UTI or Yeast Infection? How to Differentiate Between Them, and Their Relation to STDs

If you feel pain when you urinate or notice discomfort in your genital area, you might have a UTI or yeast infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections commonly affect the genital and urinary tract areas and also have some similar symptoms to STDs. 

You might not be able to differentiate between them. Also, it’s possible to have a UTI and a yeast infection at the same time. However, a doctor can tell the difference between a yeast infection and an STD, as well as a UTI. So can diagnostic tests, such as a rapid STD test. 

The good news is that the causes and ways to prevent these infections are similar, and the treatment is reasonable.

What Is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in the urinary system or urinary tract. It can affect men or women. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys and ureters, but most occur in the urethra and the bladder, or the lower urinary tract. 

A UTI is a bacterial infection. Although its symptoms can affect the genital area, a UTI isn’t the same as a yeast infection. Depending on where the infection strikes, some UTIs can have mild symptoms, such as cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Women with a UTI might notice pain around the pubic bone and in the center of the pelvis. 

Frequent urination with a painful or burning sensation is a common symptom of these bacterial infections, especially when they affect the bladder or urethra. Some people with UTIs in the kidneys, which can cause serious complications, can mistake these bacterial infections for STDs because of similar symptoms such as nausea and high fever.

What Is a Yeast Infection?   

A yeast infection is a fungal infection causing intense itching and irritation. When it affects the vagina, doctors call this a vaginal yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis because it irritates the vulva and the vaginal opening. 

People sometimes confuse UTIs and yeast infections because both can cause itching in the genital area. Some people with vaginal yeast infections also feel a burning sensation while urinating. 

In addition, some people confuse a vaginal yeast infection with an STD. Some STDs that cause itching in the genitals include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. 

While clear, milky, or off-white vaginal discharge is normal, vaginal yeast infections and STDs also cause discharge. A vaginal yeast infection can have a thick, white, odorless discharge similar to cottage cheese. Someone who doesn’t know what STD discharge looks like might not realize that a milky, yellow, cloudy, or watery discharge with a strong smell can indicate an STD.

Can Guys Get a UTI or Yeast Infection?

We often hear advice for women about preventing UTIs and yeast infections, but men can get UTIs and yeast infections, too. A UTI occurs when bacteria build up along the urinary tract, so both men and women can get them. In men, UTIs occur in the prostate, the bladder, the kidneys, and the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the opening at the tip of the penis). 

As a fungal infection, a yeast infection can take hold anywhere on the body where the skin is moist and warm. When it turns up in men along the groin and inner thighs, we call it jock itch. However, men also can get yeast infections around the penis and testicles when a common fungus overgrows there. 

Called a penile yeast infection, balanitis thrush, or candida balanitis, these infections are common in uncircumcised men who have an intact foreskin, as well as men who use steroids, take lengthy antibiotics, have weak immune systems, or have trouble cleaning themselves. Men also can get a yeast infection through sex with a partner who has one.

How to Tell If You Have a UTI or Yeast Infection

A doctor or other health care professional diagnoses a UTI through a urine test. To diagnose a yeast infection, a doctor or health care professional usually examines the genitals, as well as sends a sample of any discharge or secretions for testing. 

Diagnostic tests such as a rapid STD test or a 10-panel STD test can tell the difference between a yeast infection and STD. 

However, there are a few causes and symptoms for UTIs and yeast infections that can indicate what you might have, what treatment to seek, and what to tell your doctor.

Causes

UTIs occur because of a buildup of bacteria in the urinary tract. People who have an enlarged prostate or kidney stones, both of which can trap urine in the bladder, have a higher risk of UTIs. Women also have a greater risk of UTIs because of their shorter urethras, and their anatomy allows bacteria to enter the urethra more easily. 

People who use catheters or have suppressed immune systems because of diabetes and other conditions can be prone to developing UTIs. Although a UTI isn’t a sexually transmitted infection, being sexually active also increases the likelihood of developing a UTI. 

As for yeast infections, these occur in men and women because of an overgrowth of the common fungus Candida albicans. Using antibiotics, which kills off bacteria, can trigger a yeast infection, as can having diabetes or having a weak immune system. 

In women, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormone therapy are other causes of yeast overgrowth. In men, sensitivity to soaps, having trouble cleaning themselves, and using steroids are additional risk factors.

Symptoms

Some symptoms overlap for yeast infections and UTIs, including experiencing a burning sensation when urinating or during intercourse.

Other symptoms for UTIs include:

• Cloudy urine
• Urine with a strong odor
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Urine that’s bright pink, red, or the color of brown cola. (This appears with blood in the urine)
• Pelvic pain
• Pain in the back or side (indicating a UTI in the kidneys)
• Discharge
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms for yeast infections differ for men and women. Women may notice these symptoms:

• Swelling and redness of the vulva (tissues at the vaginal opening)
• Vaginal soreness and pain
• Irritation and itching in the vulva and vagina
• A burning sensation while urinating or during sex
• A vaginal rash
• Watery discharge or discharge that’s thick, white, and clumpy

For men, yeast infection symptoms include:

• Redness, burning, and itching on the foreskin or penis
• Swelling around the foreskin and penis
• Difficulty peeing
• Trouble maintaining an erection
• Moistness on the tip of the penis
• Smelly, white, clumpy discharge
• White patches of skin or sores

How to Treat a UTI or Yeast Infection 

Treatment for a UTI generally includes antibiotics. The type and the dose depend on the bacteria in your urine. 

Women especially need to be careful when taking antibiotics for a UTI, however, because the antibiotics also kill the good bacteria that keeps the vagina in balance. It’s common to develop a yeast infection while taking antibiotics. 

Over-the-counter antifungal medications often can treat a yeast infection in men and women. Depending on the severity, though, your doctor might prescribe an antifungal cream or a one-time oral dose of an antifungal such as fluconazole.

STDs Commonly Incorporated With a Yeast Infection or UTI 

Unfortunately, it’s possible to have an STD at the same time as a yeast infection or a UTI. More often, though, people can confuse a UTI or yeast infection with chlamydia or another sexually transmitted infection. 

Here are some symptoms of STDs that people can mistake for a yeast infection or UTI.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial STD that in women commonly causes:

• vaginal discharge that’s white or milky
• pain when urinating
• pelvic pain
• genital irritation 

Men have some similar symptoms but also notice: 

• constant watery discharge from the penis
• pain when urinating
• frequent urination or the urge to urinate

Gonorrhea

Many women and men have no symptoms of gonorrhea, another bacterial STD, especially in its early stages. Women who have gonorrhea might experience: 

• yellow vaginal discharge
• vaginal burning or itching
• swelling and redness in the genital area
• frequent urination
• a burning sensation while urinating 

Men with gonorrhea might experience: 

• lumps or pimples on the penis and testicles
• pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• testicular swelling
• pain or soreness in the penis
• discharge that’s milky, clear, green, or yellow
• frequent urination

Trichomoniasis

An organism called protozoa causes trichomoniasis. Most people infected with trichomoniasis show no symptoms. However, women and men can experience: 

• genital itching and irritation
• discomfort during urination and sex
• foul-smelling frothy or thin discharge that’s white, green, clear, or yellow
• lower abdominal pain

Herpes

A virus causes genital herpes, which has a range of symptoms for men and women—from mild discomfort and an itching or tingling sensation in the genital area to redness, painful blisters, and lesions. 

The best way to determine whether you have an STD is a diagnostic test such as a rapid STD test or a 10-panel STD test. At Rapid STD Testing, we provide several convenient, safe, and confidential testing options that can help set your mind at ease.

UTI and Yeast Infection Prevention

Preventing UTIs and yeast infections for men and women comes down to good genital hygiene and hydration. To lower the risk of urinary tract infections, doctors recommend: 

• Staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water (not other beverages such as sodas or caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee drinks) dilutes your urine. This also urges you to go to the bathroom more often, leaving bacteria little time to linger in the urinary tract.
• Drinking cranberry juice. Some studies are inconclusive about whether drinking cranberry juice prevents UTIs, but this is a preventive alternative measure that people have recommended anecdotally for years—and it won’t hurt.
• Urinating soon after intercourse. Again, this keeps bacteria from lingering in the urinary system. Drink a full glass of water after sex to help flush out bacteria.
• Taking probiotics before unprotected vaginal sex or using condoms. For men who engage in anal sex or anyone who enjoys anal play before vaginal sex, condoms will protect against bacteria traveling to the urinary tract. 

For women, doctors also suggest: 

• Skipping feminine products that might irritate the urethra. These include powders, douches, and deodorant sprays.
• Changing birth control methods. Condoms treated with spermicide, unlubricated condoms, and diaphragms all contribute to bacterial growth.
• Wiping from front to back. Wiping from back to front makes it more likely for bacteria from the anal area to spread to the vagina. 

For men and women to prevent yeast infections, doctors advise gentle cleaning and giving your genital area breathing room. Wear underwear that fits loosely and has a cotton crotch. This prevents moisture from collecting around the genitals. 

To further reduce your risk of yeast infections, talk with your physician or health care provider about losing weight, if you’re obese, or better managing your diabetes. In addition:

• Don’t stay in workout clothes, swimsuits, or other wet clothing for long. Once you’re done with your workout, hit the shower.
• Clean and dry your genitals well, avoiding scented products and soaps that might be irritating.
• Avoid steaming hot baths and hot tubs, or use them moderately. Again, keeping yeast infections away is all about your genitals maintaining a cool and comfortable temperature. More heat makes fungus more likely to grow.
• Avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily, such as for viral infections and colds, which will kill off your body’s balancing bacteria.
• For women: Avoid douching, which removes normal protective vaginal bacteria, and tights or pantyhose, which can cause more genital perspiration.

Let Rapid STD Testing Help Sort Out Your UTI or Yeast Infection Confusion

If you’re concerned about whether your symptoms are from an STD, UTI, or yeast infection, our team at Rapid STD Testing can help. We offer same-day STD testing that’s confidential, safe, convenient, and accurate, plus knowledgeable health care professionals who can answer your questions privately. 

If you’d like to speak with one of our health care professionals confidentially, you’re ready to schedule an STD test, or you’d like to learn more about us, please call us at 866-872-1888 to find the Rapid STD Testing center near you.