What is the Link Between a
Yeast Infection and a UTI?

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Key takeaways

• Yeast infections and UTIs are two of the most common infections affecting vaginal and urinary health—and yes, you can have both at the same time.
• UTIs are bacterial infections in the urinary tract, while yeast infections occur from yeast overgrowth in the vagina; they require different treatments.
• Treating a UTI with antibiotics may sometimes lead to a yeast infection by disrupting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.
• Knowing the key differences between UTI vs yeast infection symptoms helps you get the right diagnosis and treatment faster.
• If you suspect a yeast infection, UTI, or both, connecting with a healthcare provider can help you get relief quickly.

UTIs and yeast infections are both incredibly common infections that affect millions of patients with vaginas every year. If you feel you may have one or the other, or both (yes, it is possible to have both at the same time), then you need to know what to do for their treatment and for supporting your vaginal health in the long term!

Urinary tract infections and yeast infections (vaginal Candidiasis) are both super common conditions that can happen to anyone, and they are nothing to be embarrassed about. But learning as much as possible about the link between the two infections can help keep you healthier and happier.

The symptoms of a UTI and yeast infection can overlap and include itching, redness, and discomfort while urinating. The causes of these conditions, as well as protective measures, may also be similar.

The good news is that in both cases, they are easily treated by prescription medication. Especially when it comes to uncomfortable UTI symptoms, getting a UTI prescription from a medical provider (if medically necessary and appropriate) can be a huge relief!

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional, if medically appropriate. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary. For medication details and risks, see site for details.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are some of the most common irritations that women deal with. A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida when the healthy bacteria of the vaginal tissues are thrown off balance, allowing yeast to take over.

The vagina is typically a healthy environment and a place where bacteria and yeast can live in beneficial harmony.

One beneficial bacterium that thrives when conditions are right in the vagina is Lactobacilli. Lactobacilli suppress the growth of unwanted yeast, but when the balance is disrupted, a yeast infection can occur. The balance of healthy bacteria can be upset by over-cleansing, certain toiletry products, spermicides, or poor hygiene.

There's also some evidence that taking probiotics that include Lactobacilli can help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the vagina and help keep yeast levels in check.

What causes a UTI?

UTIs are bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract, including your bladder and urethra. There are several reasons why bacteria causing the infection might enter the urinary system and cause UTIs.

One reason UTI may happen is poor hygiene practices. Peeing when you need to, wiping front to back, or peeing right after sex can all help to keep bacteria out of the urinary tract.

If you think it's a UTI, you may be able to get a UTI prescription from a provider if medically appropriate before things get worse. Basic, uncomplicated bladder infections can easily travel into the kidneys if they aren't treated right away—turning extra unpleasant fast.

How to Spot the Difference Between a UTI and a Yeast Infection

Yeast infections occur because of an overgrowth of fungus. On the other hand, UTIs are bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

There is itching, pain, and discharge from the yeast infection, whereas the UTI causes all sorts of general urinary discomfort. Treatment is typically a prescription antifungal medication for the yeast infection and antibiotics for the UTI.

Always reach out for help to get diagnosis, advice, and treatment, and to get the proper UTI prescription antibiotics—a UTI treated with antifungals or a yeast infection treated with antibiotics will not solve either concern!

Overlapping symptoms of UTIs and Yeast Infections

It can be tricky to tell the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection since some of the symptoms overlap.

Both can cause discomfort during urination, urgency, and a feeling of pressure or irritation. However, yeast infections usually come with symptoms like itching, swelling, and unusual discharge, while UTIs are more likely to cause an internal burning sensation, cloudy urine, or lower abdominal pain.

If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Treatments for UTIs and Yeast Infections

Each infection requires different treatments, but both conditions can be treated effectively with the right care:

UTI treatments:

• Antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Prescription urinary analgesics
• Over-the-counter pain relief medications for UTI discomfort (like urinary analgesics)
• Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out bacteria (this doesn’t count as proper treatment, but it’s an important part of the process for your comfort!)

Yeast Infection treatments:

• Mild yeast infections may clear up on their own if you're lucky
• For more severe yeast infections that you just can't kick, your provider might recommend prescription antifungal creams, prescription anti-itch creams if medically necessary and appropriate, or over-the-counter suppositories
• Oral antifungal medications (like fluconazole), which are prescribed by a provider

Remember, if you’re prescribed antibiotics for a UTI and are prone to yeast infections, your provider may recommend antifungal medication to avoid developing a yeast infection.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Can a UTI Cause a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections do not cause UTIs, and UTIs do not lead to yeast infections. But—there is a but—there is a link between the two infections.

The UTI itself is never the culprit, but treating a UTI with antibiotics may lead to a yeast infection (we can't win, can we?).

This is because antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the vagina, too, causing the type of imbalance that may lead to yeast infections.

If you’re prone to yeast infections, you can ask your healthcare provider to prescribe an antifungal with any antibiotics in order to help you dodge a yeast infection on top of your existing suffering.

But can a yeast infection cause a UTI? Also no, but they can occur concurrently—yuck.

Can you have a UTI and a Yeast Infection at the same time?

Unfortunately, yes—it’s possible (and incredibly frustrating) to deal with both a UTI and a yeast infection at once. While they’re caused by different things, they can sometimes show up together, making it tricky to figure out exactly what’s going on.

UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to burning, urgency, and discomfort when you pee. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus in the vagina, leading to itching, irritation, and thick discharge.

One reason these infections can overlap is that antibiotics used to treat a UTI may disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria, creating the perfect environment for yeast to thrive.

If you’re dealing with symptoms of both, it’s best to check in with a healthcare provider to make sure you’re getting the right treatment for each.

Signs you may have a yeast infection and UTI at the same time

When you're dealing with both infections at once, you might notice a combination of symptoms that don't quite fit neatly into one category. Here are some signs that both may be present:

• Urinary burning plus vaginal itching: If you're experiencing that telltale internal burning sensation when you pee alongside intense vaginal itching and irritation, you might be dealing with both infections.
• Urgency to pee plus abnormal discharge: Feeling like you constantly need to run to the bathroom, combined with thick, white, or cottage cheese-like discharge, is a red flag that both a UTI and yeast infection could be at play.
• Discomfort during urination and vulvar irritation: Internal pain or stinging when you pee, alongside external soreness, redness, or swelling of the vulva, can indicate you're trying to fight off both infections simultaneously.

If you notice this mix of urinary and vaginal symptoms, don't try to tough it out or guess which one you have.

It's worth reaching out to a healthcare provider who can help you figure out exactly what's going on and get you the right treatment plan for both.

How providers treat a UTI and yeast infection together

Since UTIs and yeast infections are caused by different things, each infection requires different medications.

The good news? Your provider can absolutely treat both at the same time.

Here's what a typical treatment plan might look like:

For the UTI:

Prescription antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin (consider the side effects) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (consider the side effects) are commonly prescribed to clear the bacterial infection in your urinary tract.

These antibiotics target the bacteria causing the UTI, but they can also affect good bacteria in other areas of your body, which is why yeast infections sometimes pop up after antibiotic treatment.

For the yeast infection:

Antifungal creams or suppositories applied directly to the affected area can help treat the yeast infection topically.

Oral fluconazole (a single-dose antifungal pill) is another common option that works systemically to clear the infection. But it’s important to also consider the side effects.

If you're prone to recurrent yeast infections or know that antibiotics tend to throw off your vaginal balance, your provider may prescribe both medications simultaneously.

This way, you can treat the UTI while also keeping yeast overgrowth in check.

Getting to Grips with Infections

While UTIs or yeast infections are different, they can sometimes show up at the same time—making an already uncomfortable situation even worse.

Understanding the connection between them can help you take charge of your urinary and vaginal health, whether that means talking to a provider about treatment options or finding ways to support your body's natural balance. Women with recurrent UTIs or those who frequently experience yeast infections may benefit from discussing preventive strategies with their healthcare provider.

If you're dealing with symptoms of a yeast infection, UTI, or both, getting fast, effective treatment is key. With Wisp, you can connect with a licensed provider online and get the prescriptions you need—without the hassle of an in-person visit.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.