UTI vs yeast infection: Key differences, symptoms, causes & treatment guide

When it comes to discomfort “down there,” most women immediately think of two possible conditions - a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection. Both are extremely common, and both can cause similar symptoms. This is why it can be very difficult to know the difference between UTI vs yeast infection.

Being aware of how do I know if I have a yeast infection or UTI can help you get timely treatment and avoid complications.

In this article, we’ll break down the difference between UTI and yeast infection, how to tell which one you might have, what treatments work, and when to see a doctor.

{{button}}

UTI vs Yeast Infection: Key Takeaways

• A UTI and a yeast infection are not the same. A UTI is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, while a yeast infection is caused by fungal overgrowth in the vagina.
• UTIs typically cause symptoms, such as burning while passing urine, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine, often with lower abdominal pain.
• Yeast infections mainly affect the external vaginal area, causing intense itching, redness, swelling, and thick, white, “cottage cheese-like” discharge.
• UTI discharge is rare. Most women experience cloudy urine rather than actual vaginal discharge. In contrast, yeast infections often involve noticeable clumpy white discharge.
• UTIs require antibiotics, while yeast infections need antifungal treatments. Using the wrong medication can delay healing or worsen symptoms.
• The diagnosis of UTIs is confirmed through urine tests, while yeast infections are typically diagnosed via pelvic examination, vaginal swabs, or pH testing.
• Both conditions are preventable with simple habits, such as staying hydrated, wearing breathable underwear, avoiding harsh products, and practicing good hygiene. However, medical care is necessary when symptoms are severe or persistent.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.

Most UTIs start in the urethra (the small tube that carries urine out of your body) and then move up into the bladder. In severe cases, bacteria can travel further to the kidneys, leading to a serious condition called pyelonephritis.

Some common symptoms of a UTI include:

• A burning sensation when you urinate
• Feeling like you have to pee constantly
• Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
• Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen or back
• Occasionally, blood in the urine
• Feeling tired, feverish, or unwell in advanced cases

If you are wondering what does UTI discharge look like, here’s the answer: UTI discharge is uncommon, but when it occurs, it usually appears as clear or slightly cloudy mucus coming from the urethra rather than the vagina. So, in most cases, cloudy or milky urine - not true discharge - is a typical sign of a UTI. The cloudiness is caused by bacteria, white blood cells, or inflammation in the urinary tract.

Being aware of UTI vs yeast infection symptoms can help you know which condition you are suffering from.

What Causes a UTI?

UTIs are caused by bacteria, most often Escherichia coli (E. coli), which live naturally in your intestines but can enter your urinary tract through the urethra.

Women are more prone to UTIs because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder. [4]

Some common triggers for UTI include:

• Sexual activity, especially without urination afterward
• Wiping from back to front after using the toilet
• Wearing tight or non-breathable underwear
• Dehydration
• Holding urine for too long
• Changes in vaginal bacteria due to antibiotics or hormonal shifts

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Unlike UTI, which is often caused by bacteria, a yeast infection usually occurs as a result of the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. This is the most striking difference between UTI and yeast infection.

This fungus normally lives in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, and digestive system. However, disruptions in the body’s natural balance, due to factors like excessive use of antibiotics, hormonal imbalances, or high sugar levels, can allow Candida to grow out of control, leading to infection.

Some common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Intense itching or irritation in the vagina or vulva
• Thick, white, “cottage cheese-like” discharge
• Redness, swelling, or burning
• Pain during sex or when urinating
• No strong odor (unlike bacterial vaginosis, which has a “fishy” smell)

Knowing the differences between yeast infection vs UTI symptoms can often provide a clue to the diagnosis.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections occur when the body’s natural bacterial balance, especially the good Lactobacillus bacteria, is disturbed.

Some common causes of yeast infections include:

• Antibiotic use, which kills off healthy, protective bacteria
• High estrogen levels, usually due to pregnancy or the use of birth control pills
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Wearing tight, synthetic underwear or damp clothing
• Weakened immune system
• High-sugar diets

UTI vs Yeast Infection: How to Tell Which One You Might Have

It can be confusing to know if you have a UTI vs yeast infection, especially if you’re experiencing burning and irritation. However, there are some subtle differences that can help you figure out whether it’s a UTI or yeast infection.

If you have a UTI:

• The burning is felt when you pee.
• You constantly feel the urge to urinate.
• Your urine might look or smell different.
• You might have pelvic pressure or lower back pain.

If you have a yeast infection:

• The itching or burning is on the outside, around the vulva.
• The discharge looks like thick white cottage cheese.
• There’s redness, swelling, or soreness.
• You may experience pain and discomfort during sex.

Is a UTI a yeast infection?

Most women often ask, is a UTI a yeast infection? The answer is that a UTI is not a yeast infection. A UTI is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, while a yeast infection is caused by fungal overgrowth in the vagina. However, it is common to have both infections at the same time.

When you take antibiotics for a UTI, those medications kill the bacteria causing the infection. However, they can also wipe out your body’s “good” vaginal bacteria that keep yeast in check. As a result, you may end up with a yeast infection right after using antibiotics for a UTI.

That’s why it’s important to restore balance after antibiotic treatment, often through probiotics, proper hydration, and gentle vaginal care.

Diagnosing UTI vs Yeast Infection

If you are confused or anxious about how do I know if I have a yeast infection or UTI, you can consult your doctor to get the correct diagnosis.  

If your doctor suspects UTI, they would start with a urine test (urinalysis). This test looks for signs of infection, such as bacteria, blood, or white blood cells, in the urine. If the results suggest an infection, a urine culture may be done next. This helps identify the exact type of bacteria causing the UTI, allowing your doctor to choose the most effective antibiotic.

A doctor may also perform a physical examination to check for pain, tenderness, or any other signs that could point to the possibility that the infection has spread to the kidneys or other areas.

A yeast infection is diagnosed differently. Your doctor will typically begin with a pelvic exam, checking for visible signs such as redness, swelling, or thick discharge around the vagina or vulva. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may take a vaginal swab, which is examined under a microscope to detect the presence of Candida fungus.

Sometimes, a vaginal pH test is also done. Yeast infections typically do not alter vaginal pH and tend to remain within the normal range of 4.0 to 4.5. If the pH level is higher, it may suggest another condition, such as bacterial vaginosis, rather than a yeast infection.

These tests can confirm if you have a UTI or yeast infection.

Treatment for a UTI

As a urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, it is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor will choose the type and duration of antibiotics based on the severity of your infection and the type of bacteria causing it.

Some commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of UTIs include Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim, and Fosfomycin.

In addition, your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes, such as:

• Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria out of your urinary system.
• Avoid holding your urine.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks
• Use a heating pad to relieve lower abdominal pain.

Treatment for a Yeast Infection

Most yeast infections respond well to antifungal medications, which are available as creams, suppositories, or oral pills. Over-the-counter treatments such as Clotrimazole or Miconazole are often used for 3 to 7 days. Your doctor may prescribe Fluconazole, as a single oral pill, if you have recurring infections.

In addition, your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes, such as:

• Avoid scented soaps, wipes, or bubble baths as they disrupt vaginal balance.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and keep the area dry.
• Change out of wet clothes quickly, especially after workouts or swimming.
• Reduce sugar intake, as yeast thrives on sugar.
• Use probiotics, especially Lactobacillus strains, to support healthy bacteria.

When to See a Doctor

There are times when medical attention is essential to get relief and avoid complications.

You must see your doctor if:

• Symptoms persist for more than three days.
• You have fever, chills, nausea, or back pain, as this could indicate a kidney infection.
• You’ve recurrent infections.
• You’re pregnant, since infections can affect pregnancy.
• You’re unsure whether it’s a UTI or yeast infection.
• You have unusual discharge, sores, or a strong odor, which could suggest another type of infection.

Conclusion

Both UTIs and yeast infections are very common and cause similar symptoms. However, these are different conditions caused by different kinds of microorganisms.

A UTI is caused by bacteria and affects your urinary system, while a yeast infection is caused by fungus and affects your vaginal area.

The symptoms of UTI vs yeast infection also overlap. However, being aware of subtle differences can help you distinguish between them. UTI often causes burning while urinating and a frequent urge to pee, while yeast infections cause itching with thick white discharge.

Right diagnosis and timely treatment can ensure these infections clear up quickly, allowing you to maintain optimal health in your private areas.

{{pink-banner}}