Yeast Infection vs. UTI: How to Tell the Difference and Find Relief

Picture this: you're suddenly burning, itching, or sprinting to the bathroom every five minutes, and trying to self-diagnose as you do mental ping pong—yeast infection vs UTI. The problem? The symptoms can overlap just enough to make things confusing, uncomfortable, and honestly a little panic-inducing. When everything “down there” feels off, it's hard to know which direction to go or what to treat first.

Here's the reassuring part: most people with vaginas will deal with a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and the same is probably true for urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women are just more prone thanks to anatomy). As someone with a vagina, I've personally had the misfortune of experiencing each one. Neither was a walk in the park, but with the right medical treatment, I got through it and lived to tell the tale. The key was understanding the difference between UTI and yeast infection, because treating the wrong thing can drag symptoms out longer than necessary.

This guide is here to give you clarity—fast. We'll answer the burning questions what does a yeast infection look like versus what does a UTI look like, share a simple symptom checklist, walk through treatment options, explain when testing is necessary, and flag red-alert symptoms that mean it's time to get care. No judgment, no guesswork—just clear next steps so you can feel better sooner (and avoid making things worse by accident).

Yeast infection vs UTI: the quick symptom snapshot

Yeast infections and UTIs can feel frustratingly similar, but they're caused by different microbes, affect different body parts, and need different treatments.

A vaginal yeast infection happens when Candida (a naturally occurring fungus) overgrows in the vagina. It typically causes intense itching and burning around the vulva (the external genital area), along with a thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria—most often E. coli—that pass into the urethra and infect the urinary tract. UTIs commonly cause burning or pain when you pee, frequent urges to urinate, pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen, and sometimes cloudy or bloody urine.

“Both may feel similar, but they are not the same conditions,” says Charles M. Carlsen, MD, FACOG, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and chief technology officer at DRSONO Medical. One big clue? Where the discomfort shows up. Vaginal yeast infections tend to cause more external vulvar burning and itching, while UTIs cause discomfort that feels deeper or internal. Discharge is another key divider—common with yeast infections, usually absent with uncomplicated UTIs.

Still, it's not always obvious. Symptoms can overlap, and sometimes people have both infections at once (yikes). Making things even more confusing, other conditions can also mimic the signs of these infections (more on all this later).

Difference between UTI and yeast infection: where the infection lives

With yeast infections and UTIs, the burning feels the same, but the source isn't. “It's easy to confuse them because both can cause burning, discomfort, and irritation in the genital and urinary area,” says urologist Martina Ambardjieva, MD. But when it comes to a UTI vs a yeast infection, the infections live in completely different places.

Yeast infections occur in the vagina and vulva. Small amounts of yeast normally live there without causing issues. Trouble starts when yeast grows out of balance, leading to inflamed, irritated tissue.

UTIs, on the other hand, affect the urinary tract—usually the urethra and bladder. About 80–90% are caused by E. coli, bacteria that normally live in the gut. People assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more prone to UTIs because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to travel upward.

So, while it all feels like fire when you pee, the irritation can come from different places.

• With a yeast infection, inflamed vulvar and vaginal tissue may be “micro-injured,” says Dr. Ambardjieva. When urine passes over that irritated skin, it stings, even though the bladder itself isn't infected, she explains.
• With a UTI, the bladder and urethra lining are inflamed. Urine—naturally acidic—further irritates those tissues, causing burning during urination.

Same sensation. Very different causes.

This symptom overlap is exactly why self-diagnosis can go sideways. “Guessing can sometimes result in the incorrect treatment,” says Dr. Carlsen—and the wrong treatment can delay relief or make symptoms worse.

Another reason not to guess? You might not have either condition. Several other issues can mimic yeast infections or UTIs, according to Drs. Ambardjieva and Carlsen:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): often causes discharge and odor, but little itching
• Irritant or allergic dermatitis: from soaps, pads, wipes, or tight clothing
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or herpes, which can cause burning or urinary discomfort
• Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and pelvic floor dysfunction, which can look like recurrent UTIs but have very different causes

When symptoms show up, it's best to loop in a healthcare provider and let them do the detective work. Your job? Describe what you're feeling. Their job? Figure out why.

Symptoms of a yeast infection (what's typical)

When the itch is fierce and nonstop, yeast is often to blame. Severe itching in and around the vagina is the hallmark of a yeast infection, and it can be so intense that not scratching feels nearly impossible (and kind of mortifying).

Other common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva
• Pain or stinging when urinating (especially as urine passes over irritated skin)
• Pain during sex
• General soreness or irritation
• Thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and usually has little to no odor

What does a yeast infection look like (what you might notice)

Sometimes the clues are visible, not just annoyingly uncomfortable. Along with itching and irritation, you may notice physical changes around the vagina and vulva, including:

• Redness and swelling of the vulva or vaginal opening
• Small cracks or raw-looking skin from inflammation
• Thick, white, clumpy discharge

That said, yeast infections don't follow a single script. Milder infections may cause subtle symptoms or few visible changes at all. Everyone's experience can look a little different.

What does a UTI look like (symptoms that point to urinary infection)

Unlike yeast infections, UTIs don't usually bring itching or discharge to the party. Their calling card? A sharp, stinging burn when you pee.

Other symptoms that point to a UTI include:

• Frequent urination, even when little comes out
• Urgency, or the constant feeling that you need to pee
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pressure, cramping, or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin

Sometimes, bacteria can travel from the bladder up to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection, which is more serious and needs prompt treatment.

Red flags include:

• Fever and chills
• Lower back or side pain (often sharp or deep)
• Nausea or vomiting

If you notice these symptoms, call your healthcare provider, stat. Kidney infections aren't something to mess with, and early treatment matters.

UTI vs yeast infection: the “location test” you can do at home

Yeast infections and UTIs can feel a lot alike (hello, hot lava pee), but there's one clue that usually clears things up: where the discomfort lives. Before you panic-Google, pause and ask yourself: Where am I actually feeling this?

“A UTI typically causes burning that feels internal, along with urinary urgency, frequency, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine,” says Dr. Ambardjieva. On the other hand, a yeast infection usually causes intense external itching, redness, swelling, and thick white discharge. Any burning tends to happen when urine hits already inflamed vulvar tissue—not because the bladder itself is infected, she explains.

The short version:

• Itch dominates? Yeast is more likely.
• Urgency and frequency dominate? Think UTI.

One important exception: if you're dealing with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or back pain, don't DIY this. Those can signal a kidney infection, which needs medical care ASAP.

Common causes and triggers (so you can prevent recurrence)

Both yeast infections and UTIs are extremely common, but they don't usually happen at random. Knowing what sets them off can go a long way toward preventing round two (or three … or four).

First up, let's talk about yeast infections: about three out of four women will have one at some point. Your risk goes up if:

• You're pregnant
• You have diabetes, especially if blood sugar isn't well controlled
• You use higher-estrogen hormonal birth control
• You douche or use vaginal sprays
• You've recently taken antibiotics (like amoxicillin) or steroids
• You have a weakened immune system (including HIV)

How to lower your risk:

Small habits matter here, and many are refreshingly simple.

• Skip douching (it wipes out protective bacteria)
• Avoid scented soaps, sprays, pads, and tampons
• Change pads, tampons, and liners frequently
• Ditch tight underwear, pantyhose, and snug jeans
• Choose underwear with a cotton crotch
• Change out of wet swimsuits or workout clothes promptly
• Wipe front to back—always
• Avoid hot tubs and super-hot baths
• If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar well managed

Now, onto UTIs. They happen when bacteria—often E. coli from the gut—enter the urethra and move upward into the urinary tract. Common risk factors include:

• Sexual activity: Intercourse can move bacteria from your genital/anal area to your urethra. Plus, diaphragms, spermicides, and some lubricants can alter vaginal bacteria and raise UTI risk.
• Immune suppression: Chronic or acute illness can weaken defenses.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: If you can't empty your bladder, you can't flush out the bad bacteria. This is seen with nerve conditions or spinal cord injuries.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal and anatomical changes increase susceptibility.
• Menopause: Shifts in vaginal pH and bacterial balance make infections more likely.

How to reduce UTI risk:

You can't change everything, but these habits help keep bacteria out.

• Pee more often: Don't hold it. Aim to empty your bladder at least every 4 hours and always after sex to flush out bacteria.
• Hydrate generously: Drinking more water lowers the risk of recurrent UTIs (about 2 liters/9 cups daily is often recommended).
• Wipe front to back to prevent bacterial spread.
• Avoid irritating feminine products with dyes or fragrances.
• Reconsider birth control: If UTIs keep coming back, diaphragms and spermicides may be contributing—talk to your provider.
• Consider cranberry: Some evidence suggests cranberry products may reduce recurrence in women with frequent or recurrent UTIs.

Diagnosis and testing: how to know for sure

Once you understand the symptom differences, you might be able to make an educated guess, but guessing only gets you so far. If you're unsure what's going on down there (or symptoms aren't improving), checking in with a provider is always the safest move.

The good news: in many cases, clinicians can diagnose yeast infections or UTIs based on symptoms alone, which is why virtual visits are a great option. If anything seems off or unclear, lab testing helps confirm what's actually happening.

• To confirm a yeast infection: Your provider may do a pelvic exam to check for redness, swelling, and discharge. They might also swab vaginal discharge and test it for Candida, the fungus behind yeast infections.
• To confirm a UTI: A simple urinalysis checks for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. Your urine may also be sent for a culture to identify the exact bacteria causing the infection.
• To rule out a kidney infection: If you have fever, chills, or significant back or side pain, imaging—like an ultrasound or CT scan—may be needed to look at the upper urinary tract.

Getting this right really matters. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is [people] self-treating repeatedly without a proper diagnosis,” says Dr. Ambardjieva. “Treating a UTI like a yeast infection, or vice versa, not only delays relief but can make the problem worse.”

Part of the problem is that these symptoms don't exist in a vacuum. They can overlap with other conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV), allergic or irritant dermatitis, STIs, and certain bladder disorders. Each requires a different treatment, and guessing can send you down the wrong path fast.

In fact, data shows that two out of three women who buy over-the-counter yeast infection treatments don't actually have a yeast infection. Many end up having BV or an STI instead—conditions that won't improve with antifungals and can cause serious complications if left untreated.

The stakes for complications are even higher for some people in high-risk groups:

• Pregnancy: Hormonal and immune changes can make you more susceptible to infections, says Dr. Carlsen. Left untreated, UTIs in pregnancy can lead to kidney infections, preterm birth, or maternal sepsis.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar in diabetes creates a perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive, says Dr. Carlsen.
• Compromised immune system: “Makes it harder for the body to control infections, increasing the risk of recurrence, complications, and spread—especially with UTIs that can progress to kidney infections,” says Dr. Ambardjieva.

Bottom line: If you're unsure—or things are escalating—loop in a healthcare provider sooner rather than later. “Getting the right diagnosis is what matters most,” says Dr. Carlsen. A quick test now can save you a whole lot of discomfort later.

Treatment options: relief for each condition

The bright spot? Once you know what type of infection you're dealing with, relief is usually straightforward. Treat the right infection the right way, and you can say buh-bye to nonstop itching or the dreaded burning pee.

Yeast infections call for antifungals, not antibiotics. Many treatments are available over the counter and come as creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories you use vaginally. Depending on the product, treatment may be a one-day deal or last up to seven days. If needed, your provider can also prescribe a single oral dose of fluconazole.

A few important caveats before you reach for the pharmacy aisle:

• Only treat if you're confident it's yeast. Using antifungals when you don't actually have a yeast infection can lead to resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
• Some vaginal antifungals can weaken condoms and diaphragms, raising the risk of pregnancy or STIs during sex.
• If you're pregnant, stick to vaginal creams or suppositories containing miconazole or clotrimazole. Skip oral fluconazole—it's been linked to possible birth defects.

While you're treating a yeast infection, give your vagina some extra TLC. Avoid scented products and bubble baths, wear breathable cotton underwear, and keep the area clean and dry using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.

UTIs, on the other hand, need antibiotics—no exceptions. The exact medication, dose, and duration depend on the bacteria involved and your medical history, but most uncomplicated UTIs clear with just a few days of treatment. Many people feel noticeably better within 24–48 hours. Your provider may also prescribe a medication to ease burning with urination, though discomfort usually fades quickly once antibiotics kick in.

Hydration helps, too—flush the system, rest up, and steer clear of irritating products with dyes, fragrances, or parabens while your body heals.

More severe UTIs, like kidney infections, are a different beast. These may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics, and they take longer to fully resolve. If symptoms escalate to fever, chills, nausea, or back pain, seek care right away.

The gist: match the treatment to the infection, and your body usually rebounds fast. Guessing—or treating the wrong thing—just drags the misery out longer.

What to do if you're not sure (a simple decision path)

Because yeast infections and UTIs love to overlap, it's not always obvious which one you're dealing with. A helpful starting point is where and how the discomfort shows up:

• Itching plus thick, white discharge stealing the spotlight? That points toward a yeast infection. You might consider an OTC antifungal and see how your body responds.
• Urgency, frequent trips to the bathroom, and a deep internal burn? That's more in UTI territory, and you'll need a provider to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe antibiotics.

Think of this as a rule of thumb, not a diagnosis. Bodies don't always follow neat flowcharts. If things feel murky—or don't improve fast—hit pause and call a pro. You should book an appointment sooner rather than later if:

• Your symptoms are mixed, intense, or escalating
• You tried OTC yeast treatment and feel no improvement after 48–72 hours
• You keep getting repeat infections

At that point, testing can help rule out look-alikes (like BV, STIs, or skin irritation), confirm what's really going on, and get you the right treatment.

Here's the truth (broken record alert): guessing isn't worth it. Self-diagnosing can flop even when symptoms seem obvious. Whether your case feels complicated or crystal clear, checking in with a healthcare provider is the safest, smartest move. It speeds up relief and lowers the risk of making things worse.

Working with a healthcare provider

Want to make the appointment extra efficient? Show up prepared. Providers can usually spot yeast infections and UTIs quickly, but a little prep goes a long way—especially for virtual visits.

Whether it's an in-office visit or a virtual Gen Med appointment, bring:

• A list of symptoms (itching, discharge changes, burning, urgency, etc.)
• When symptoms started and how they've changed
• Pregnancy status
• Diabetes status
• Relevant medical history, including past yeast infections or UTIs

With that info, your provider can connect the dots, prescribe treatment, and order tests if needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

During your visit, your provider will also likely talk through ways to reduce repeat infections, like staying hydrated, peeing after sex, and avoiding irritating products. You may also plan a follow-up if symptoms don't improve as expected.

When to seek care (red flags)

Even if they're wildly uncomfortable and make you pretty miserable in the meantime, yeast infections and UTIs are usually very treatable. Translation: most infections are annoying, not dangerous, but some symptoms are a big deal.

Certain red flags mean you should seek care ASAP. Per Drs. Ambardjieva and Carlsen, don't ignore:

• Fever or chills
• Vomiting
• Back or side pain
• Blood in your urine
• Severe pelvic pain
• Any symptoms during pregnancy
• Symptoms that worsen quickly or don't improve with treatment

These can signal a more serious infection and need prompt medical attention.

The bottom line

When it comes to relief, the fastest path is matching the treatment to the cause: yeast infections tend to scream itching and discharge, while UTIs announce themselves with burning and urinary urgency. When symptoms overlap, don't improve, or keep coming back, testing beats trial-and-error every time—and red flags like fever, back pain, or pregnancy mean it's time to get checked promptly.

Remember, you don't have to play symptom detective alone. If you're unsure what's going on, Gen Med can help. Connect with an experienced clinician over video to talk through your symptoms and get personalized care—right from home—including a clear treatment plan, prescriptions if needed, and any labs or referrals to get you feeling better fast.

Key takeaways

• Location matters: Intense external itching and thick discharge point to yeast; internal burning and constant pee urgency point to a UTI.
• Burning can overlap: Yeast can burn when you pee, but usually because urine hits irritated skin, not because your bladder is infected.
• Self-diagnosis can backfire: Treating the wrong thing can delay relief and make symptoms worse.
• Mixed or recurrent symptoms = test time: Lab testing is the safest way to get it right.
• Red flags aren't optional: Fever, back pain, vomiting, blood in urine, or symptoms during pregnancy mean you should seek care ASAP.

FAQs

How can you tell if you have a yeast infection or a UTI?

Start with where the discomfort lives.

• Intense external itching, redness, swelling, and thick white discharge? That points to a yeast infection.
• Burning that feels internal, plus urgency, frequency, or cloudy/strong-smelling urine? That's more typical of a UTI.

Quick gut check:

• Itch dominates = yeast
• Pee problems dominate = UTI

If symptoms blur—or don't improve—don't guess. Get checked.

How do I check myself for a yeast infection?

You can't diagnose it officially at home, but you can look for clues:

• Severe, relentless itching (often hard to ignore—and hard not to scratch)
• Redness or swelling of the vulva
• Thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and doesn't smell bad

If you're not seeing discharge or the itch is mild, it may be something else. When in doubt, loop in a provider before treating.

Can a yeast infection cause burning when you pee?

Yep, but it's a different kind of burn. With yeast, the burning usually happens when urine touches irritated, inflamed skin, not because the bladder is infected. If the burn feels deep, internal, and comes with urgency or frequency, think UTI instead.

Can you have a UTI and a yeast infection at the same time?

Unfortunately, yes. They affect different parts of the body, so it's possible to have both at once—especially after antibiotics, which can trigger yeast while treating a UTI.

What does a yeast infection look like?

Visually, you might notice:

• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Cracked or irritated skin
• Thick, white, clumpy discharge (often compared to cottage cheese)

That said, not everyone sees obvious changes, especially with mild infections. Symptoms don't look identical for everyone.

What does a UTI look like?

UTIs usually don't come with itching or discharge. Instead, watch for:

• Burning or stinging when you pee (the “pee on fire” feeling)
• Needing to pee constantly, even when there's nothing there
• Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
• Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal discomfort

If fever, chills, nausea, or back pain show up, seek care ASAP—those can signal a kidney infection.