may include itchiness and a burning sensation on the head of the penis. Yeast infections are more common in uncircumcised men and can easily be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medicine.

Additional yeast infection symptoms include:

Genital redness
Itching in the vagina
Swelling of the genitals
A thick, white "cottage-cheese looking" discharge

UTI causes

Bacteria cause UTIs. In particular, E. coli is responsible for about 90% of urinary tract infections. That's because E. coli exists naturally in the guts of many humans, and some of it can hitch a ride from the gut to the anus by attaching to your stool. If that stool then comes into contact with your urethra, the bacteria can enter your bladder causing infection.

Since women have a shorter urethra than men, it's easier for bacteria to reach the bladder making UTIs very common among women. "The occurrences of UTIs are difficult to accurately measure, but it is estimated that more than half of women will have one in their lifetime," says Tamika K. Cross, MD, FACOG, am OB-GYN at UT Health.

Cross says that other factors, including diabetes, a history of UTIs, and spermicides can all increase the chances of getting a UTI. Sexual partners may also pass the infection back and forth to each other, which is why women who flush out bacteria by urinating after sex reduce their chances of getting a UTI.

Yeast infection causes

Another big difference between UTIs and vaginal yeast infections is that the latter is due to a fungus called candida. A 2010 review estimates 56% of women in the US will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. About 8% of these women will have recurring yeast infections.

Usually, the vagina is host to a wide range of fungi and bacteria, and the Mayo Clinic says small amounts of candida in the vagina is typically harmless. However, when vaginal pH levels change from activities like douching, it can create a more hospitable environment for candida to grow.

Douching also increases the likelihood of becoming infected by introducing added fragrances that irritate the vagina. To make matters worse, douching can worsen existing yeast infections by pushing bacteria further up the cervix.

Cross says another risk factor for yeast infections is antibiotic use. Antibiotics work by killing or preventing bacteria from reproducing. However, continued antibiotic use can disrupt the delicate balance between bacteria and other microbes that typically defend against infection.

For example, a 2008 study found that women who took short courses of oral antibiotics had increased growth of the candida bacteria and more cases of vaginal yeast infections.

Similar to UTIs, having diabetes, or being immunocompromised can increase the risk of yeast infections. Cross says tight-fitting clothing and non-cotton panties can also be an issue because they may trap heat and moisture, giving yeast more opportunity to cultivate.

UTI treatment

Both Fosnight and Cross agree antibiotics are the best way to treat UTIs. But there is a possibility of antibiotic resistance over time from recurring UTIs.

"Globally, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. This will be a growing concern for medical professionals when treating patients. Being proactive about your care by taking precautions against recurring UTIs and yeast infections can make a difference when you have three or more infections within a calendar year," says Fosnight.

There are also some home remedies you can try to alleviate discomfort like certain OTC medications. "If one thinks that they have a UTI early on, starting over-the-counter medications that help to decrease the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder can help to prevent the infection from getting worse. These treatments can be D-mannose and cranberry supplements," says Fosnight.

Home remedies may help to prevent or ease symptoms, but you should always see a medical professional when it comes to treating UTIs.

Yeast infection treatment

Since yeast infections are not bacterial by nature like UTIs, antibiotics are ineffective. Instead, you should use antifungal medication for three to seven days.

You can get prescription or OTC antifungal medications for a yeast infection. Some examples include miconazole, clotrimazole, and butoconazole. You may also try home remedies, though there's less scientific evidence for their effectiveness, so be careful.

Fosnight says home remedies can include the following:

Yogurt: Yogurt has probiotics, or healthy bacteria, which may stabilize yeast infection levels. Yogurt should be eaten. Do not place it anywhere except in your mouth.
Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that may help. Garlic should not be inserted or applied anywhere near the vagina as there are risks including burning of the vaginal canal.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is another option, but only if it's pure. "Coconut oil used as a vaginal suppository can decrease fungal activity in the vagina – make sure that it is pure coconut oil," Fosnight says. A pea-sized amount of coconut oil can be applied directly to the affected area or by dipping coconut oil at the end of a tampon before insertion. Tampons may be left in for 6-8 hours.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar baths may be helpful. "Apple cider vinegar baths have been shown to decrease yeast infections — however, do not douche with it. Dilute your bath with ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and soak for about 15 minutes," Fosnight says.

UTI prevention

Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential in preventing both UTIs and yeast infections. Staying hydrated will help you urinate more often and flush out any bacteria in the urethra and bladder. Fosnight recommends drinking at least half your body weight in water, approximately 60 to 100 oz. of water daily.

Get enough vitamin C: Modifying your diet can also reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. For example, eating foods high in vitamin C can help by lowering acidity levels in urine.

Try cranberry juice or supplements: Cranberries may have a protective effect against UTIs, although the jury is still out on how effective this is as a preventative measure. Fosnight recommends taking 1,200 milligrams of cranberry concentrate in capsules daily, but remember that it's always important to consult with a doctor before taking any supplement.

D-mannose may help: Taking D-mannose, a simple sugar found in fruit, could also help manage and prevent urinary tract infections. Fosnight recommends 2 grams daily. A small, preliminary 2016 study documented D-mannose's effects and found a quicker resolution of symptoms and a lower recurrence rate than in women who did not take it. But the researchers emphasize more research is needed to confirm their results.

Consider estrogen supplements: Estrogen supplements may also help prevent UTIs. A small 2013 study found estrogen supplements promoted antimicrobial activity in the urethra and prevented bacteria from traveling far into the urinary tract.

Yeast infection prevention

Practice good hygiene: When considering vaginal yeast infections, proper hygiene is crucial. Fosnight says you should thoroughly clean your menstrual cups and change tampons frequently. Douching is not needed for hygiene as the vagina self-cleans itself, says Cross.

Consider boric acid: Fosnight says that vaginal use of boric acid can not only treat yeast infections but may also act as a preventative measure, when used 1-2 times per week. You can find boric acid powder at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

Some ways to prevent both UTI and yeast infections include:

Urinating after sex.
Wiping front to back after every bowel movement.
Avoid wearing moist or tight-fitting bathing suits, underwear, and pants for prolonged periods of time.
Limiting sugar and carbohydrates.

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."

Insider's takeaway

UTIs and yeast infections cause significant discomfort and pain in similar areas, but treatment is not the same for both. While home-made remedies are available for managing symptoms, proper care involves seeing a medical professional for antibiotics or anti-fungal medication.

To avoid recurring infections, practicing preventive care is the key to avoiding infections, says Fosnight. Doing so requires listening to your body's needs.

"In my opinion, women need to understand that UTIs and yeast infections should not be common and should be a sign that there is an imbalance in your body," she says.

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