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Understanding the Differences Between Yeast Infections and UTIs

The Vitals
On
August 26, 2024

Yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common health issues that many women encounter. Despite having some overlapping symptoms, these conditions are fundamentally different in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the distinctions between yeast infections and UTIs can help in effectively managing and preventing these conditions.

Causes and Nature of Yeast Infections

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is primarily caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Candida naturally resides in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract. However, certain factors can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast, leading to an overgrowth of Candida and causing a yeast infection. To learn more about the specifics of Yeast Infections visit our blog here!

Causes and Nature of UTIs

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract – the bladder and the urethra. UTIs are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most common culprit. To learn more information solely regarding UTIs visit our blog here!

Symptom Differences Between Yeast Infections & UTI’s

The symptoms of a yeast infection include:

  • Intense itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
  • A burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse.
  • Redness and swelling of the vulva.
  • White, odorless vaginal discharge with a thick appearance.

Symptoms of UTIs include:

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
  • A burning sensation when urinating.
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
  • Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine.
  • Pelvic pain in women, particularly in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.

Key Differences Between Yeast Infections and UTIs

  1. Location of Infection:

    • Yeast Infections: Affect the vaginal area.
    • UTIs: Affect the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra.
  2. Cause:

    • Yeast Infections: Caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.
    • UTIs: Caused by bacterial infections, commonly E. coli.
  3. Symptoms:

    • Yeast Infections: Include vaginal itching, burning, swelling, and thick discharge.
    • UTIs: Include a strong urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.
  4. Diagnosis and Treatment:

    • Yeast Infections: Through the SheMed Yeast Infection Test.
    • UTIs: Through the SheMed UTI Test.

Remember!

Understanding the differences between yeast infections and UTIs can be helpful for deciphering which test to take, but it's okay if you aren’t right in your assumption. To be confident you have the resources to treat either condition, have a SheMed Bundle in your cabinet at all times!

To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official.

Causes and Nature of Yeast Infections

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is primarily caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Candida naturally resides in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract. However, certain factors can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast, leading to an overgrowth of Candida and causing a yeast infection. To learn more about the specifics of Yeast Infections visit our blog here!

Causes and Nature of UTIs

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract – the bladder and the urethra. UTIs are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most common culprit. To learn more information solely regarding UTIs visit our blog here!

Symptom Differences Between Yeast Infections & UTI’s

The symptoms of a yeast infection include:

Intense itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
• A burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse.
• Redness and swelling of the vulva.
• White, odorless vaginal discharge with a thick appearance.


Symptoms of UTIs include:

• 
A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
• A burning sensation when urinating.
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine.
• Pelvic pain in women, particularly in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.

Key Differences Between Yeast Infections and UTIs

1. Location of Infection:
• Yeast Infections: Affect the vaginal area.
• UTIs: Affect the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra.

2. Causes:
• Yeast Infections:
Caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.
• UTIs: Caused by bacterial infections, commonly E. coli.

3. Symptoms:
• Yeast Infections: Include vaginal itching, burning, swelling, and thick discharge.
• UTIs: Include a strong urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment:
• Yeast Infections: Through the SheMed Yeast Infection Test 
• UTIs: Through the SheMed UTI Test

Our Treatment 

Understanding the differences between yeast infections and UTIs can be helpful for deciphering which test to take, but it's okay if you aren’t right in your assumption. To be confident you have the resources to treat either condition, have a SheMed Bundle in your cabinet at all times!

To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official.

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