UTI vs Yeast Infection : What's the difference?
The nether regions of a woman are such a mystery that at times it’s even hard to figure out what’s actually the problem down there. But pain, discomfort and itchiness down there especially when it’s not that time of the month can only mean two things: UTI or Yeast Infection. A Urinary Tract Infection is the infection of the urinary system consisting of the urethra, urinary bladder or the kidneys. It occurs when microbes enter the urinary system through the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. A Yeast Infection, on the other hand, occurs when there is overgrowth of a certain type of fungus called Candida. This fungus usually lives inside our body and is found in the moist regions, thereby it can also cause infections in the mouth, throat, gut or vagina. The reason these two infectious diseases are so often confused for one other is their overlapping symptoms and proximity of the affected regions.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection & UTI
During both these infections, it pains when you sit down to pee. The process of urination causes a painful or burning sensation and swelling, itchiness or irritation of the vulva. They can also induce pain in the lower back or sides. The difference in their symptoms can be strongly identified by their respective discharge. While yeast infection commonly has a thick white almost curd-like discharge with no odour, in case of UTI, the urine is cloudy and may contain traces of blood, along with an unpleasant odour.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a yeast infection is done by a medical professional after a physical exam of the affected area. Usually, a mild yeast infection clears up in a day or two and does not require any treatment.
A UTI, on the other hand, is cured after a dose of antibiotics, if the infection isn’t serious or spread to the kidneys. Doctors usually ask their patients for a urine sample to detect traces of blood or microbes causing the infection.
UTI vs Yeast Infection
It’s easier to understand the risk factors of developing a yeast infection or a UTI with the help of the following table:
Yeast Infection |
UTI |
Having uncontrolled diabetes |
Having sex |
Being pregnant or using hormonal birth control consisting of high levels of oestrogen |
Using certain contraceptive methods like diaphragms |
Weakened immune system |
Kidney or bladder stones |
Douches or vaginal sprays |
Urinating without emptying the bladder |
Tight underwear or clothes that create a warm, moist environment |
Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement |
Treatment for UTI & Yeast Infection
In their mild form, both UTI and yeast infection can be treated pretty easily, and simply by following certain healthy and hygienic actions, one can kill two birds with one stone i.e., avoid the risk of both yeast as well as urinary tract infection. Listed below are few ways that is possible:
- Stay hydrated
- Perform safe sex and urinate before and after sex
- Maintain hygienic bowel practices like wiping from the front to the back and not vice versa
- Change female sanitary products regularly
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes
- Avoid vaginal sprays and use intimate cleansers
A natural cleanser that you can use to clean up your intimate areas is Carmesi’s intimate cleanser, made from 100% natural ingredients like olive leaf extract. It acts as a natural antibacterial agent and is free from chemicals like soaps, irritants, and helps to maintain the pH of the intimate area. Using it daily can help to prevent UTIs and yeast infections and other allergies of the nether regions. What more do you want!
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