What is the Link Between a
Yeast Infection and a UTI

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 prevention. UTIs, or urinary tract infections, and yeast infections are 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 each infection can overlap and include itching, redness, and discomfort while urinating. The causes of these conditions, as well as preventative 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 as soon as possible can be a huge relief!

What causes a yeast infection?

UTIs and yeast infections are some of the most common irritations that women deal with. Luckily, they are both curable, but both require treatment prescribed by a doctor or medical provider. Both can cause pain while urinating, but a yeast infection also has itchiness and discharge. A UTI occurs when bacteria get into the urinary system through the urethra, usually (but not always) due to intercourse. A vaginal yeast infection occurs when the healthy bacteria of the vaginal tissues is thrown off balance, allowing unhealthy bacteria to take over.

The vagina is typically a healthy environment and a place where bacteria and fungi 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 bacteria, 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 prevent UTIs and yeast infections by helping to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the vagina.

What causes a UTI?

There are several reasons why bacteria might come to the urinary system and cause a UTI. One reason may be 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 you have a UTI, you may be able to get a UTI prescription before things get worse. Basic bladder infections can easily travel into the kidneys if they aren’t treated right away. UTIs are treated with antibiotics that require a prescription, but Wisp can easily send one to your local pharmacy so you can pick them up the same day!

What are the differences?

Yeast infections occur because of an overgrowth of fungus and UTIs are bacterial infections in the urinary tract. There is itching, pain, and discharge from the yeast infection. The UTI causes urinary discomfort. Treatment is typically an antifungal medication for the yeast infection and antibiotics for the UTI. Always see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis, advice, and treatment, and to get the proper UTI prescriptions—a UTI treated with antifungals or a yeast infection treated with antibiotics will not solve either concern!

Can a UTI cause a yeast infection?

Yeast infections do not cause UTIs, and UTIs do not lead to yeast infections, however, there is a link between the two infections. Treating a UTI with antibiotics may lead to a yeast infection because antibiotics will kill the good bacteria in the vagina too, causing the type of imbalance that leads to yeast infections. If you’re prone to yeast infections, you can ask your doctor to prescribe an antifungal with any antibiotics in order to prevent a yeast infection.

Connect with a licensed medical provider online at Wisp about any concerns you may have. UTIs and yeast infections are very common, and nothing to be embarrassed about. UTI prescriptions from Wisp will help you get back on track and feeling your best, from the comfort of your own home.

Get Yeast Infection and UTI Medication Online