There are various reasons why you might experience discomfort in your genital area, but two of the most common reasons for this are a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a yeast infection.
While both are different things, they both share similarities.
As a result, some people may wonder if it is possible to have both conditions at the same time, and the answer to that question is yes – it is possible, and sometimes treatment for a UTI can lead to a yeast infection.
Bizarrely, both of these conditions are not just limited to women, as men can experience them too – albeit this is much rarer. If you suspect you have a UTI, yeast infection or both – you should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
Of course, there’s a lot more to know than just this – so I’ve written this guide which explains everything you need (see also: Antibacterial Essential Oils – What You Need To Know?)to find out. So, if you’re still full of questions, read more below!
What Is A UTI?
I’ll start this guide by looking at what a UTI is. In short, a UTI is a urinary tract infection and typically the condition affects urination, including discomfort and frequency.
While some of the symptoms are similar to a yeast infection, they are both different conditions.
Symptoms Of A UTI
As I said, UTIs normally affect urination. There are some common symptoms that people might experience if they have a UTI, and these include:
Pain or burning when urinating
Increased frequency for the urge to urinate
Feeling you need to urinate even when you don’t
Waking up to urinate
Discoloured and foul smelling urine
Fevers, chills and vomiting
Pain in your abdomen, back, sides
Pain in your pelvis
UTIs can exhibit symptoms in different areas of your body.
If the symptoms are lower in the body, these are generally considered less serious. However, if pains or discomfort are nearer your kidneys, stronger and more serious symptoms can arise.
Causes Of A UTI
UTIs typically occur when bacteria has got into your urinary system such as your kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters.
Some people incorrectly think that sexual intercourse has to be the cause for UTIs but this isn’t the case.
There are a number of ways you can contract a UTI without sexual intercourse. These include:
Contact with excrement which contains e.Coli
Not properly emptying your bladder
Coming into contact with dirty toilets
Mostly, a UTI is down to bacteria, and yes it would be right to think that a common reason for that is sexual intercourse.
This is most commonly the case when you have had sex with someone who has an STI, or the use of spermicides and diaphragms.
What Is A Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection, otherwise known as thrush, is a condition that can affect both men and women. It’s normally not threatening but it can continue to return.
As I said earlier, there are many common symptoms that are the same for a UTI, but some are much more indicative of a yeast infection. These include the following.
Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection
Some of the most common symptoms or indicators of a yeast infection are:
Thick, milky vaginal discharge
Pain when urinating or during sex
Large swelling in the genital area
Itchiness of the vulva and vagina
It’s important to note at this point that a yeast infection is not an STI, but it does mimic some of the symptoms of an STI.
Causes Of A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused when a fungus known as Candida builds up in an area that is moist on your skin and then the build up of the bacteria causes an infection.
While your body may already contain this fungus, adverse effects only occur when infection happens.
Even if you are not sexually active, you can still contract a yeast infection. Some of the most common causes of a yeast infection are:
Your immune system changes or becomes compromised
Medication reactions like antibiotics
Hormones
Diabetes
Poor choice of underwear which creates ideal conditions for the fungus
Am I At Risk Of A UTI Or Yeast Infection?
UTIs are very common. 10 in 25 women get UTIs and 3 in every 25 men do as well, at least once in their lifetime.
Women are more likely to contract a UTI because a woman’s urethra is much shorter than a man’s, and it’s closer to areas that have bacteria.
Those who are more at risk of contracting a UTI are:
The sexually active
Pregnant women
Those using antibiotics
Obese people
Women who have gone through menopause
Women who have had multiple children
People with diabetes
People who have/have had kidney stones
People with a weak immune system
When it comes to yeast infections though, women experience them far more commonly than men do. In fact, three quarters of all women will get a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime.
These infections occur in the vagina and vulva, but you can actually experience a yeast infection in your mouth or even on your breast if you are breastfeeding.
Vaginal yeast infections are not STIs but it’s possible to pass them onto your partner during sex.
Those most at risk of contracting a yeast infection include:
Pregnant people
Those between puberty and menopause
People using hormonal birth control
People who do not manage diabetes properly
People using steroids
People using products like douches
Those with a compromised immune system
Both UTIs and yeast infections should be inspected by a doctor so you can avoid them getting worse. While sometimes it can be a little embarrassing, it’s imperative to see your GP.
The Bottom Line
Yes, it’s possible to contract a UTI and a yeast infection (see also: Can You Go Swimming With A Yeast Infection?)together, but it’s important that you know the symptoms for both and speak to your GP as soon as possible if you suspect you have symptoms.
I'm Clare, the owner and operator of Off The Couch, where I serve as a qualified Nutrition & Health Coach.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, I offer coaching services both locally and globally, providing personalized strategies in nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and fitness.
My journey into this field began as I navigated my own chronic illnesses, including early menopause, Interstitial Cystitis, Lyme Disease, and hydrocephalus.
