UTIs most often affect the bladder (this type of infection is more formally known as cystitis) and the urethra (urethritis). These two conditions don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, they can manifest as a frequent urge to pee (especially torturous because you’re usually producing very little urine with a UTI), cloudy urine, blood in your urine, and pelvic pain or pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. They might also feature urine that smells like ammonia, Alyssa Dweck, M.D., clinical consultant at Massachusetts General Hospital Vincent Memorial Ob/Gyn Services and coauthor of The Complete A to Z for Your V, tells SELF. Infections of the urethra can cause discharge that tends to be yellowish-green and thick or clear and thin, the Merck Manual says.
When left untreated, a UTI in the lower urinary tract can spread to the kidneys, which can lead to serious health issues and possibly even be life-threatening. The symptoms of a kidney infection can include fever, chills, a burning sensation while you pee, nausea, vomiting, blood in your urine, foul-smelling pee, and pain in your back, side, abdomen, or groin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Those are the tell-tale signs of a UTI,” Dr. Dweck says. “The tell-tale signs of a yeast infection are very different.”
Here’s the deal with yeast infections.
Yeast infections happen when a fungus known as Candida builds up too much in your body and wreaks havoc. Candida isn’t actually always a cause for concern, though. In fact, the CDC says it’s normal to find Candida in warm, moist (sorry) body parts like your throat, mouth, gut, and, you guessed it, vagina. Candida can become a problem, however, when it overgrows to the point of causing an infection.
What can contribute to this overgrowth of Candida in the vagina specifically? Well, Candida exists alongside bacteria called Lactobacillus that help to maintain the crucial balance of microorganisms in the vagina, the Mayo Clinic explains. Changes in estrogen (like from pregnancy, birth control, and hormone therapies) can throw off this balance, as can taking medications like antibiotics. Wearing damp clothes next to your vagina for too long can also increase your risk, as it creates a wet, Candida-friendly environment, the Mayo Clinic says. (This is why changing out of your swimsuit, workout leggings, and the like ASAP is always a good idea.)
Then there’s the question of how to tell the symptoms of a yeast infection apart from those of a UTI. We hate to break it to you, but there can be some similarities—namely, a burning sensation, especially when you pee, according to the Mayo Clinic. The other possible symptoms of a yeast infection are pretty different from those of a UTI; they include itchiness, irritation, swelling of the vulva, and the hallmark thick, white discharge that doesn’t have an odor. “If somebody’s got a white cottage-cheese discharge…and the vulva looks swollen and red, that’s probably a yeast infection,” Dr. Minkin says. Yeast infections can also cause watery vaginal discharge, for what it’s worth.
UTIs and yeast infections are both relatively common, FYI.
Both of these issues suck all-around, but we hope shame isn’t part of your discomfort. Every year there are an estimated 1.4 million outpatient visits for yeast infections in the United States, the CDC says, (and given the prevalence of over-the-counter treatments, the exact number of cases is unknown). The Mayo Clinic estimates that 75% of women have had a yeast infection at some point in their lives.
Question:
What’s the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection?
Answered by University Health Center provider Lindsay O’Meara, PA-C:
Symptoms of a UTI and yeast infection are similar, but there are some subtle differences. Determining the exact cause of your symptoms and getting appropriate treatment are critical to prevent the condition from getting worse.
What is a UTI?A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system that can include the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract, often from intercourse or bacteria from the rectum. Unmanaged diabetes can also lead to UTIs.
Common UTI symptoms include:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Urge to urinate more frequently or urgently
- Cloudy and strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
- Red, pink or cola-colored urine
Treatment to clear a UTI requires antibiotics prescribed by your health care provider.
To help reduce your risk for a UTI, take these steps:
- Drink cranberry juice. Although studies have not been conclusive that cranberry juice can prevent UTIs, it can't hurt to add this to your diet if you are prone to UTIs
- Drink lots of water. Drinking lots of water will help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract to prevent infections from setting in
- Urinate after intercourse to help flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse
- Avoid douching, scented soaps and deodorant sprays. These can interfere with the good bacteria that help keep bad bacteria from growing
- Evaluate your birth control method. Birth control such as diaphragms and unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms can facilitate bacterial growth
A yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina and vulva that is often caused by a disruption of the normal balance of healthy bacteria in that area. It can be triggered by unmanaged diabetes, overuse of feminine products like douches, bubble baths, overwashing the vaginal area, or wearing tight-fitting, nonbreathable clothing. Some people are also more prone to yeast infections during their period.
Common yeast infection symptoms include:
- Burning and itching in the vagina and vulva
- Burning sensation while urinating or during intercourse
- Thick, white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese
- Watery vaginal discharge
Over-the-counter anti-fungal medications for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. These medications need to be inserted into the vaginal canal. A single-dose oral medication may also be prescribed.
If your yeast infection doesn't clear up with treatment, there's a chance you could have a sexually transmitted infection or bacterial infection that requires other treatment. This will require a visit with a medical professional who will complete an examination of the vagina and test the discharge.
To prevent yeast infections, avoid:
- Tight-fitting clothing
- Douching and use of scented feminine products
- Washing the vagina with soap. Use water only
- Time in hot tubs and very hot baths
- Using antibiotics when possible
- Wearing wet clothes, swimsuits, and workout attire too long
There are over-the-counter creams you can use to help relieve itching and burning, but they will not make the infection go away. Learn about more home remedies for UTIs.
Treatment for yeast infections typically involves over-the-counter medications such as a vaginal insert or a pill. However, medical advice from a health care provider is recommended to ensure you are using the appropriate treatment.
If you are worried you have a UTI or yeast infection, call 402.472.5000 to schedule an appointment with a University Health Center doctor.