UTIs (Urinary tract infections) and yeast infections are both incredibly common, so if you think you may be dealing with one, you are definitely not alone! Up to 75% of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives, and about half will get two or more. UTIs are also common, especially in women. About half of females will experience a UTI at some point in their lives.

What’s the difference between a yeast infection and a UTI?

Both UTIs and yeast infections can cause discomfort in the vaginal area, so how can you tell which one you are dealing with? It’s important to understand the differences between these conditions because they require different treatments.

Yeast infection symptoms in women

A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. The key symptoms are:

  • Itching or burning in or around your vagina
  • Thick, white, clumpy discharge
  • Redness or swelling around your vulva and/or vagina
  • Burning when you pee
  • Pain during sex

UTI symptoms in women

A UTI happens when unwanted bacteria get into your urinary tract through your urethra, the tube that you pee out of. The key symptoms are:

  • Pain in your lower back, abdomen, or pelvic area
  • Cramping
  • Cloudy, foul-smelling pee
  • Needing to pee frequently
  • Urinary incontinence (not being able to hold in your pee)
  • Pain when you pee
  • Blood in your pee

Can you have a yeast infection and a UTI at the same time?

Yeast infections and UTIs can definitely happen concurrently, says Dr. Dorothy Bestoyong, OB/GYN. Since yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of fungus in the vagina or vulva, and UTIs are bacterial infections of the bladder, unfortunately, it is possible for them to occur at the same time.

Can a yeast infection cause a UTI?

A yeast infection cannot cause a UTI. They are distinct infections with different causes and treatments.

Can a UTI turn into a yeast infection?

A UTI itself cannot turn into a yeast infection. These are two distinct infections caused by different microorganisms. However, certain treatments for UTIs, particularly antibiotics, can cause a yeast infection to develop.

Can UTI antibiotics cause yeast infections?

Yes, UTI antibiotics can cause yeast infections. Antibiotic use is one of the main causes of yeast infections, because antibiotics can kill the healthy bacteria that keep fungus from growing too much.

Does a yeast infection feel like a UTI?

While yeast infections and UTIs both cause discomfort and often pain, the symptoms are a bit different, and may help you determine which you have.

In most cases, if you are experiencing a lot of burning and itching in and around your vagina and are noticing thick, clumpy discharge, then you are probably dealing with a yeast infection. If you are frequently needing to pee and experiencing pain when you do, then you are probably dealing with a UTI.

UTI and yeast infection home remedies

You can visit a doctor who can prescribe medicine to treat both of these conditions, but once you know which you have, there are also some treatments that you can get over the counter to help take care of it right at home.

If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, Monistat, which contains the antifungal medicine miconazole, is available over the counter. This can cure your yeast infection and help with uncomfortable symptoms.

UTIs are a little trickier. Over-the-counter medications are available to treat symptoms of UTIs like pain, burning, and urgency, but you will often need to see a doctor and get antibiotics to cure the bacterial infection. Sometimes UTIs can go away on their own, but if you haven’t noticed any improvement in a few days, you may need antibiotics. Medicines like Azo are available over the counter and can offer some relief from symptoms, but it is important to schedule an appointment with your physician if you suspect that you may have a UTI.

Best probiotics for UTIs and yeast infections

According to Dr. Bestoyong, there is not much research to date linking probiotic use with the prevention of UTIs or yeast infections. She says, however, that the use of probiotics would definitely not be harmful.

If you want to take antibiotics, the most researched ones are Lactobacillus strains, specifically Lactobacillus Rhamnosus. This probiotic has been found to be beneficial in the prevention of yeast infections and UTIs in several studies. Many vaginal probiotics on the market contain combinations of various Lactobacillus. If you choose to take a vaginal health probiotic, it is a good idea to look at the active ingredients to confirm that it contains Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, and/or Lactobacillus Crispatus.

It is important to understand that probiotics only have potential benefits in preventing future infections, and not in curing active infections. If you believe that you have an active yeast infection or UTI, you need to make sure to see a physician or seek over-the-counter options to treat it.

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Is cranberry juice good for UTIs and yeast infections?

There is some evidence suggesting that cranberry juice can help with the prevention of UTIs. There are compounds within cranberry juice called PACs, which are shown to prevent infection-causing bacteria from attaching to the bladder and urethra walls, therefore lowering the chance of a UTI.

There is no clear evidence demonstrating the ability of cranberry juice to prevent yeast infections, however.

Like with probiotics, it is important to understand that cranberry juice can only help prevent future UTIs and will not be able to cure an active UTI. This will require visiting a physician and often antibiotics.

Why do I keep getting UTIs and yeast infections?

There are a few potential reasons for recurring UTIs and yeast infections, according to Dr. Bestoyong.

Recurring UTIs could be caused by:

  • Your anatomy, for example, a short urethra
  • Vesicouterine reflux
  • Hormonal factors
  • Frequent sexual activity
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney stones, etc.

Recurring yeast infections could be caused by:

  • Staying in moist clothing/environments (like bathing suits, workout clothes, etc.) for extended periods of time
  • Frequent antibiotic use

Yeast infections and UTIs are definitely uncomfortable, but nothing to be ashamed of. If you think you may have a UTI or a yeast infection, take note of your symptoms and try to identify which one you have. You can try out some over-the-counter medicines, but it is not recommended to wait too long before seeing a physician, especially if symptoms don’t go away after a few days. Some antifungal medication or antibiotics should have you feeling great before you know it!

Nora Rosenfeld is an editorial intern at Rescripted, studying Journalism and Global Health at Northwestern University. She is passionate about women’s and mental health and plans to pursue health and science writing.