Urinary Tract & Yeast Infections

Urinary tract and yeast infections cause discomfort when you urinate, or a general discomfort in your genital area. Although these two infections are known to occur commonly in women, it is possible for men to get them too. UTI and yeast infections are two different conditions but some of their symptoms, causes, and prevention, are similar. Both are treatable.

Symptoms

UTI

• Burning sensation during urination
• The urge to urinate more frequently
• discolored or cloudy urine that may be red or pink from blood
• foul-smelling urine
• awakening from sleep to go to the bathroom
• fever or chills, vomiting, or nausea, which may all be signs of a more serious infection
• pain or feeling of pressure in your lower abdomen, back, and sides
• pain in your pelvis, especially if you’re a woman

Yeast Infection

• Pain when urinating or when having sex
• Itchiness in the affected area
• Thick, milky discharge
• swelling in the affected area (for a vaginal yeast infection, that would be in the vagina and vulva)
• having unusual, generally odorless, vaginal discharge that is thick and milky looking (for vaginal yeast infections)

Causes

UTI

You do not need to be sexually active to experience UTI. The infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system (including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra). The most common  causes of urinary tract infection are:

• Contact with stool that contains bacteria, like E. Coli
• Sexual contact
• STIs
• Putting off urinating frequently
• The use of spermicides and diaphragms during sexual contact

UTI is fairly common in women and men. However, it occurs more often in women, about 10 in 25 women experience it in their lifetime compared. This is because the urethra is shorter in females, and a lot closer to the vagina and anus which means more exposure to bacteria.

You may have a higher risk for a UTI if you :

• Are sexually active
• Are obese
• Are using antibiotics
• Are pregnant
• Are going through or have gone through menopause
• Had multiple childbirths
• Are diabetic
• Have a kidney stone
• Have a compromised immune system

Yeast Infections

Yeast infection happens when there is an infection caused by an excessive buildup of the fungus called “Candida” in a moist area on your skin. It is possible to get this even if you are not sexually active. Your body may have this fungus already, but the side effects only manifest when there is a build up. Some causes are:

• Changes to the immune system due to stress, illness, pregnancy and other factors
• Birth control, steroids, antibiotics, and other medications
• Hormonal changes
• High sugar levels
• Underwear or pants that are too tight or restrictive

You have a higher risk for vaginal yeast infection if:

• You are pregnant
• You are using birth control pills
• You are diabetic
• You are between puberty and menopause
• You are using steroids or antibiotics
• You use douches and similar products
• You have a weakened immune system

Fortunately, both urinary tract infections and yeast infections are easily diagnosed after a sample has been collected and treatable at all ModernMD locations.

However, if left untreated, UTIs can lead to a kidney infection. Yeast infections may also be something more serious or that the symptoms you have may actually be because of a sexually transmitted infection.

Prevention

To avoid getting urinary tract and yeast infections, follow these tips:

• Do not hold your urine
• Avoid using vaginal sprays or deodorizers
• Avoid feminine hygiene products that contain strong fragrances
• Remember to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement
• Wear cotton underwear
• Do not wear tight clothing or restrictive pants
• Change out of wet swimsuits right away
• Wash your genital area regularly
• Drink plenty of water and clear liquids
• Be sure to urinate before and after sexual contact

If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, visit the nearest ModernMD clinic near you to get diagnosed and treated!