But yeast infections typically cause itching and discharge while UTIs cause pain and urgency with urination.

These conditions also have different causes, risk factors, and treatments.

While men can get both, theyre significantly more common in women.

A healthcare provider measuring pH test strips of urine sample

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you’ve got the option to develop a yeast infection without ever having sex.

Uncircumcised men are more likely to get an infection because yeast can thrive under the foreskin.

UTIs

UTIsare resulting from bacteria that enter the urinary tract.

The infection may stay in theurethra(the tube carrying urine) or travel to the bladder.

A severe infection develops if the bacteria reach the kidneys.

Symptoms

The different causes of yeast infections vs. UTIs result in distinct symptoms.

However, a few symptoms appear in both conditions.

Vaginal yeast infections are well known for itching and a discharge.

Some can be done at home, while others require a visit to your healthcare provider.

Over-the-counter (OTC) home tests don’t specificallydiagnose yeast infections.

The swab goes to a lab to verify the diagnosis.

At-home tests usually have a testing strip that will change colors when exposed to urine.

At a healthcare provider’s office, you give a urine sample in a small collection container.

Then, they analyze it, looking for the presence of UTI-causing bacteria.

They may look at the urine under a microscope to identify cells indicating an infection.

In some cases, your provider may do a urine culture to determine the bang out of bacteria.

This will help ensure the UTI is completely resolved.

Treatment

Yeast infections and UTIs are different, so they can’t be treated the same way.

Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications inserted into the vagina.

Several types of OTC and prescription treatment options are available in vaginal suppositories, tablets, and cream applications.

Once your healthcare provider diagnoses a UTI, they will recommenda treatment plan.

They typically prescribe antibiotics to eliminate bacteria.

The antibiotic’s key in and strength will depend on your infection’s severity.

Prevention

It’s not uncommon to develop at least one of these infections throughout your lifetime.

That said, experts recommend some lifestyle tips to help prevent these uncomfortable experiences.

A yeast infection develops when an overgrowth of Candida requires an antifungal medication for treatment.

A UTI takes place if bacteria enter the urinary tract and is typically treated with antibiotics.

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