Yeast infections and UTIs are uncomfortable in their own ways. While yeast infections often trigger itching, burning, and redness, UTIs are usually accompanied by pain and the frequent urge to urinate. Still, given their similarities, you may wonder if one infection can lead to the other — especially since it's possible to have both conditions at the same time.
When symptoms of a yeast infection start to flare up, it's natural to worry about worst-case scenarios. But can a yeast infection actually cause a UTI? We spoke with experts to shed some light and (hopefully) provide some much-needed relief. Here's what to know about yeast infections as they relate to UTIs , including symptoms, causes, and how to tell the two apart.
Carly Ross , MD, is an ob-gyn, a family planning specialist at Cooper University Hospital, and the medical advisor at Winx Health . Lopa Pandya , MD, MS, FACOG, is a reconstructive pelvic surgeon, urogynecologist, and medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology . Can a Yeast Infection Cause a UTI? No.
The good news is that a yeast infection can't actually cause a UTI. "A yeast infection won't cause a UTI, as they are caused by different types of bacterias. However, the two are often confused for each other," says Carly Ross, MD.
"Yeast infections are due to fungus, [whereas] UTIs are caused by bacteria," explains Lopa Pandya, MD, MS, FACOG. However, yeast infections can occasionally still contribute to irritative genitourinary symptoms, Dr. Pandya says (think low.