As many as 60% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime1 and up to 75% will experience a yeast infection.2 That’s why it is important to understand the causes, risks and symptoms for prompt identification and medical treatment.
UTIs and yeast infections are easily treatable, especially if you recognize the symptoms early. Learn more about identifying these conditions and how to seek treatment so that you can move on from their uncomfortable symptoms.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection, commonly called a UTI, is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. Most UTIs occur in the lower parts of the urinary system, the urethra and the bladder. Sometimes the infection can spread through the ureters (ducts that carry urine between the kidney and bladder) and the kidneys. Serious complications can occur if the UTI reaches the kidneys.3
UTIs are caused when bacteria enter through the urethra and spread to the bladder. The body has natural defenses against bacteria in the urinary tract, but certain health conditions and circumstances can weaken defenses.4
What is a yeast infection?
The term yeast infection is often meant to describe a vaginal yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis. While yeast infections can occur in other areas of the body (mouth, penis, nail beds, skin folds),5 for this article, we will be referring to vaginal yeast infections whenever the term is used.
A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes itchiness, irritation and discharge from the vagina and vulva. It is quite common and affects as many as 3 in 4 women during their lifetime. Most women will experience a yeast infection at least twice in their lives.6
How do signs and symptoms compare for a UTI and a yeast infection?
While there are a few overlapping symptoms of a UTI and a yeast infection, most are independent of each other. This makes self-identification of a potential UTI or yeast infection easier.
UTI symptoms
The symptoms of a UTI can vary depending on the parts of the urinary system affected. Infections usually start in the lower urinary tract, in the urethra or bladder, and can spread to the kidneys.7 Symptoms common with all types of UTIs include:8
A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away.
A burning feeling when urinating.
Urinating often and passing small amounts of urine.
Cloudy urine.
Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — signs of blood in the urine.
Strong-smelling urine.
Pelvic pain (in women).
Symptoms of a UTI in the urethra include:
Burning with urination.
Discharge.
Symptoms of a UTI in the bladder include:
Pelvic pressure.
Lower belly discomfort.
Frequent, painful urination.
Blood in urine.
Symptoms of a UTI in the kidneys include:
Back or side pain.
High fever.
Shaking and chills.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Yeast infection symptoms
The symptoms of a yeast infection can range from mild to moderate. These symptoms include:9
Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
Redness and swelling of the vulva.
Vaginal pain and soreness.
Vaginal rash.
Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
Watery vaginal discharge.
Can you have a UTI and a yeast infection at the same time?
A UTI and a yeast infection are common but quite different in their causes and treatments. It is possible to have a UTI and a yeast infection simultaneously. Certain conditions can elevate risk for both UTI and yeast infections like pregnancy, diabetes and any immune suppressing condition.10
Can a yeast infection cause a UTI?
As many as 90% of UTIs are caused by bacteria, so it is unlikely that a fungal yeast infection causes a UTI.11 However, in one study, a small number of cases of UTI in women were found to be caused by a fungal infection.12
Can a UTI cause a yeast infection?
A UTI will not cause a yeast infection. However, treatment for a UTI can sometimes lead to a yeast infection. Antibiotics, often prescribed for UTIs, can cause an imbalance in the vagina that leads to a yeast infection.13
Get Treated From the Comfort of Your Home
RedBox Rx is focused on improving healthcare access at affordable prices. We offer convenient online doctor consultations with fast, discreet shipping on medications to your door.
Create an AccountWhat are recommended treatments for UTIs and yeast infections?
Since the causes of UTIs and yeast infections are usually different, the treatments also vary.
The first UTI treatment options are usually antibiotics and include:14
Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole DS (Bactrim DS®)
Fosfomycin (Monurol®)
There are also medication treatments for the pain and discomfort of UTIs. These can help soothe symptoms while the antibiotics treat the infection. RedBox Rx prescribes phenazopyridine (Pyridium®), which numbs the lining of the urinary tract.
Yeast infection treatment options are antifungal and include:15
Short-term vaginal treatments in the form of creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories like miconazole (Monistat®) cream or suppository, clotrimazole, ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and terconazole (TERAZOL® 7).
Single-dose oral medication, fluconazole (Diflucan®).
For more in-depth treatment information, review our comparison of fluconazole vs. miconazole.
UTI vs. Yeast Infection Comparison Chart
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx makes receiving a prescription for UTIs or yeast infections easy and affordable.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications starting at $10 per treatment.
Flat-rate $39 consultation with a U.S. licensed medical professional.
No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.
No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.
FREE shipping directly to you.
Get started now with an online assessment for a UTI or yeast infection.
