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Difference Uti And Yeast Infection

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Special Care For Pregnant Women

Whatâs the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection?

When pregnant, hormonal and anatomical changes can increase the risk for urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Additionally, pregnant ladies and their babies tend to experience complications, even in the case of simple ailments. UTIs and yeast infections during pregnancy increase the risk of preeclampsia, low birth weight and premature labor.

Pregnant women who have symptoms of a UTI or a yeast infection should consult their doctor without delay. Such infections should be treated right away to prevent any severe complications. Your doctor will determine the best and safest treatment for you since some antibiotics and antifungals cannot be taken during pregnancy.

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Can A Yeast Infection Cause A Uti

If youve ever had a urinary tract infection , and youve also suffered from a yeast infection, you might be wondering if the two are connected.

You may also be confused by the two and unsure about what youre feeling. They are both infections, but they arent the same thing. A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs in any part of the urinary tract, which contains the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that affects the genitalia, caused by a natural fungus that gets off balance.1

But can a yeast infection cause a UTI?

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Yeast Infection & Uti: Prevention

Here are several ways to prevent a urinary tract infection and a yeast infection:

  • Practice good hygiene
  • Avoid vaginal sprays and deodorants
  • Avoid aggressive cleansing of the vaginal area
  • Be sure to urinate regularly and drink a lot of fluids
  • Wash your genitals after urinating
  • Practice sexual hygiene

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What Is Yeast Infection

Yeasts are a type of fungus that can cause a yeast infection. Yeast infections are more common in those with decreased immunity, those on antibiotics, those who have had an organ transplant or those who use corticosteroids. Irritation from undies, tight clothing or the washing machine can also lead to yeast infections as well as menstruation.

See more health-related articles here.

Whats The Difference Between Uti & Yeast Infection

UTI vs Vaginal Infections

Discomfort and pain in your genital area can be a scary thingespecially when youre not sure what it is or why its happening. Quite often, the discomfort and pain is the result of a urinary tract infection or a vaginal yeast infection . Chances are, you have heard of and may have even experienced one or both of these highly common conditions. What you may not know is the differences between them.

Although both types of infection may seem similar, their causes, symptoms, and treatments are quite different. A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs in any part of the urinary tract, which contains the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that affects the genitalia.

It is important to know the differences between a UTI and a yeast infection so that you or someone in your care can get the right treatment.

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Should You See A Doctor

Both UTIs and yeast infections should be reviewed and diagnosed by your doctor to prevent them from getting worse. UTIs that are untreated could lead to a more serious kidney infection. Yeast infections may also be something more serious, or the symptoms may actually be from another condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection.

Can I Treat A Yeast Infection Like A Uti

by Social Joey | Oct 1, 2021 | Uncategorized

While UTIs and yeast infections show similar symptoms at times, they arent the same type of infection. These infections will need to be treated differently for them to get better and go away.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team further elaborates on these two types of infections below, so keep reading!

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Will A Uti Or Yeast Infection Go Away On Its Own

It can be dangerous to avoid treatment for a UTI or yeast infection. While a very mild UTI or yeast infection can go away on its own, it may worsen if untreated and cause serious complications. For example, an untreated UTI can result in a kidney infection.

If you think you have a UTI or yeast infection, you should contact your doctor. There are effective treatments for both conditions. This includes over-the-counter medications for yeast infections.

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Yeast Infection vs UTI

Weâll go out on a limb and say, most of the time, if you have a full blown UTI, youâll know about it. That burning, bladder-doesnât-feel-quite-empty, even though youâve hit the restroom six times in the last hour, feeling, is almost unmistakable. If youâre not so sure though, donât automatically charge towards the pharmacy shelves, hunting for yeast infection treatment , either .

An itchy, irritated vulva could be caused by a number of things, like dermatitis. While unusual, excessive discharge could be any type of vaginal infection, from a yeast infection, to BV or an STI. Or possibly, a normal shift in discharge consistency as your menstrual cycle goes through the motions.

Referenced in this article:

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Talk To A Doctor About Your Uti Or Yeast Infection

Although both UTIs and yeast infections are common and easy to treat, you cant disregard them. Infections like these can quickly spread.

However, going to the doctor when youre in pain is often hard to manage. Today, you can speak to a doctor about your UTI or yeast infection symptoms from the comfort of your home with Carefree MD.

Just activate your card to talk to a state-licensed physician about your symptoms, get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy when medically necessary, and receive personalized advice on treatment options. All this for just $17.95 a month.

Get the relief you need by signing up for a Carefree MD membership today!

The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.

The Carefree MD Card is not insurance and Carefree MD is not an insurance provider.

What Causes Utis And Yeast Infections

When bacteria gets into your urinary system , you can develop a UTI. Common causes of UTIs are:

  • Contact with stool
  • Spermicide and diaphragms during sex
  • Delaying urination often

Unlike UTIs, yeast infections happen on your skin. A buildup of Candida fungus in moist areas of the body triggers an immune response. Vaginal yeast infections are the most common kind, which makes it easy to confuse with a UTI.

Common causes of vaginal yeast infections are:

  • Changes to your immune system caused by stress, illness, pregnancy, and other factors
  • Wearing tight or restrictive underwear and pants

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What Women Should Know

When it comes to self-diagnosis, Chapa advises women to be smart and use discretion. Many women are familiar with the symptoms of UTIs and yeast infections, but if you are unsure, you should contact your health care provider to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Additionally, although these two particular conditions are not sexually transmitted, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all sexually active men and women under the age of 26 should be screened for sexually transmitted infections at least once a year.

At the very least, visiting your physician can help put your mind at ease. Its human nature to jump to worst-case scenario conclusions, Chapa said, but these infections are very common and treatable. The best course of action to relieve uncomfortable symptoms from each of these infections is to seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise.

Article written by Ava English

Media contact: Dee Dee Grays, , 979.436.0611

Treating A Uti Vs A Yeast Infection

Whats the Difference Between a Yeast Infection and a Urinary Tract ...

Your best bet for getting rid of a UTI is taking an antibiotic prescribed by your doc. While some mild UTIs may be treated at home by drinking a lot of water, many people who experience pain should seek help from a doctor ASAP, Dr. Shepherd says.

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Monistat 7-Day Yeast Infection Treatment

Dr. Wong doesn’t suggest trying any OTC meds on your own. “The best way to treat a UTI and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body is with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider,” she says.

If you have the itchy, burning sensations of a yeast infection, you may want to try an over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories. You should look for these active ingredients: miconazole, tioconazole, or clotrimazole.

However, if your symptoms don’t improve within three days or you’re consistently getting yeast infections, you should see a healthcare provider, per Dr. Malik.

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How To Prevent The Occurrence Of Yeast Infection

Except in the cases of pregnancy and hormone therapy, it is possible to control the occurrence of yeast infections. By taking any of the following precautions, you can drastically reduce your chances of infection:

  • Always wear neat, clean cotton panties that allow air to pass through
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothes like pantyhose, especially during humid weather
  • Avoid using scented pads and tampons.
  • Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotic

Though they are often lumped together, UTI and vaginal infection are not the same thing. Both infections affect different systems of the body, and should be treated in a different manner. That said, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water keeps you fit and helps you to fight the infections.

Preventing Yeast Infections And Utis

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a yeast infection or UTI from ever happening, there are some things you can do to ward off both types of infections.

Avoiding irritating feminine products, like douches, sprays, and scented tampons, can help prevent both UTIs and yeast infections, says the Office of Women’s Health. You should also skip long baths and hot tubs. And if you think the type of birth control you’re using is increasing your risk of yeast infections or UTIs, consider switching to another method.

There are also more specific things you can do to fend off yeast infections vs. UTIs, depending on which one you’re most prone to. You can further reduce your risk of a yeast infection by:

  • wearing cotton underwear
  • avoiding tight undergarments, like underwear or pantyhose
  • not staying in a wet bathing suit or sweaty leggings for long
  • avoiding unnecessary antibiotics

As for preventing yeast infections, you can try:

  • taking cranberry supplements

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What Is An Std

A sexually transmitted disease is any disease that is spread by having sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted disease. So while yeast infections can be spread via sex, they are not considered STDs because you do not need to have sex to get one.

A reported 1 in 4 teens in the U.S. are infected with a sexually transmitted disease each year. Studies suggest that half of all sexually active young adults will get an STD by the age of 25.

All STDs are serious and should be treated immediately. Certain STDs, like HIV/AIDS, are deadly and do not have a cure, though medication can help you manage symptoms and live a relatively normal life.

There are a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases, including:

  • Human papilloma virus

Diagnosing A Yeast Infection

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An experienced doctor can often diagnose a yeast infection based on the history and symptoms you discuss. If you are seeing a provider in person, your doctor will examine you to evaluate the discharge and take a sample of vaginal fluid with a cotton swab to send to the lab. These lab tests can also be used to identify other causes of discharge, such as STIs.

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What Are The Causes Of A Uti

A UTI is mainly caused by bacteria, though fungi and viruses can also be the reason. UTIs can be of two typeslower tract infection involving the urethra and bladder, and upper tract infection involving the ureters and the kidneys.

Any factor that can irritate the urinary tract can cause a UTI:

  • Long-term catheter use

Uti Or Yeast Infection: Whats The Difference

Urinary tract infections and yeast infections are two distinct yet common conditions among women that may present with similar symptoms. This can make it tricky to determine which infection is present when symptoms appear, making self-diagnosis not always accurate. Hector Chapa, MD, a Texas A& M College of Medicine OB-GYN, weighs in on the common confusion between the two and how you can help tell the difference.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast strain, but other Candida strains can cause symptoms too. Itâs important to note that a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance, pregnancy, and damaged vulva skin make it easier for Candida species to multiply.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

Treatments For Yeast Infections

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Every infection is different, so the treatment you undergo may be different from others. For simple infections, you may be prescribed a single dose of fluconazole or other oral medication. This is combined with an antifungal cream, ointment, suppository, or ointment on a regimen lasting one to three days.

Common antifungal medications include:

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Prevention: Yeast Infection Vs Urinary Tract Infection

The actions you can take to prevent a yeast infection vs. a urinary tract infection are the same.

They include:

  • Urinating when you feel the need to go rather than holding it in
  • Urinating before and after sex
  • Wiping from front to back after a bowel movement
  • Changing out of exercise clothes and swimsuits as soon as youre done with the activity
  • Changing female sanitary products often
  • Avoiding the use of scented feminine hygiene products, vaginal sprays, and douches

Symptom Of Uti & Yeast Infection

Painful Urination

Burning urination or painful urination is also referred to as dysuria. A burning sensation with urination can be caused by infectious and noninfectious conditions, but it is most commonly due to bacterial infection of the urinary tract affecting the bladder. It is often accompanied by other symptoms of urinary tract infections , such as dysuria or blood in the urine, and it can occur after intercourse in women when infection is present. Burning or painful urination during pregnancy is also suggestive of a urinary tract infection.

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What Increases My Risk Of Getting A Yeast Infection

Certain factors make you more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection.

Certain factors can increase your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection. Some of those are:

Certain lifestyle risk factors also increase your risk of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:

  • Sitting in a wet bathing suit.
  • Not changing out of sweaty clothes.
  • Wearing scented tampons or using a vaginal deodorant.

Treatments For Urinary Tract Infections

How to tell the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection #shorts

Urinary tract infections can thankfully be treated with a course of antibiotics, which should show improvement within the first day of administration. However, make sure you do take the entire course of antibiotics you are prescribed, usually around a week, to completely eliminate bacteria and cure the infection.

Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to combat the pain and discomfort of urinating. If you think you are suffering from recurrent or chronic UTIs, it is important to tell your doctor to ensure you are receiving proper treatment.

In terms of home remedies, make sure you drink plenty of water to not only stay hydrated but also help flush out the bacteria. Use a heating pad on your abdomen and pelvis to relieve pressure. Avoid foods that can irritate your urinary system, including coffee, alcohol, and soda containing caffeine or citrus juice. Many people also turn to cranberry juice, though the efficacy of it is in doubt.

Some studies suggest that the tannins in cranberry juice keep bacteria from clinging to the walls of your urinary tract, but other studies have come up inconclusive.

Overall, thereâs no harm in drinking cranberry juice if you find it comforting, but you should avoid it if you are taking any blood-thinning medications.

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What Exams Do Doctors Use To Diagnose A Yeast Infection And A Uti

Urine tests diagnose a UTI. Abnormalities can appear on a dipstick urinalysis test that suggest a UTI is present. Sometimes medical professionals take a culture of the urine to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. A physical exam and an examination of a sample of the vaginal discharge in the laboratory can confirm the presence of a yeast infection.

Antibiotics Bacterial Vaginosis And Yeast Infections

BV is most often treated with antibiotics, which can often result in a yeast infection. Researchers still arenât sure why this happens but itâs thought that healthy and unhealthy vaginal flora are wiped out by antibiotics â giving way to Candida overgrowth, because of the lack of Lactobacillus strains left though no single study has confirmed this theory.

Plus, a 2019 review on the link between antibiotic use and vaginal yeast infections, found that women with low levels of vaginal lactobacilli werenât more likely to get a yeast infection. Nor were women dealing with recurrent yeast infections, more likely to have lactobacilli deficient vaginal microbiomes. In case you need a refresher, lactobacilli are the local heroes of the vaginal microbiome, ensuring that the vaginal environment is inhospitable for potential pathogens.

The same review suggests that maybe antibiotics donât impact lactobacilli at all. But instead, they trigger a change in the cells of the vaginal wall, which allows a Candida overgrowth to take place. However, more research is also needed to set this theory in stone!

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