UTI or Yeast Infection: What’s the Difference?
Let’s face it: whenever you feel burning, itching, pain, or anything else that’s not normal in your pelvic region, a feeling a dread will quickly follow. You know something is wrong, but it can be even more maddening when you don’t know the direct cause. It’s no wonder; urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and sexually-transmitted infections all have similar symptoms. All the more reason to know what symptoms are clear indicators of the specific infection to help seek the proper treatment and much needed relief.
Do I have a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections are typically bladder infections, but the term UTI can apply to any infection within the urinary system (ureters, urethra, kidneys). They occur when bacteria travels into the affected organ and then sets up camp and multiplies causing the infection. The most common symptoms are feeling the frequent urge to pee, painful urination, pelvic pain, and cloudy, smelly, and even bloody urine. Sounds fun, right?
UTIs can commonly rear their ugly heads in young, sexually-active woman as well as older adults due to hormonal changes (for women this is often around or after menopause) and/or catheter use. A doctor will typically order a urine culture to confirm, however, if you have multiple UTIs in a year its important begin to investigate these reoccurrences.
Do I have a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are different than urinary tract infections because instead of bacteria, they’re caused by an overgrowth of fungus called Candida. While small amounts of Candida in your body can be normal, it can cause an infection when there’s an overgrowth. Here’s the deal: there is some overlap in symptoms of UTIs, such as ever-annoying burning feeling in your vulva and vagina, usually while peeing. Other symptoms include itchiness around your vulva and vagina, swelling, and a thick, white, odorless discharge that kinda resembles cottage cheese. Even more fun! A yeast infection can be diagnosed by a clinician, there are also at home tests for vaginal pH that can also support identifying an infection and discuss options.
Yeast infections typically show up when women experience hormonal changes (such as menopause, pregnancy, or using birth control), antibiotic use, or can appear thanks to a “supportive” environment such as a wet, warm, tight clothing.
Treating UTIs vs Yeast Infections
If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider to seek treatment. Left alone, UTIs can affect the kidneys and become a serious health issue. An antibiotic treatment can cure a simple, for an uncomplicated UTI, and you’ll be well on your way to much needed relief in usually 24-48 hours.
For yeast infections, there are over-the-counter treatments but the most effective are antifungal medications (that must be prescribed) that are either taken orally or applied directly to the vaginal area. If you’re experiencing a yeast infection for the first time, it’s important to talk to your doctor to get a correct diagnosis and find out what the underlying cause could be as well as seek treatment.
I have repeat yeast infections or frequent UTIs, what is going on?
If you’re experiencing yeast infections or UTIs on the regular, it’s important to talk to your doctor to find out if you’re experiencing chronic candida overgrowth in the case of recurring yeast infections or a chronic embedded urinary tract infection, which is linked to repeat urinary tract infections.
Thanks to PRECISE & MODERN testing, it’s easier than ever to find a direct cause of the infection and understand if a repeat infection is caused by yeast or other organism.
How do I prevent this from now on?
There are simple ways that may help prevent UTIs, namely wiping front to back after using the toilet, staying hydrated, cutting out mass quantities of sugar, and peeing after sex. The simple act of changing immediately after swimming or working out can help keep yeast infections at bay. Other preventative tips include taking a probiotic supplement daily to boost your “good” bacteria that helps fight off Candida and cutting down on the sugar – yeast LOVES sugar.
Although antibiotics are the best way to rid your body of a bladder infection, there are other things you can do to treat your UTI, at home.
It’s also important to note, some sexually-transmitted infections or Bacterial vaginosis (BV) also share related symptoms such as unusual discharge and pelvic pain. If you’re experiencing a lot of overlap in symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis and treatment to find sweet, sweet relief.
SOURCES:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults
https://www.self.com/story/treat-yeast-infection-at-home
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections
