If you've ever experienced burning, itching, or swelling down there, you know how alarming it can feel, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. Here at Love Wellness, we help you understand your body better through our informative blogs and support your vaginal health with our Daily Maintenance Collection, filled with doctor-developed formulas.
Two of the most common causes of vaginal discomfort are yeast infections and UTIs. While they affect different parts of the body, their symptoms can overlap enough to cause uncertainty. Knowing the key differences is vital for relieving symptoms and receiving the right treatment.
In this article, we compare UTIs and yeast infections, explain the main differences and warning signs, and help you choose the right treatment option.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria that enter and multiply within the urinary system (including the urethra, bladder, and ureters). In more severe cases, this infection can spread to the kidneys, potentially leading to serious outcomes.
Normally, urine helps flush unwanted bacteria out of the urinary tract. However, sometimes E.coli from the digestive tract finds its way into the urethra and multiplies faster than your body can remove it.
While UTIs aren't considered sexually transmitted infections, sexual activity can push bacteria closer to the urethra, increasing your risk. Peeing before and after sex can help reduce the likelihood of you developing an infection.
Other risk factors include:
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A history of frequent UTIs
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Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and menopause
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Changes in the vaginal microbiome
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Wiping from back to front after using the bathroom
Common UTI symptoms
UTIs don't always come with distinct symptoms. But when they do, they often include:
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A frequent or urgent need to urinate
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A burning sensation when peeing
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Pelvic pressure or discomfort
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Cloudy urine
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Strong-smelling urine (often described as ammonia-like)
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Blood in the urine
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Unusual discharge
If left untreated, UTIs can travel upwards and affect the kidneys. This is considered a medical emergency and is associated with the following symptoms:
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Fever or chills
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Nausea and vomiting
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Flank pain (sides and lower back)
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Blood in urine
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Severe abdominal or groin pain
What is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection happens when there's an overgrowth of the Candida fungus inside the vagina. This fungus naturally occurs in small amounts in the body without causing any harm, but it becomes problematic when it overtakes the "good" bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus.
Imbalances can be caused by several factors, including:
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Antibiotic use
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Hormonal changes (birth control, pregnancy, hormone therapy)
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Uncontrolled diabetes
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Wearing damp clothing or tight, non-breathable underwear
Warm, damp environments encourage yeast overgrowth, which is why changing out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes quickly can lower your risk.
Common yeast infection symptoms
Vaginal yeast infections tend to make themselves known through the following symptoms:
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Intense vaginal itching
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Burning, especially during sex or urination
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Swelling or redness of the vulva
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Thick, white discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency
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Little to no odor
Want to learn more about vaginal yeast infections? Take a look at the following educational resources:
Yeast Infection vs UTI: How to Tell the Difference
Because the urethra and the vagina are located in such close proximity, symptoms of infections can often overlap. Here's a clearer way to know whether you have a UTI or a yeast infection.
Symptoms more common with UTIs:
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Strong, constant urge to urinate
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Burning sensation that feels internal
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Cloudy or bloody urine
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Foul-smelling urine
Symptoms more common with a yeast infection:
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Thick, clumpy white discharge
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Vulvar itching and irritation
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External redness and swelling
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Odorless vaginal discharge
Another key distinction is that a UTI is a bacterial infection, while a yeast infection is a fungal infection. Both can cause burning and painful urination, which is why many women confuse the two.
You may also benefit from reading more about how Bacterial Vaginosis and Yeast Infection compare.
How Common Are These Conditions?
Both yeast infections and UTIs are very common in the U.S. Around 75% of women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime, while the rate for UTIs is slightly lower, falling somewhere between 40 and 60%. Many deal with recurrent infections, which can disrupt daily comfort and confidence.
You're not "unlucky", "dirty", or "abnormal" if you experience either one or both of these infections. It's simply a natural part of living in a human body. With that being said, there are a few preventative steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing a UTI or yeast infection:
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Wipe from front to back
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Stay hydrated by drinking around 6-8 glasses of water a day
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Urinate frequently and try not to hold your pee for long periods
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Change out of wet clothes promptly
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Wear breathable underwear
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Manage existing health conditions
Treatment Differences: Why Correct Identification Matters
Because treatment options are completely different, it's crucial to determine whether you're dealing with a yeast infection or a UTI.
Trying to fix a UTI with yeast infection treatment won't resolve the issue, and delaying proper care increases the risk to your kidneys. Similarly, using antibiotics when you have a fungal yeast infection could actually make your symptoms worse.
If symptoms are confusing, persistent, or severe, your safest option is always to contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
How yeast infections are treated
The goal of yeast infection treatment is to restore balance by reducing Candida overgrowth. This is often done using vaginal antifungal medications. The length of treatment depends on how severe and recurrent the infection is.
Many women choose to focus on long-term vaginal microbiome support through using products in our Vaginal Health Collection. Because of the gut-vagina connection, our Gut Health Connection is also useful for holistic support.
How UTIs are treated
UTIs are bacterial infections and usually require prescription antibiotics. Remember that when taking an antibiotic, it's always advisable to replenish the beneficial bacteria in your system by taking a probiotic (such as our Good Girl Probiotics).
After treatment, prevention plays an important role in avoiding both recurrent yeast infections and UTIs. Consistent hydration, urinating after sex, and proper nutrition can support urinary tract health over time.
Building a foundation with everyday wellness tools, like those in our Daily Maintenance Collection, can help you stay ahead of your vaginal health.
FAQs
Can I have a yeast infection and a UTI at the same time?
Yes. It's possible to have both simultaneously, especially if antibiotics used for a UTI disrupt vaginal bacteria, allowing yeast to grow.
Does a yeast infection cause frequent urination?
Not usually. Frequent urination is more commonly linked to UTIs due to the irritation of the bladder and urethra.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Very mild UTIs may improve on their own, but untreated infections can spread to the kidneys, which can cause permanent damage.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek medical care if you experience severe symptoms or notice blood in your stool. Other red flags include symptoms that last more than a few days, fever, chills, and flank pain.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding the difference between UTIs and yeast infections helps you take smarter, faster steps toward relief. While symptoms can feel similar, they have distinct causes and require entirely different treatment approaches.
If you're ever unsure about what your body is trying to tell you, a healthcare provider can help point you in the right direction. And, for everyday support and preventative care, Love Wellness offers a gentle yet effective range of products for Vaginal Health and Gut Health.
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