Yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) may have similar symptoms, but they are actually very different infections. In this blog we explain the differences between the two infections and several related infections that fall under the umbrella term vaginitis.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a term for inflammation or irritation of the vulva or vagina. Vaginitis is usually caused by common infections such as vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, also causes vaginitis.
However, not all vaginitis is caused by an infection. For example, vaginitis can be caused by a lack of estrogen and is called atrophic vaginitis. It is usually caused by hormone changes that occur during menopause.
Vaginitis can also be caused by irritation due to sexual activity. This type of irritation is not caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but your partner’s natural chemistry can affect the balance of yeast and bacteria in your vagina.
Allergies or irritants can also lead to vaginitis. These irritants can be found in ingredients in lubricants, condoms, sex toys, vaginal deodorants, bath products, scented feminine hygiene products, spermicide, and even laundry detergents or fabric softeners.
What is a fungal infection?
A yeast infection occurs when the chemistry of the vagina is disturbed. Some causes of this disruption include antibiotics and other medications, pregnancy, diabetes, and a compromised immune system. When this happens, the naturally occurring yeast Candida can grow too much and cause irritation.
Although genital yeast infections are most common in women, they can also cause inflammation of the head of the penis, called balanitis. Fungal infections can also occur in the mouth, throat or on the tongue. This is known as thrush.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include thick, clumpy discharge and itching, burning, and redness of the vulva. Some women may also experience a burning sensation while urinating, which is one of the reasons a yeast infection can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection.
Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which are available over the counter or with a doctor’s prescription. It is important that you finish the medication you are taking, even if your symptoms go away.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a form of vaginitis that occurs when normal bacteria in the vagina become out of balance. Anything that changes the chemistry of the vagina can cause too much bacteria growth, which can lead to infection. Like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but is more common in women with multiple or new sexual partners.
Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always have symptoms, but when it does, symptoms may include a strong-smelling, “fishy” discharge, which can be white, gray, or greenish. Bacterial vaginosis can also cause irritation, itching, or discomfort, including a burning sensation when urinating.
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with prescription antibiotic pills, creams, or gels.
What is trichomoniasis?
Although trichomoniasis is considered a type of vaginitis, it is different because it is sexually transmitted. This is because trichomoniasis (or trich, as it is commonly known) is caused by a parasite that is carried in sexual fluids, including semen, pre-ejaculate and vaginal fluids.
The infection is often asymptomatic, so many carriers do not know they have the infection. When symptoms of trichomoniasis occur, they typically include vaginal or urethral discharge with an unpleasant odor, painful urination or intercourse, vulvar burning, itching, redness or swelling, and a burning sensation after ejaculation.
Trich does not go away on its own, so it is important that you get treatment sooner
What is a urinary tract infection?
So if a UTI is different from vaginitis, what is it? A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra.
UTIs are very common and occur when bacteria (usually from the colon) enter the urethra. UTIs are not sexually transmitted, but can be associated with sexual activity. For example, during sexual activity, bacteria from you or your partner’s fingers, genitals, anus or sex toys come into contact with the urethra. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, two common STDs, can also infect the urinary tract.
UTI symptoms include burning when urinating, frequent urination, bad-smelling or cloudy urine, bloody urine, and pain in the lower abdomen, back, or sides.
If a urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can lead to a kidney infection. So it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you experience symptoms. UTIs cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications: the only treatment for a UTI is antibiotics prescribed by a doctor or nurse.