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 caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina.
Yeast infections and UTIs each 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 area of the body can make it challenging to figure out which one you might have.
Here, we’ll review how to tell the difference and discuss treatments for each that can help you feel better quickly.
How to tell the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection
Although these conditions can seem similar, you’ll likely be able to tell them apart by their symptoms. The table below shows the key differences between UTI symptoms and yeast infection symptoms.
Symptom | UTI | Yeast infection |
|---|---|---|
Pain or burning during urination | Yes | Yes |
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, but it happens for different reasons:
With a yeast infection, the external area of the vagina is inflamed, and it gets irritated when it comes into contact with urine. Sexual intercourse can also cause irritation and pain in this area.
With a UTI, 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 help you figure 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 your risk of UTIs.
Other factors that can contribute to UTIs include:
Increased sexual activity
Hormonal shifts, such as in pregnancy or menopause
Certain medical conditions, including those that cause a weakened immune system
Certain birth control methods, such as diaphragms and spermicides
Certain medications
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.
Some factors and conditions that can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection include:
Taking antibiotics
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Medications or conditions that can weaken 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?
Whether or not you need medical care depends on the situation. If you have a UTI, you do need medical care, since treatment usually requires a prescription for antibiotics. This is especially true if you’re pregnant or have other risk factors like diabetes.
If you have a yeast infection, you may not need medical care. If you’ve had one before and recognize the symptoms, you can treat it with OTC medications.
If you’re not sure which type of infection you’re dealing with, it’s a good idea to get medical care. Research suggests it can be difficult to correctly diagnose yourself, which can lead to using the wrong treatment. The good news is that both UTIs and yeast infections are easy to treat.
Treating a UTI
UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which you can get with a prescription. 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. Creams like clotrimazole (Mycelex) and miconazole are available over the counter (OTC). 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. 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 shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.
Preventing UTIs and yeast infections
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 them:
Stay hydrated and practice proper hygiene when you go to the bathroom, like remembering to wipe from front to back. This helps reduce the chance that bacteria can 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.
Change out of sweaty clothes, and shower as soon as you can after exercising or sweating a lot, to keep the area clean and dry.
Frequently asked questions
A typical yeast infection doesn’t cause true sores. But it can irritate the skin enough that you get small cracks, raw spots, or inflamed areas from itching or friction. This can feel like sores. But if you see open sores or blisters, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional, since it may be a sign of something else.
Yes, men can get yeast infections. Symptoms typically affect the head of the penis or foreskin, and they include itching, pain, and redness, as well as a cottage-cheese-like buildup. It’s more common in men who are uncircumcised and have diabetes or are living in a larger body. Other factors for men include having a sexual partner with frequent yeast infections.
UTIs aren’t contagious. They don’t spread from person to person. A yeast infection can 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.
Cramps aren’t usually a symptom of a yeast infection. If you’re having cramps, it could be due to something else. So it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional — especially if the pain is persistent and/or severe.
Yes, it’s possible to have a UTI and yeast infection at the same time. Some people are more likely to get both at once, especially those who are pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system.
A typical yeast infection doesn’t cause true sores. But it can irritate the skin enough that you get small cracks, raw spots, or inflamed areas from itching or friction. This can feel like sores. But if you see open sores or blisters, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional, since it may be a sign of something else.
Yes, men can get yeast infections. Symptoms typically affect the head of the penis or foreskin, and they include itching, pain, and redness, as well as a cottage-cheese-like buildup. It’s more common in men who are uncircumcised and have diabetes or are living in a larger body. Other factors for men include having a sexual partner with frequent yeast infections.
UTIs aren’t contagious. They don’t spread from person to person. A yeast infection can 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.
Cramps aren’t usually a symptom of a yeast infection. If you’re having cramps, it could be due to something else. So it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional — especially if the pain is persistent and/or severe.
Yes, it’s possible to have a UTI and yeast infection at the same time. Some people are more likely to get both at once, especially those who are pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system.
The bottom line
Many women experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections at some point in their lives. Figuring out which one you have can be tricky, since both can cause painful urination. But most other symptoms don’t overlap. UTIs will likely cause more trouble with urination. Meanwhile, 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
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2025). Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap: Frequently asked questions.
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2025). Vaginitis: Frequently asked questions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Urinary tract infection basics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Symptoms of candidiasis.
Ferris, D. G., et al. (1996). Women’s use of over-the-counter antifungal medications for gynecologic symptoms. Journal of Family Practice.
InformedHealth.org. (2022). Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush).
Sabih, A., et al. (2024). Complicated urinary tract infections. StatPearls.
Yan, L., et al. (2018). The association between urinary tract infection during pregnancy and preeclampsia: A meta-analysis. Medicine.
