Key takeaways:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections are common conditions that can have some similar symptoms.
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria in the bladder or urethra. Yeast infections are typically caused by a fungus in the vagina.
Yeast infections and UTIs both have key features that can help you tell them apart. Knowing the difference is important because they require different treatments.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections are common conditions that can be uncomfortable and often painful. They’re different infections. But pain and irritation in the same general area of the body may make it challenging to figure out which one you might have.
Here, we’ll review how to tell the difference and treatments for each that can help resolve these symptoms and get you back to feeling better quickly.
How to tell the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection
Although these conditions are very similar, you’ll likely be able to tell them apart by their symptoms.
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The table below highlights the differences in symptoms of a UTI versus a yeast infection.
Symptom | UTI | Yeast infection |
|---|---|---|
Pain or burning during urination | Yes | Yes |
Frequent urge to urinate | Yes | No |
Lower abdominal pressure | Yes | No |
Blood in urine | Yes | No |
Cloudy urine | Yes | No |
Yes | No | |
Vaginal itchiness | No | Yes |
White or yellow vaginal discharge | No | Yes |
Inflammation of outer vagina, like the labia | No | Yes |
Both UTIs and yeast infections can cause pain during urination. However, this occurs for different reasons:
With a yeast infection, the inflamed external area of the vagina area is irritated when it comes into contact with urine. Sexual intercourse can also cause irritation and pain in this area.
But with UTIs, the pain occurs because the internal urethra — the small tube that allows urine to flow from your bladder out of the body — is inflamed from the infection.
Take our quiz: UTI vs. yeast infection
What causes a UTI vs. a yeast infection?
Understanding the differences in causes and risk factors may also be helpful in figuring out if you have a UTI or a yeast infection.
UTI causes and risk factors
UTIs occur when bacteria from other parts of the body, like the rectum, end up in the urinary tract, causing an infection.
The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection. While anyone can get a UTI, they’re more common in people with a vagina. This is because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum, making them more vulnerable to bacteria. Penetrative sex and wiping from back to front can also increase the risk of UTIs.
Having diabetes raises your risk for infections. Find out why people with diabetes are at greater risk for yeast infection and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Looking for fast relief of yeast infection symptoms? These treatments can help you get rid of a yeast infection quickly.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTI: These antibiotics work best for treating UTIs.
Other factors for getting UTIs include:
Older age
Increased sexual activity
Diabetes
Obesity
Yeast infection causes and risk factors
A yeast infection, as the name suggests, is usually caused by the yeast Candida albicans (a type of fungus). These infections occur when the yeast populations in the vagina grow to greater numbers than normal. This leads to a white or yellow vaginal discharge that looks a bit like cottage cheese. The increase in yeast leads to inflammation of the urethra, which can make urination painful.
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Some factors and conditions that can increase the risk of a yeast infection include:
Use of tight clothing
Excessive sweating
Recent antibiotic use
Diabetes
Use of female hormonal birth control
Medications that can lower the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy
Can a yeast infection cause a UTI?
No, a yeast infection itself doesn't directly cause a UTI. But the conditions that favor a yeast infection can also favor a bacterial infection. For example, if the normal balance of healthy microbes in the vagina is disrupted, it can make it easier for harmful bacteria to enter the urinary tract and cause an infection.
Do you need medical care for a yeast infection or a UTI?
With knowledge about symptoms and causes, you may be able to make a diagnosis at home.
But, in some cases, you may want to visit a healthcare professional for help. There’s evidence that women often have difficulty correctly diagnosing themselves and then can end up using the wrong treatment.
So, if you aren’t sure which infection you have, or you want guidance on the best treatment options, visit a healthcare professional for help.
Treating a UTI
UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which you can get with a prescription. And the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can get symptom relief and avoid complications of delayed treatment.
As always, be sure to take all of the antibiotics you pick up at the pharmacy, even if you’re feeling better.
Treating a yeast infection
Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. These are available in many forms, such as creams like clotrimazole (Mycelex) and miconazole, which are available over the counter.
If you prefer a pill, fluconazole (Diflucan) is a prescription oral medication to consider.
Care during pregnancy
The hormonal and physical changes that occur during pregnancy increase the risk for both UTIs and yeast infections. Plus, when you’re pregnant, you and your unborn baby may experience more health complications with even simple infections. UTIs during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of preeclampsia, premature labor, and low birth weight.
If you’re pregnant and think you have a UTI or a yeast infection, see your healthcare team right away. These infections should be treated right away to prevent serious complications. Your care team can also help you pick the safest treatments, since some antibiotics and antifungals are not safe to use during pregnancy.
Preventing UTIs and yeast infections
UTIs and yeast infections can be safely and easily treated. But, if you’ve experienced either of these conditions, you know just how uncomfortable they can be.
Here are some things you can do to try to prevent these infections:
Stay hydrated and practice proper bathroom hygiene, such as remembering to wipe from front to back. This helps reduce the chance that bacteria enter the urinary tract.
Urinate after sex, as this naturally flushes bacteria from your urinary tract that may have found their way there during intercourse.
Avoid using douches or sprays, as these can kill “good bacteria” that keep your vagina healthy.
Wear underwear and clothing that’s made from natural materials to prevent bacteria or yeast buildup.
Change out of sweaty clothes and shower as soon as you can after exercising or sweating a lot.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, men can also get yeast infections. Symptoms typically affect the head of the penis or foreskin and include itching, pain, and redness, as well as a cottage-cheese-like buildup. It’s more common in men who are uncircumcised and have a history of diabetes or obesity. Other factors for men include having a sexual partner with frequent yeast infections.
In some cases, it’s possible for yeast infections to spread from one person to another. This isn’t typical, though. And it’s more likely to happen if a person has a weakened immune system. UTIs aren’t contagious. They don’t spread from person to person.
Yes, it’s possible to have a UTI and yeast infection at the same time. People that are at increased risk for infections may be more likely to develop both infections at the same time. This includes people who:
Are pregnant
Have a weakened immune system
Yes, men can also get yeast infections. Symptoms typically affect the head of the penis or foreskin and include itching, pain, and redness, as well as a cottage-cheese-like buildup. It’s more common in men who are uncircumcised and have a history of diabetes or obesity. Other factors for men include having a sexual partner with frequent yeast infections.
In some cases, it’s possible for yeast infections to spread from one person to another. This isn’t typical, though. And it’s more likely to happen if a person has a weakened immune system. UTIs aren’t contagious. They don’t spread from person to person.
Yes, it’s possible to have a UTI and yeast infection at the same time. People that are at increased risk for infections may be more likely to develop both infections at the same time. This includes people who:
Are pregnant
Have a weakened immune system
The bottom line
Many women experience UTIs or yeast infections at some point in their lives. Figuring out which you have can be a bit tricky because they share some symptoms, like painful urination. UTIs will likely cause more trouble with urination, while yeast infections will irritate the outer parts of your vagina and cause a vaginal discharge. If you have questions or are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, a healthcare professional can help.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Urinary tract infection basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Candidiasis.
Ferris, D. G., et al. (1996). Women’s use of over-the-counter antifungal medications for gynecologic symptoms. Journal of Family Practice.
Flores-Mireles, A. L., et al. (2015). Urinary tract infections: Epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nature Reviews Microbiology.
InformedHealth.org. (2022). Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush).
Klein, R. D., et al. (2020). Urinary tract infections: Microbial pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions and new treatment strategies. Nature Reviews Microbiology.
Matuszkiewicz-Rowińska, J., et al. (2015). Urinary tract infections in pregnancy: Old and new unresolved diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Archives of Medical Science.
Sabih, A., et al. (2024). Complicated urinary tract infections. StatPearls.
Soong, D., et al. (2009). Vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician.
