When people experience pain and discomfort in the genital area, it’s common to think that those symptoms are signs of a UTI. While this is often the case, many will be diagnosed with a yeast infection. But aren’t a yeast infection and a UTI actually the same thing?

Actually, no, they’re not, and our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team explains why below.

What Is a UTI?

UTIs occur when bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus saprophyticus, enter the urinary tract. Unlike yeast infections, which almost always occur among women, UTIs occur among older males, young boys, and females of all ages. In fact, an estimated 60% of females and 12% of males will have at least one UTI during their lifetime, according to recent studies.

While males can get UTIs, they’re still more common among females, due to the fact that the female urethra is much shorter, which allows bacteria near the vagina to enter the bladder more easily.

UTI Symptoms

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain or tenderness of the lower abdomen, back or sides
• Cloudy or discolored urine that can contain blood
• Urine that has a strong odor

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that lives inside the body, in a moist area of the skin. While vaginal yeast infections are the most common type of yeast infection, yeast infections also develop in the mouth, throat and gut.

Additionally, yeast infections are extremely common among women, as up to three out of four women will develop one at some point in their lives. A final differentiating factor between yeast infections and UTIs is that yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, while UTIs result from bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Itching, burning or irritation of the vagina or vulva, which is the tissue surrounding the vagina
• Pain or soreness in the vagina
• Vaginal burning with intercourse or urination
• A thick, white, odorless discharge that resembles cottage cheese, or a watery discharge
• Rash

Have further questions about UTIs or yeast infections? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga today!