UTI vs Yeast Infection – More often than not, fungal infections and urinary tract infections (AND YOU) for being confused with each other.

While both are infections that affect the lower genital and pelvic regions, both have clear and distinct causes and symptoms.

By the end of this article, you will be able to differentiate between a yeast infection and a UTI regarding their causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is produced by the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract, frequently through genital or rectal contact. Urinary infections can also be the result of uncontrolled diabetes.

A strain called Escherichia coli (E.coli), is responsible for 80% to 90% of all UTIs, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

UTI symptoms include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• foul smelling urine
• Pelvic pain
• frequent urge to urinate
• Urine that may be red or pink due to blood
• Pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen, back, and sides
• Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting in severe cases

Causes or risk factors

Risk factors for getting a UTI include:

• weakened immune system
• sexually active
• Kidney stones or other blockage in the urinary tract
• Diabetes
• Sex with a new partner
• Birth control methods such as spermicide and/or diaphragms
• Menopause
• Wipes from back to front after defecating
• Urinating without emptying the bladder
• Using a urinary catheter

Prevention

• Urinate when you feel like it and don’t hold your bladder
• Wiping from front to back after defecating
• Take blueberry supplements
• Urinate before and after sex
• Drink lots of water and stay hydrated
• Evaluate your contraceptive method

Everything you need to know about urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, causes, types and treatment

What is a yeast infection?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection of the vagina and vulva that occurs when there is an overgrowth of candid, a type of fungus that lives inside the body, in a moist area of ​​the skin.

Vaginal yeast infections are very common. According to the Office of Women’s Healthtrusted sourceAbout 75% of all women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Thick white vaginal discharge, almost like cottage cheese
• A vulva and vagina that feel irritated and itchy
• A red, swollen vulva.
• A burning sensation, especially when you urinate or have sex.
• A sore vagina
• A vaginal rash
• Watery vaginal discharge

Causes or risk factors

• Antibiotics
• Using vaginal douches or vaginal sprays
• Wear tight-fitting underwear and clothing that creates a hot, humid environment.
• Be pregnant
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal birth control
• Diabetes

Prevention

• Wear cotton underwear
• Avoid tight clothing around your genital area, such as pantyhose.
• Remove wet bathing suits as soon as possible.
• Do not douche or use vaginal sprays or deodorants near the genitals.
• Avoid the abuse of antibiotics.
• Change feminine sanitary products regularly
• Avoid scented feminine hygiene products
• Check your blood sugar if you have diabetes

Diagnosis of UTI vs Yeast Infection

Diagnosis of yeast infections and urinary tract infections varies.

A urine sample is used to diagnose a UTI. Halfway through the stream, you will be asked to add urine to a small cup. To provide a diagnosis, a laboratory will examine the urine for particular microorganisms.

After rubbing the affected area, a yeast infection will be determined. The swab will be examined in a laboratory for the Candida fungus. Your doctor will also physically examine the affected area to look for swelling and other symptoms.

If your doctor suspects you have one infection or another, but can’t make a medical diagnosis, he or she may order tests for both a UTI and a yeast infection.

Urinary tract infection treatment vs. yeast infection

The good news is that yeast infections and UTIs can be easily treated.

You are given antibiotics if you have a AND YOU. After taking the antibiotics for a few days, you may feel a reduction in symptoms. To prevent the UTI from coming back, you must take the entire course of antibiotics. There are also other drugs available for treatment that are not based on antibiotics.

Antifungal medications are needed to fungal infections. These come in a variety of treatments and are available to buy with or without a prescription, such as oral medications or a vaginal suppository. The duration of the course of treatment varies and can be from one dose to several doses distributed over a week.

As with UTIs, you should take your yeast medicine for the full recommended time to prevent the condition from coming back.

You may have recurring urinary tract infections and yeast infections that require more aggressive treatment. Your doctor will describe these treatments if you experience multiple infections in a short period of time.

Both UTIs and yeast infections should go away after taking medicines in a few days to a few weeks. You need to make sure you take your prescription or over-the-counter medicines as directed for the full length of time recommended to prevent the infection from coming back.