Yeast infections, urinary tract infections and kidney infections all present with different symptoms and require different treatments. It’s important to recognize warning signs to get appropriate care when you need it.
“If it’s someone’s first time having bothersome symptoms, they should get seen by a clinician, so they know the cause. In the future, statistically, because these are so common, they are likely to happen again,” said Northeast Medical Group Ob/Gyn Tania Sierra, MD. “You can get educated the first time and get to know your body.”
Yeast infections
A yeast infection happens when there is an overgrowth of fungus, the most common is Candida (candidiasis), which lives inside the body in areas like the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, as well as on moist areas of the skin. Yeast infections can occur in any of these locations. Men can get genital yeast infections too, which are often called penile yeast infections or candida balanitis.
Yeast infection causes
The Candida fungus is always present on the skin and within the body. It only causes problems when conditions allow for an overgrowth of the fungi, which leads to symptoms. There are certain factors that can contribute to developing yeast infections, such as:
Having a weakened immune system
- Recent antibiotic use, even for an unrelated infection
- Being pregnant
- Having uncontrolled diabetes
- Using estrogen-heavy hormonal birth control
- Using douches or vaginal sprays
- Wearing tight underwear or clothing that promotes a moist, warm environment
- Being overweight
- Having difficulty cleaning yourself
- Using steroids
- Having unprotected sex with a partner who has a yeast infection
Yeast infection symptoms
- Vaginal yeast infection symptoms often include:
- Soreness or itchiness of the vagina and/or vulva
- Pain or burning while urinating or having sex
- Clumpy, odorless white discharge with a consistency like cottage cheese
For men, symptoms of a genital yeast infection may include:
- Itching, burning, redness, swelling, or a moist feeling on the foreskin or tip of the penis
- Cottage cheese-like discharge that may smell unpleasant or like bread
- Sores or white patches on the skin
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Yeast infection treatment
Topical antifungal medications are typically effective for eliminating yeast infections. If you don’t see an improvement after using an over-the-counter medication, see a medical provider as soon as possible.
Yeast infection prevention
There are several steps you can take to help prevent genital yeast infections, including:
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding using douches, vaginal sprays, and any scented products on the genitals
- Changing out period products like pads and tampons regularly
- Changing out of wet swimsuits and sweaty exercise clothing as soon as possible
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
UTIs
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the body through the urethra. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, but often when someone is experiencing symptoms associated with a UTI, they are experiencing a bladder infection. If left untreated, this can escalate to a kidney infection, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
UTI symptoms
Common symptoms associated with a UTI include:
- Burning sensation with urination
- Pelvic pressure
- Frequent, painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
Kidney Infection Symptoms
Kidney infection symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- High fever
- Pain in the back or flanks
- Chills and shaking
If left untreated, the bacteria can also spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening infection.
UTI treatment
Oral antibiotics are typically used to treat UTIs. For frequent UTIs, you may be prescribed a long-term, low-dose antibiotic or an antibiotic that you take after sex. Severe UTIs—especially those that escalate to kidney infections—may require IV antibiotics.
UTI prevention
There are several steps you can take to lower the risk of developing a UTI, including:
- Staying hydrated
- Wiping from front to back after using the toilet
- Urinating before and after sex
- Avoiding products that can irritate the urethra, such as deodorant sprays, powders, and douches
- Choosing a birth control method other than diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and condoms with spermicide
Yeast infections vs. UTIs: How to tell the difference
UTIs affect the urinary system, so if you constantly feel like you need to urinate, have discolored or foul-smelling urine, and experience pain with urination, you likely have a UTI.
For women, genital yeast infections affect the vagina and vulva, causing itchiness, swelling, and pain. You may experience painful urination with a yeast infection, but it typically also causes a thick, clumpy, and odorless discharge that you wouldn’t see with a UTI. For men, itchiness, sores or white patches, and unusual discharge may indicate a yeast infection.
Where to find help
If you need medical attention for symptoms of a UTI or yeast infection, visit Get Care Now at Yale New Haven Health.
