logo-transparent.png?h=250

Brand Logo

Contact-us

Contact us

SEE EVERYTHING ABOUT US

Header - About Us - Aux link

Header - About Us

About Us

SEE EVERYTHING WE OFFER FOR GIRLS & PARENTS

Header - For girls & parent - aux link

Header - For girls & parents

For Girls & Parents

SEE EVERYTHING WE OFFER FOR WOMEN

Header - For women - Aux link

Header - For Women

For Women

Period Calculator

Header - Period Calculator

Header - Products - Kenya

Products

Always-Africa Site Header

P G logo

Header - Fam Logo - P&G - Img Set

purple-tab-wave

purple-wave-mob

tab-purple-image

Yeast infection vs UTI: How to tell the difference? 

DT Callout -13 Desktop

Yeast infection vs UTI: How to tell the difference? <image-set>

Card-1

Experiencing itching and unusual discharge down there? The worst part is understanding why you’re having the symptoms. You could be wondering, “Could the __discharge__ be a __UTI symptom__?” or “__What does UTI discharge look like__?” or “Do I have [yeast infection](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/the-tell-tale-signs-of-vaginal-discharge-with-yeast-Infection)?”
<br>

The fact is that UTIs and yeast infections are different infections altogether. Their symptoms may affect the same area in general, but they’re distinct. Let us understand __yeast infection vs UTI__, and difference between its symptoms, and causes.
<br>

- [What is yeast infection?](#what-is-yeast-infection)
- [Causes of Yeast Infection](#causes-of-yeast-infection)
- [What is UTI?](#what-is-uti)
- [Causes of UTI](#causes-of-uti)
- [Yeast infection vs UTI](#yeast-infection-vs-uti)


What is yeast infection

Yeast infection is a fungal infection that affects the vagina. It causes irritation, [discharge](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/the-tell-tale-signs-of-vaginal-discharge-with-yeast-Infection) and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.


<div id="what-is-yeast-infection"></div>
<h2> What is yeast infection? </h2>

DT Banner (21)

Image-set

Image-card

Card-2

Here are some of the common symptoms which can range from mild to intense:
<br>

- <h3 class="charpcos">Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva</h3>
- <h3 class="charpcot">A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating</h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Redness and swelling of the vulva</h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Vaginal pain and soreness</h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos"><a href="https://always-africa.com/en-za/tips-and-advice-for-women/intimate-hygiene/tips-to-avoid-period-rashes">Vaginal rash</a></h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Thick, white, odour-free vaginal discharge resembling the consistency of cottage cheese </h3>
- <h3>Watery vaginal discharge.</h3>


Causes of Yeast Infection 

Most yeast infections are commonly caused due to the fungus candida albicans. However, other types of candida fungus can also cause yeast infections which could be more difficult to treat and may need aggressive therapies.
<br>

Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. There are certain bacteria present that prevent an overgrowth of yeast. However, when that balance is disrupted, it results in an overgrowth of candida. This results in yeast infection.
<br>

Here are some of the causes of this overgrowth:
<br>

- <h3 class="charpcos">Use of antibiotics, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Pregnancy </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Uncontrolled diabetes </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">A compromised immune system </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">If you’re on hormone therapy that increases oestrogen levels or taking oral contraceptives. </h3>


<div id="causes-of-yeast-infection"></div>
<h2> Causes of Yeast Infection </h2>

What is UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, which is the bladder and the urethra.


<div id="what-is-uti"></div>
<h2> What is UTI? </h2>

DT Callout -9 (4)

image-set

Card-3

Here are some symptoms of UTI:
<br>

- <h3 class="charpcos">Pain in the pelvic region in women </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Having a strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">A burning sensation when urinating </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Frequent urination, and passing small amounts of urine </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Cloudy urine  </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Urine that appears red, bright pink or deep reddish, these could be signs of having blood in the urine </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Strong-smelling urine. </h3>


Causes of UTI

<h3 class="charpcos">1. Infection of the bladder: </h3> Typically, UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. Usually, the urinary system keeps out bacteria but sometimes this defence fails. And when that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.
<h3 class="charpcos">2. Infection of the urethra: </h3> When bacteria spreads from the anus to the urethra, it infects the urethra. It can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. This includes herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma. This is common because women's urethras are close to the vagina.


<div id="causes-of-uti"></div>
<h2> Causes of UTI </h2>

Yeast infection vs UTI

Now that we have looked at both the conditions is detail, let us look at the symptoms of __bladder infection vs yeast infection__.

<div id="yeast-infection-vs-uti"></div>
<h2> Yeast infection vs UTI </h2>

Table

<style>
table, th, td {
  border: 1px solid black;
  border-collapse: collapse;
}
</style>
<div style="overflow-x: auto">
<table style="width:100%">
<td>
<p><strong>UTI symptoms</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Yeast infection symptoms</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Sensation of pain and burning when urinating</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Experiencing pain when urinating or having intercourse</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Having the urge to urinate frequently, more than usual, even when you don&rsquo;t have to pass urine</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Having itchiness in the vagina or vulva</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Having to wake up from your sleep often to urinate</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Dealing with swollen vagina and vulva area</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Discoloured or cloudy urine that may be red or pink from blood</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Feeling sore or having pain in the affected area</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Urine with strong odour</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Vaginal discharge that is thick, milky, odour-free and resembling the consistency of cottage cheese</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Fever or chills, vomiting, or nausea which could be signs of a serious infection</p>
</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Pain in your pelvis, especially if you&rsquo;re a woman</p>
</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

04015400124719 C1N1 NEW

Irrespective of the infection, it is important to maintain proper intimate hygiene and using [panty liners is recommended](/panty-liners) to manage vaginal discharge. [Liners are a great way to maintain hygiene](/tips-and-advice-for-women/intimate-hygiene/7-reasons-to-wear-panty-liners) and stay dry and comfortable. Try [Always’ Extra Protect panty liners](/panty-liners/always-extra-protect) which is designed for high flexibility. Its extra long size offers extra coverage, while its breathable and feminine design offers trusted dryness with long-lasting everyday freshness. This ensures that you feel dry and great, always.  

When should you see a doctor?

You must consult a doctor when you notice any of the above symptoms. Having your symptoms diagnosed and treated will help prevent them from getting worse. Typically, UTIs need a course of antibiotic medication, while yeast infections need antifungal treatment. You doctor will best prescribe the treatment depending on the severity of your symptoms.
<br>

Both UTIs and yeast infections typically resolve within days or a few weeks after you take the appropriate medications. Make sure to take the prescribed medication for the entire recommended length of time to prevent the infection from returning.
<br>

__Takeaway__
<br>

In the case of __yeast infection vs UTI__, the symptoms for both affect the same area in general, concentrating on the vaginal and vulva area. If you notice any of the symptoms, immediately talk to a doctor to get the requited treatment. 
<br>

Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always [Period Calculator](/period-calculator)


<h2> When should you see a doctor? </h2>

__FAQs__
<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#ba5cf0">1. How do you know if you have a UTI or yeast infection? </h2>
<br>

To differentiate between yeast infection vs UTI, it’s best to look at the symptoms. With a UTI, its symptoms typically affect urination. Its common symptoms are a burning sensation when you urinate, having the urge to urinate more frequently than usual, and cloudy urine. The symptoms of yeast infection include pain when urinating, but you'll also experience pain and itchiness around the vagina and vulva, and thick, white clumpy discharge, among others.
<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#ba5cf0">2. Will a UTI or yeast infection go away on its own? </h2>
<br>

While it is true that some yeast infections and UTIs that are extremely mild in nature do away on their own, it is not advised to leave the symptoms unnoticed. You may risk worsening the condition or leading it to other serious conditions.
<br>

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#ba5cf0">3. Can a UTI seem like a yeast infection? </h2>
<br>

In the case of yeast infection vs UTI, it is possible to mistake one for another. That’s because their symptoms may occur in the same general area, but they're distinct. UTI symptoms typically affect urination, causing burning sensation when you urinate, or having the urge to urinate more often than usual. Yeast infections, on the other hand, include symptoms such as itchiness and pain in the vagina and vulva area, and discharge that is thick, milky, odour-free and resembling the consistency of cottage cheese. 


Disclaimer

__Disclaimer:__

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

Wondering whether you have UTI discharge? Or is it a yeast infection. Know the difference in yeast infection vs UTI by looking at their symptoms and causes in this article.