How can you tell the difference between thrush and a urinary tract infection?

Pain or discomfort in the genital area may indicate either a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection. Although both types of infection have similar prevention methods, their causes, symptoms and treatment are different. You should seek professional medical help if you think you have any type of infection. In this article, we will discuss the differences between yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs), including their symptoms, duration, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Symptoms

Yeast infections and UTIs cause obvious symptoms that affect different parts of the body. Fungal infections usually cause pain and itching in the genital area and a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge. Urinary tract infections specifically affect the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder. Without treatment, a UTI can spread to the kidneys, causing more severe symptoms and potential complications.

Symptoms of a yeast infection:

pain during urination or sex;

burning, itching and swelling of the vagina and vulva;

thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge.

UTI symptoms:

pain or burning when urinating;

pain or burning when urinating;

frequent urge to urinate;

pain in the lower abdomen, back or sides;

cloudy or discolored urine that may contain blood;

urine with a strong odor.

In severe cases, a UTI may also cause fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.

Thrush and intimate hygiene

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, or the more common name for the disease - thrush, is provoked by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which live in the body of every person and are part of the normal microflora of the mouth, vagina and colon. Thrush occurs due to the proliferation of microorganisms in large numbers, which is most often associated with a decrease in general and local immunity. SYMPTOMS

There are three forms of candidiasis:

Acute primary infection with subsequent development of immunity
Chronic recurrent – local or generalized
Candida carrier.

The main symptoms of acute thrush are as follows:

damage to the outer integument (itching, soreness, blisters in the area of erythema, then crusts and ulcers appear, and later a white coating);
nail candidiasis (erythema, swelling of the nail fold, suppuration, the nail plate is covered with pinpoint depressions, transverse grooves);
oral candidiasis (small red spots with dotted white coating on the tongue, cheeks, milky white films, erosions, dry mouth, soreness);
candidiasis in women with damage to the genital organs (itching, white cheesy discharge from the vagina, burning and pain during sexual intercourse and urination);
candidiasis in men: burning and itching in the area of the glans penis and foreskin, redness of the glans penis and foreskin, white plaque on the glans penis, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination;
symptoms of candidiasis in children: when the oral cavity is affected, candidal stomatitis develops (whitish plaque and redness of the mucous membrane in the oral cavity, refusal to eat, whims). With candidal vaginitis, the symptoms are the same as in adults (white cheesy vaginal discharge with a characteristic odor of yeast or acid, itching and redness of the genitals).

Chronic recurrent candidiasis has similar symptoms, which are characterized by constant periodicity. The cause is hormonal imbalances during menstruation and stress, so this type of candidiasis goes away on its own. This is the most common form of the disease. The danger lies in the fact that the smoothness of symptoms contributes to the progression of the disease and complicates treatment, since many women do not attach importance to the symptoms of chronic candidiasis and do not consult a doctor in a timely manner. Candidiasis is fraught with infection of the fetus from the mother, spread of the infection and infection of the sexual partner. Candidiasis (fungi) can only be detected through laboratory testing. Candidiasis of the intestines, respiratory organs, and much less frequently of the urinary tract and kidneys occurs. When fungi enter the bloodstream, sepsis (generalized form) is formed. CAUSES

Treatment with antibiotics causes the death of all bacteria in the body. In particular, beneficial bacteria that protect against thrush
Taking birth control pills stimulates the production of the fungus that causes thrush, increasing the risk of developing the disease in those who have just started taking these drugs or switched from one pill to another
Stress, which results in the formation of cortisol. This hormone reduces immunity
Sweets are glucose; thus, the higher its level, the greater the likelihood of developing thrush
Beer causes increased growth of fungi. This is due to maltose, another type of sugar.
Intestinal dysbiosis (indigestion and diarrhea)
Constipation creates an alkaline environment in the intestines, where yeast-like fungi multiply intensively
Diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, cancer, HIV
Use of condoms, spermicides, tampons
Improper hygiene of the intimate area.

PREVENTION

What is the prevention of thrush?

Avoid contact with infected people
Strengthen the immune system to prevent re-infection
Carry out comprehensive treatment as prescribed by the doctor (antibiotics and antifungal drugs)
Maintain personal hygiene rules
A balanced diet with a predominance of protein products, vitamins and minerals. Eliminate sweets, fatty foods, rich foods
Consume fermented milk products containing live lactic acid cultures that suppress the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms
Include foods with an antifungal effect in your diet: garlic, propolis, hot red pepper, lingonberries, grapefruit, tea tree oil, walnut leaves.

Prevention of vaginal candidiasis

Do not self-medicate
Wear underwear only made from natural fabrics
Lose excess weight
After eating sweet fruits, rinse your mouth and wash your hands
If there are frequent relapses, stop drinking fermented drinks
Douching washes out the beneficial microflora of the vagina
Use condoms during casual sex
At the first symptoms of thrush, contact a specialist.

How to protect your baby from thrush

Maintain cleanliness and simple hygiene rules (wash and disinfect spoons, nipples and breasts, and nipples before feeding)
Infants should have individual dishes
To prevent thrush, the child should be given a couple of teaspoons of boiled water after feeding.

By following these measures, candidiasis can be avoided and, if it occurs, easily cured. DIAGNOSTICS If typical manifestations of the disease are detected, it is necessary to undergo an accurate examination, during which it is important to detect:

yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida when taking a smear;
exclude other diseases that are sexually transmitted;
check the state of microflora and identify dysbacteriosis.

This is why you should not self-medicate based on your own feelings. In 50% of cases, along with thrush, other sexually transmitted infections are found that require special treatment. In women, for a microbiological test, material is taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina, the lining of the rectum, the cervical canal, and the urethra. In men - from the surface of the penis or rashes, the mucous membrane of the urethra, rectum. Before taking samples, you should not toilet the genitals (especially using antiseptics). Men will have to refrain from urinating 2-3 hours before the tests. Laboratory diagnostic methods

Microscopy of a vaginal smear is performed quickly, but does not provide an accurate diagnosis
PCR diagnostics - detects not only Candida fungus, but also its other subspecies
Bacterial culture of the vaginal microflora is the most advanced diagnostic method, since it identifies and determines the type of fungus, and also determines its sensitivity to medications necessary for the treatment of the disease.

COMPLEX TREATMENT Regardless of the development of the disease and fungal infection of certain areas of the skin and mucous membranes, treatment should be comprehensive and targeted, including:

restoration and normalization of immunity;
elimination of local manifestations of the disease;
systemic treatment of manifestations.

A qualified doctor should prescribe therapy and monitor the treatment process: a gynecologist, urologist or dermatovenerologist.

We must not forget that this fungus is a representative of normal microflora, so it is completely impossible to get rid of it. The main goal of the treatment process is to reduce the proliferation of the causative agent of candidiasis. During therapy it is important

determine the sensitivity of Candida fungi to antifungal drugs that relieve thrush;
normalize the acidity and composition of the microflora of the skin and mucous membranes;
eliminate immune imbalance and diseases that can cause it;
reduce factors influencing the development of candidiasis (bad habits, incorrect approach to prescribing antibiotics, immunosuppressants, hormonal drugs, etc.);
conduct parallel treatment of all inflammatory diseases, as well as sexually transmitted infections.

Without comprehensive restoration of general and local immunity, treatment of candidiasis will be short-term. Important!

Local administration of medicinal probiotics to restore normal microflora
Restoring normal intestinal microflora with the help of appropriate nutrition, enriched with vitamins, microelements, fiber, and limiting easily digestible carbohydrates
Regeneration of normal acidity of the skin and mucous membranes, using hygiene and cosmetic products, as well as washing powder
Taking immunomodulators and immunostimulants as prescribed by a doctor
Carrying out vitamin therapy.
Medications

Today, for the treatment of candidiasis, topical treatment agents (creams, ointments, vaginal tablets/suppositories), and systemic therapy drugs (tablets, capsules, injections) are used. Topical preparations

Antifungal (antimycotic), in which the active ingredients are clotrimazool, iconazole, miconazole, ketocanazole
Antimicrobial drugs - antibiotics, where the active ingredients are natamycin, nystatin or levorin
Combined drugs: antimycotic and antibiotics.

Preparations for topical use are applied to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes in the form of ointments/creams, solutions. They can be administered into the genitals of women in the form of vaginal tablets or suppositories. Preparations for topical use require systematic application (1-2 times a day) for at least 14 days. The advantages of topical preparations are:

Quickly obtaining a therapeutic effect and eliminating signs of the disease
Minimal absorption of the active substance into the systemic bloodstream and a reduction in harmful effects on all organs and systems of the body, which allows them to be prescribed, if necessary, even to pregnant women.

Disadvantages of drugs used for local treatment of candidiasis

use only for mild forms of thrush with a minimum period of limitation of the disease;
the need to prescribe several courses of anti-relapse treatment;
refusal of sexual contacts;
the appearance of marks on underwear.

For systemic treatment of thrush, antifungal drugs can be used, the active ingredients of which are fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole; as well as oral antibiotics with antifungal action (levorin, nystatin, natamycin).

NUTRITION FOR THRUST Eating a balanced diet promotes rapid recovery and getting rid of thrush, and is also an indisputable preventive measure that can restore normal microflora and strengthen the immune system.

Authorized Products

It is advisable to eat:

exclusively boiled meat (including poultry), also cooked in a double boiler;
vegetables and legumes in any form, but not fried;
bread and cereals (rice, oats, buckwheat);
fresh juices (fresh juices) and homemade dairy products;
fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits;
anti-inflammatory and antifungal foods such as garlic, propolis, red pepper.

What should be limited: the consumption of mayonnaise (especially store-bought), milk, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, ketchup, sugar-containing products and honey, as well as alcohol. It is important to adhere to such a diet in later life. The diet should be fairly low in calories, but rich in B vitamins. More precise recommendations depend on the location of the fungal infection, for example, if the fungus has spread to the oral mucosa, then you should only eat warm pureed food, preferably unsalted. You will have to follow these rules for at least a year for the treatment to be successful.

CORRECT HYGIENE

Caring for the intimate area is the key to a woman’s health. Proper daily toileting of intimate areas will help prevent disease. How to prevent thrush

Wash regularly with warm water, twice a day, morning and evening, and also after intimacy. The stream should be directed in the direction from the genitals to the anus
For washing, you cannot use regular toilet soap and antibacterial gels, because they wash out both harmful and beneficial lactobacilli, which are responsible for the natural balance of the intimate environment. It is better to give preference to baby soap
When choosing a gel or soap, make sure that the composition contains lactic acid and no dyes
Use an individual towel, carefully blotting your intimate areas after water procedures.
Don't take a bath often
During critical days, wash yourself, changing the pad each time. Regardless of the amount of discharge, change pads every 2 hours, because... an environment favorable for fungi is formed under the gasket
Do not use tampons or deodorized pads
Use soft toilet paper to avoid injury to the genital area
Wash your hands before and after washing your genitals.

Causes and risk factors

Yeast infections and UTIs have different causes and risk factors.

UTI

UTIs are most common among older men, boys, and women of all ages. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that about 60% of women and 12% of men will experience at least 1 UTI during their lifetime. UTIs occur when bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae

or
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
, enter the urinary tract.

UTI in children

According to the Urological Care Foundation, up to 8% of girls and 2% of boys get UTIs. Scientists say young children have a higher risk of kidney damage from UTIs. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, young children may experience UTIs due to a condition called vesicoureteral reflux, which most often occurs in infants and young children. Vesicoureteral reflux can occur as a result of structural abnormalities of the ureters. With vesicoureteral reflux, urine from the bladder can back up into one or both ureters and even back up into the kidneys. Vesicoureteral reflux rarely causes long-term complications in children.

Yeast infections

Candida overgrowth

, a fungus that lives inside the body in moist environments. Typical areas where yeast infections can develop include:

mouth;
throat;
intestines;
vagina.

Vaginal yeast is very common. According to the Office on Women's Health, about 75% of all women will have at least one yeast infection during their lifetime.

Risk factors for yeast infections include:

weakened immune system;
use of antibiotics or a recently completed course of antibiotic therapy;
pregnancy;
uncontrolled diabetes;
hormonal preparations based on estrogen;
wearing thick underwear and clothing that creates a warm, moist environment.

Comprehensive treatment of candidiasis in men

First of all, it should be noted that under no circumstances should you self-medicate. In each case, treatment for male candidiasis should be prescribed by a doctor based on objective data. Self-treatment may not only not bring results, but also cause chronic thrush in men and the occurrence of quite serious complications.

Treatment of thrush in men should have two directions:

Direct treatment of candidiasis and its symptoms. Such treatment includes modern antifungal drugs that suppress the pathological growth and reproduction of bacteria. It is enough to take such drugs once a day, and after 3-5 days you will see clear improvements.
Treatment aimed at increasing the body's resistance, normalizing hormonal levels or eliminating the factors that caused thrush.

The role of topical products

At the initial stage of the disease, it is possible to use medications for external use. These are various ointments and creams that have high antifungal activity and act directly on the lesion. The most common treatment for thrush is Clotrimazole, available in various dosage forms.

Diet food

When you are undergoing treatment, it is important to follow dietary guidelines. Bakery products and sweets should be completely excluded from the patient’s diet, as these products contribute to the active proliferation of yeast-like fungi. Also, you should not eat spicy, salty or other “aggressive” foods, as they further provoke itching and burning. You should not drink alcohol and drinks containing dyes and preservatives, and you should also limit yourself to smoking if it is not possible to give it up altogether.

Treatment of thrush in men with folk remedies

Traditional medicine does not deny the effectiveness of folk remedies, but warns that the use of such methods is possible only after consulting a specialist and simultaneously with drug treatment.

In the treatment of candidiasis in men, a good therapeutic effect can be achieved by treating the genitals with solutions of medicinal herbs. It could be chamomile, calendula or eucalyptus. Herbal infusions relieve inflammation and hyperemia, relieve itching and burning of the genitals. Remember that treating thrush is always a whole complex of measures.

Prevention of candidiasis in men

Preventing the occurrence of candidiasis is quite difficult, since fungi of the genus Candida are natural inhabitants of the body of every person. To minimize the chances of illness, you should follow basic rules of personal hygiene:

change underwear daily;
change bed linen at least once a week;
wash your hands every time you visit the restroom;
avoid casual and unprotected sexual contacts;
follow the principles of healthy eating;
avoid stress;
periodically undergo preventive examinations, etc.

Treatment

UTIs and fungal infections require different treatments. Treatment for UTIs usually includes antibiotics, which clear up bacterial infections. The class and dosage of antibiotics depend on the type of infection and the person's medical history. Although symptoms usually disappear soon after a person starts taking antibiotics, patients must complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by their doctor. Yeast infections can be treated in several different ways. Mild yeast infections may respond to over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are available in the following forms:

creams;
ointments;
suppositories;
oral tablets.

Severe yeast infections may require prescription oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole.

Although over-the-counter and prescription medications can successfully treat UTIs and yeast infections, some people may choose alternative or natural treatments instead. Consuming natural unsweetened yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus

, may help prevent yeast infections. Unsweetened cranberry juice is a common home remedy for UTIs. However, cranberry juice is less effective at preventing UTIs. Mild UTIs and yeast infections are highly treatable and may even go away on their own. However, people should still consult a doctor before attempting to treat any infection at home. There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support the exclusive use of natural remedies to treat UTIs or yeast infections.

Thrush during pregnancy

The development of vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy is dangerous for the expectant mother and the fetus. There is an increasing threat of the development of inflammatory processes during pregnancy, postpartum complications, and infection of the fetus, which can lead to fungal infection of its organs and even death. It is possible that the baby may become infected during childbirth. Treatment of thrush in pregnant women is complicated by the ban on taking antifungal drugs orally. Local treatment with vaginal tablets and suppositories is acceptable (Pimafucin is considered the safest among them during pregnancy). All the more important is the observance of personal hygiene rules, as well as protection from stress, proper nutrition with sufficient vitamins, walks, healthy sleep, which help strengthen the natural immune defense. If signs of thrush appear in a pregnant woman, she should immediately contact an obstetrician-gynecologist in order to carry out timely, adequate treatment and avoid complications.

For diagnosis and successful treatment of vaginal candidiasis, come to the Clinical Hospital on Yauza. You can see prices for services

The article was checked by an obstetrician-gynecologist, Ph.D. Sazonova Yu.M. , is for general informational purposes only and does not replace specialist advice.
For recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, consultation with a doctor is necessary. Make an appointment

Other diseases that cause similar symptoms

Conditions that cause similar symptoms to UTIs and yeast infections include the following:

Interstitial cystitis is a bladder condition that causes frequent urination and chronic pain in the bladder area;
Ovarian cysts are benign neoplasms that develop in ovarian tissue. Ovarian cysts can cause uncomfortable bloating, lower back pain, and frequent urination;
Bacterial vaginosis refers to an overgrowth of bacteria in and around the vagina. This can cause painful urination, itching and odor.

conclusions

UTIs and thrush affect the lower pelvis and genitals. However, these diseases have different causes, symptoms and treatments. Yeast infections are caused by Candida

, while UTIs are the result of bacterial infections in the urinary tract. Yeast infections cause itching, pain, and odorless vaginal discharge. UTIs, on the other hand, cause urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency and painful urination. Both types of infection require medical attention, but they are easily treatable. Treatment usually includes antifungals for yeast infections and antibiotics for UTIs.

Research article on the topic: Urinary tract infections can cause different types of stroke.