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Something Not Quite Right Down There? Here's How To Tell the Difference Between A Yeast Infection & A UTI

If you feel a little uncomfortable down there, you may think you have some type of womanly issue. Is it a UTI? Is it a yeast infection? Is it something else? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections are both very common conditions that can put a damper on your day. Although these two infections affect the vagina, they are quite different. One is bacterial and may cause pain, and the other is fungal, which may cause intense itchiness. Before you take time out of your busy schedule to see a doctor, take a look at the differences so you can get the proper treatment and start feeling your best. We also encourage you to pick up Checkable's at-home vaginal pH test strips and at-home UTI test strips, which will help hone in on which infection it may be.  Knowing your symptoms will help target which one. Don't just guess; Test!

 

Common Symptoms of a UTI

A UTI is a bacterial infection that enters the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra), and they are among the most common bacterial infections in the US. 

 

Symptoms include: 

 

  • Frequent urge to pee with small amounts of urine
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Urine that appears cloudy with a sour odor
  • Urine that appears red (blood in the urine)
  • Pelvic pain and pressure
  • Lower back pain
  • Low-grade fever and chills

 

If these symptoms describe what you are feeling, there is a good chance you have a UTI and need antibiotics. In addition to meds, there are some at-home remedies to try that can help ease your symptoms. You can help prevent UTIs by taking supplements created for the urinary tract. Checkable's Urinary Tract Balance contains a special blend of ingredients to help balance the urinary tract, including D-Mannose and cranberry. Note: Antibiotics can bring on a yeast infection by killing the good bacteria along with the bad. You may want to have treatment for that on hand as well. 

Common Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is caused by an abundance of yeast in the vagina called Candida albicans. YIs are fungal, not bacterial. Yeast lives naturally in the body and on the skin, but if it overgrows, it causes a stubborn itch and a few other unpleasant symptoms. 

 

Symptoms include: 

 

  • A thick, white/yellow vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese) 
  • Intense itching
  • Redness and swelling around the vaginal opening
  • Pain and soreness around the vulva
  • Burning during urination
  • Burning during sex

 

If this sounds more like what you are experiencing, you most likely have a yeast infection. These are easily conquered with over-the-counter antifungal creams, including miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole, which kill the Candida fungus. If you want to skip the mess, you can ask your doctor for an oral prescription of fluconazole. Both options should clear up the infection within a week. Yeast infections may be prevented by taking a daily probiotic supplement or eating foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and raw sauerkraut. We also recommend Checkable's Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, which help prevent UTIs and yeast infections.

 

Although both infections are not fun, they are usually easily treatable. Get to know your body, and if you notice unusual indications of either infection, use this guide to determine which course of treatment is right for you.