Yeast Infection vs UTI: Symptoms & Testing Methods

If you’re dealing with burning, itching, or discomfort down there, it can be hard to tell what’s actually going on. Many people reach for over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals at the first sign of irritation, especially since itching is a hallmark symptom of a vaginal yeast infection. It’s quick, convenient, and doesn’t require a doctor’s appointment. But when symptoms don’t improve, it’s often a sign that something else — like a urinary tract infection (UTI) — could be the cause.

UTIs and yeast infections are two of the most common causes of vaginal and urinary discomfort, but they’re often confused because some symptoms can overlap. That said, they affect different parts of the body and show up in different ways. UTIs typically cause urinary symptoms like burning when you pee, a frequent urge to go, and lower abdominal pressure. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are vaginal and cause itching, irritation, swelling, and abnormal discharge. They also have different root causes: UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, while yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus.

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a UTI or a yeast infection, getting it right matters, since each requires a different treatment. Below, we break down the key differences between UTIs and yeast infections, plus other conditions with similar symptoms, so you can better understand what might be going on and what to do next.

Symptoms of a yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection is a type of fungal infection that occurs when there's an overgrowth of the Candida fungus (most often, Candida albicans). It’s important to note that a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, and hormonal changes make it easier for Candida species to multiply. 

Yeast infection symptoms include:

• Thick, white (or creamy) discharge that doesn’t smell
• Vaginal itching, irritation, and soreness around the vagina
• General vulvar itching
• Painful urination and sex.

Symptoms of a UTI

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, most often the bladder. It’s usually caused by bacteria from the anal area or feces entering the urethra and traveling up the urinary tract. UTI symptoms include:

• A burning sensation when peeing
• Pain or discomfort when you pee
• A frequent and sudden urge to pee
• Needing to pee more often, especially during the night
• Blood in your urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.

If you start experiencing the symptoms along with lower back or flank pain and a high temperature, it could be a sign of a kidney infection, and you should seek treatment right away.

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

Yes, it’s possible to have a UTI and a yeast infection at the same time, though it’s not very common.

Both infections affect different parts of the urinary and genital systems, but they can overlap, especially when there’s an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. When protective bacteria in the vagina are disrupted, harmful bacteria can grow more easily and potentially travel from the vaginal area to the urinary tract, increasing the risk of UTIs, including recurring ones.

Because urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria and yeast infections by fungi, they require different treatments (antibiotics for UTIs and antifungal medications for yeast infections). However, if the underlying microbiome imbalance isn’t addressed, symptoms can keep coming back.

This is where more comprehensive testing can help. Evvy’s Vaginal Health & UTI+ Test looks at both the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, identifying bacteria and yeast that may be contributing to your symptoms. This can help determine whether your vaginal microbiome is playing a role in recurrent UTIs, so you can address the cause head-on — not just treat infections repeatedly.

If you experience symptoms like burning when you pee, unusual discharge, itching, or pelvic pain that don’t improve with initial treatment, it’s important to seek care. Testing for both infections and understanding your microbiome can help guide a more effective, long-term treatment plan.

Testing methods: UTI vs yeast infection

Distinguishing between UTIs and yeast infections is important because they require different treatments, but symptoms can often overlap, making it hard to tell on your own.

A definitive diagnosis of a UTI can be made through a urinalysis, while a vaginal swab is used for yeast infections. The sample is examined under a microscope or cultured to confirm the presence of Candida.

For a more comprehensive and convenient approach, Evvy’s Vaginal Health & UTI+ Test can detect both yeast and UTI-causing pathogens from the comfort of home. This advanced test uses metagenomic sequencing and PCR to identify a wide range of bacteria and fungi in both the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, helping determine the cause of symptoms, even when they’re unclear or recurring. It’s especially helpful if you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with a yeast infection, a UTI, or something else entirely.

The vaginal and urinary microbiomes are closely connected, and both can influence symptoms like burning, urgency, odor, discharge, or recurrent UTIs. In fact, 47% of Evvy users who reported a recent UTI found UTI-related bacteria in their vaginal microbiome.

If it’s not a yeast infection or a UTI, what else could it be? 

Though they aren’t talked about as much, believe it or not, common vaginal infections can mimic the same symptoms as UTIs and yeast infections. These include: 

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal infections, and it can sometimes be mistaken for a UTI or yeast infection because they share similar symptoms. BV occurs when there’s an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, specifically a decrease in protective Lactobacillus bacteria and an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria. This imbalance can be triggered by anything that disrupts vaginal pH, including sex, scented feminine hygiene products, or even stress.

BV shares some symptoms with yeast infections, like unusual discharge and vaginal irritation, which can make the two easy to confuse. However, yeast infections typically produce a thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge, while BV discharge is thin, watery, and has a strong fishy odor. BV can also be mistaken for a UTI because BV-related irritation may cause a burning sensation when you pee.

Sexually transmitted infections

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause symptoms that closely resemble a UTI or yeast infection, which can make it difficult to tell what’s going on.

For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can both cause a burning sensation when you pee, increased urinary frequency, and pelvic discomfort — all symptoms commonly associated with UTIs. These infections may also lead to abnormal vaginal discharge, which can sometimes be mistaken for a yeast infection. Similarly, the STI trichomoniasis often causes itching, irritation, and unusual discharge, overlapping with typical yeast infection symptoms.

Genital herpes can also be confused with a UTI or yeast infection in its early stages. Small sores or ulcers around the genital area can cause stinging or burning, which may feel similar to yeast infection or UTI-related discomfort. 

One of the key challenges is that many STIs can be mild or even asymptomatic, meaning you might not notice obvious signs at all. Because of this overlap, it’s important not to self-diagnose based on symptoms alone, especially if symptoms persist, worsen, or don’t respond to typical treatments for UTIs or yeast infections.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, getting tested for both common infections and STIs is the best way to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and care. Evvy’s Vaginal Health & UTI+ Test can help take the guesswork out of your symptoms and screen for a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and select STI-associated pathogens — all from a single sample — so you can check for UTIs, yeast infections, and certain STIs at the same time.

Vulvar skin irritation

At the first sign of vulvar itching, we often suspect a yeast infection is to blame, and with good reason, as it’s the most common cause of vaginal and vulvar itching. 

It just so happens that the second most common cause of vulvar itching — dermatitis (most often, lichen sclerosus or vulvar eczema) — isn’t as well known. 

Because the skin of the labia minora is similar to the skin on the inside of the cheek, vulvar dermatitis does not present the same way it does on the rest of the body. For example, skin flaking and redness might not be noticeable in the same way.

Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and scented products may be triggers for vulvar dermatitis, so try switching to an unscented soap if you suspect any of these could be a culprit! Genital hair removal, vitamin deficiencies, and the use of panty liners can also play a role, though only a small amount of evidence alludes to this.

Only using water to wash the vulvar area is the right method for most people, but for those who continue to experience dryness or irritation of the vulvar skin, ointments and emollients may help.

Thicker, greasier types of ointment creams are recommended for after bathing, to protect the area throughout the day. Try putting a thin ointment (like coconut oil, vaseline, or a silicone-based lubricant) and apply a thin layer (no slathering).  It all sounds a bit time-consuming. It is, take it from someone who does this ‘cleanse and protect’ process every day (but finds it surprisingly effective). 

FAQs

How do I know if I have a UTI or yeast infection?

It can be challenging to tell the difference between a UTI and a yeast infection because both can be uncomfortable, but they come with different symptoms. A UTI typically brings on a strong, persistent urge to pee, a burning sensation when you do, and sometimes cloudy or strong-smelling urine. You might also feel some lower abdominal pain. On the other hand, a yeast infection is more likely to make you feel intense itching and irritation, and give you a thick, white discharge without a strong odor. Pain during urination can happen with both conditions, but if it’s mainly external (around the vaginal area), it might indicate a yeast infection. If you're not sure, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider for proper testing and treatment or take an Evvy Vaginal Health & UTI+ Test.

Can a yeast infection cause frequent urination?

Typically, yeast infections don’t cause a frequent urge to pee. 

Will UTI treatment clear a yeast infection?

No, UTI treatment won’t help with a yeast infection. UTI medications, such as antibiotics, are specifically designed to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, while an overgrowth of the fungus Candida causes yeast infections. To treat a yeast infection, you'll need an antifungal medication available over the counter or by prescription. If you're experiencing uncomfortable symptoms and aren't sure whether it's a UTI or a yeast infection, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis or take an Evvy Vaginal Health & UTI+ Test.

Is burning pee a UTI or a yeast infection?

A burning sensation when you pee is most commonly a symptom of a UTI, but it can also happen with a yeast infection. The key difference is that a UTI usually causes a sharp, stinging pain when you pee and often comes with frequent urges to pee, cloudy or bloody urine, and pelvic pressure. With a yeast infection, the burning is typically due to irritated vulvar tissue, and you might feel it at the opening of the vagina rather than inside the urinary tract.

What does a yeast infection feel like when you pee?

With a yeast infection, peeing can cause a burning or stinging sensation on the vulva, especially if the skin is raw or irritated from itching. It usually doesn’t come with internal urinary pain or urgency, as a UTI would. If you’re unsure, it's a good idea to get tested, since treatment differs for each condition.