Yeast Infection Vs Bacterial Infection
The difference between Yeast Infection and Bacterial Infection is that Yeast lives inside our body, but when the body ph gets imbalanced, it starts to grow abnormally and causes discomfort, which results in infection. Whereas Bacterial Infection is caused by bacterias that enter the body through the air or any cuts or openings in the body and multiply themselves rapidly if not treated properly, they cause infection.
Yeast infection causes itching, redness, and swelling to a particular body part, and it gets spread to other body parts easily. Usually, these infections are less harmful and can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene. The most common example of this infection is a vaginal yeast infection that causes itching and burning sensation in the vagina and is caused by the fungus candida.
Bacterial Infection, if treated on time, can be less harmful but, if not treated properly, can cause chronic and severe problems. Bacterias do not live inside our bodies. They usually enter our body through the nasal cavity, mouth, cuts, and other openings in our body. These type of infections mostly targets immune system of the body and weakens it which results in getting more type of infections or diseases.
How Is Uti Treated
For UTI treatment, your doctor will typically do a urine culture, to determine the type of infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor may recommend antibioticsoral antibiotics for lower tract infection, and intravenous antibiotics for upper tract infection. If the infection is caused by a virus, then the doctor will recommend antiviral medication.
Bacterial Vaginosis Vs Yeast Infections: Differences And Similarities
While theyre both different types of vaginitis , bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections have very different causes, symptoms and treatments. While both can be treated without severe long-term effects, its important to know which of the two Read More
While theyre both different types of vaginitis , bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections have very different causes, symptoms and treatments. While both can be treated without severe long-term effects, its important to know which of the two youre dealing with.
A vagina is full of both good and bad vaginal flora, or bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is the result of the bad, or anaerobic bacteria disrupting that balance and becoming overgrown. It could be caused by several types of bacteria, but the typical overgrowth is due to the Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria. With BV, a doctor may find that the pH of the area is higher than 4.5.
The main difference between a BV vs yeast infection is that yeast infections are fungal typically the result of the Candida fungus in the vagina.
Both of these types of vaginitis are very common, with three out of every four women experiencing a yeast infection in their lifetime. Other types of diseases like trichomoniasis are sometimes confused for a yeast infection or BV, which is why it is not always advised to do self-diagnosis for these symptoms. We recommend a pelvic exam for anyone with an ongoing issue.
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Talk To A Doctor About Your Uti Or Yeast Infection
Although both UTIs and yeast infections are common and easy to treat, you cant disregard them. Infections like these can quickly spread.
However, going to the doctor when youre in pain is often hard to manage. Today, you can speak to a doctor about your UTI or yeast infection symptoms from the comfort of your home with Carefree MD.
Just activate your card to talk to a state-licensed physician about your symptoms, get prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy when medically necessary, and receive personalized advice on treatment options. All this for just $17.95 a month.
Get the relief you need by signing up for a Carefree MD membership today!
The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
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How Long Does Each Infection Last
The severity of the infection and the treatment method determine how long both a yeast infection and a UTI lasts. A UTI generally goes away 1-2 days after starting antibiotics. A complicated UTI, on the other hand, can take several days to weeks to fully treat. Similarly, a mild yeast infection can go away after a few days.
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How Are Yeast Infections And Utis Treated
UTIs and yeast infections require different treatments. UTI treatment usually involves antibiotics, which clear up bacterial infections. Yeast infections, on the other hand, can be treated several different ways. Most commonly, though, yeast infections are treated by over-the-counter antifungal medications.
While their treatments are different, both mild UTIs and yeast infections are easily treatable and may even resolve on their own. However, you should still consult a doctor before attempting to treat either infection at home. Weve listed some additional reasons to seek medical treatment for a yeast infection below.
Treatments For Yeast Infections
Every infection is different, so the treatment you undergo may be different from others. For simple infections, you may be prescribed a single dose of fluconazole or other oral medication. This is combined with an antifungal cream, ointment, suppository, or ointment on a regimen lasting one to three days.
Common antifungal medications include:
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What Happens If A Uti Goes Untreated For A Week
The answer is probably not what you would expect.
Many women, when they get a urinary tract infection , think that it will just go away on its own.
They may even start to believe that their condition is treatable, especially if the symptoms are quite mild at the time.
Unfortunately, this often isnt the case.
Heres why untreated UTI consequences can linger for weeks.
The first thing that will happen is that an untreated UTI can cause a lot of pain.
A woman may experience a tremendous amount of pain in her lower abdomen and the pelvic area right after she has a urinary tract infection.
This is because the infection may have spread into the bladder and urethra, causing damage to these organs and leading them to feel as though they have been burned.
If the woman doesnt receive treatment, the pain may continue for days or even weeks.
The infection may continue to come back even after antibiotics are used.
When the bacteria are left unchecked, they may form kidney stones or struvite crystals.
This can cause some serious complications, such as kidney failure.
Although its not common, its possible for a UTI to lead to this complication.
Another outcome of an untreated UTI is urine leaking from the bladder.
This leakage can actually lead to severe infection.
If the urine leaks from the bladder into the urinary tract, it may actually enter the urethra and cause an infection there as well.
Some women who dont receive treatment for their UTI may experience severe discomfort.
What Is A Bladder Infection
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection, but not all UTIs are bladder infections. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTIs. A bladder infection may also be called cystitis and it is usually caused by bacteria.
Symptoms of a UTI can differ depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. A bladder infection usually causes symptoms such as:
- Burning when urinating
- The feeling that you need to pee frequently, but when you go to the toilet very little urine comes out
- Pain in the pelvic area just above the pubic bone.
Bladder infections are usually considered simple UTIs and treatment is usually with antibiotics for three to five days. Symptoms usually resolve in a couple of days.
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How To Treat Utis And Yeast Infections
If you suspect that you have a UTI or a yeast infection, turn to a doctor. Its important to talk to a professional, as both UTIs and yeast infections can easily get worse as infections spread. They can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose you, and recommend treatment options.
Usually, doctors diagnose UTIs with a urine sample and yeast infections with a swab.
Luckily, both a UTI and a yeast infection are easy to treat.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for a UTI. Even if your symptoms disappear within a few days, make sure you complete your antibiotic treatment for successful recovery.
Yeast infections on the other hand are usually treated with antifungal medication. You can either get a prescription or find over-the-counter antifungal treatments.
If you get recurring UTIs or yeast infections in a short period of time, your doctor will advise on a more aggressive treatment plan for you.
Diagnosing Utis Vs Yeast Infections
To diagnose either of these infections, your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and any previous infections. They may also ask if you have any concerns about sexually transmitted infections .
If you have had a UTI or a yeast infection before, let your doctor know if the symptoms you have right now are similar or different.
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Whats Different About Utis And Yeast Infections
Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, while UTIs result from 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 a frequent urge to urinate and painful urination.
Both infection types are quite common, but yeast infections are more common, according to the CDC. Weve listed the symptoms of the more more common infection of the two, the yeast infection, below.
Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections:
Urinary tract infections come with a wide range of varying symptoms, including:
- Burning or painful urination
- Dark, cloudy urine that may appear red or pink from blood
- An intense need to urinate all the time, even though you only go a small amount
- Urine that smells bad
- Pain or pressure in your pelvis, back, and abdomen
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How To Feel Better
If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:
- Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
- Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
How Long Does It Take To Recover
Both UTIs and yeast infections should clear up after taking medications within days or a few weeks. You must make sure to take prescribed or over-the-counter medication as directed for the entire recommended length of time to prevent the infection from returning.
You may be able to prevent both UTIs and yeast infections by practicing good hygiene and making changes to your wardrobe. Here are some prevention tips:
- Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing around your genital area, such as pantyhose and restrictive pants.
- Change out of wet swimsuits quickly.
- Do not douche or use vaginal spray or deodorizers near your genitals.
- Avoid scented feminine hygiene products.
Further prevention of UTIs include:
- using the bathroom frequently
- regularly drinking lots of fluid
- urinating before and after sex
Its also possible that drinking cranberry juice can prevent UTIs. The research results are mixed. Make sure to choose a sugar-free version. If the juice is too tart, you can water it down to make the juice more palatable.
You may also be able to reduce your chances of contracting a yeast infection if you:
- avoid hot baths and hot tubs
- change your feminine products often
- control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
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What Causes Utis And Yeast Infections
When bacteria gets into your urinary system , you can develop a UTI. Common causes of UTIs are:
- Contact with stool
- Spermicide and diaphragms during sex
- Delaying urination often
Unlike UTIs, yeast infections happen on your skin. A buildup of Candida fungus in moist areas of the body triggers an immune response. Vaginal yeast infections are the most common kind, which makes it easy to confuse with a UTI.
Common causes of vaginal yeast infections are:
- Changes to your immune system caused by stress, illness, pregnancy, and other factors
- Medications
- Hormones
- Wearing tight or restrictive underwear and pants
How Are You Diagnosed With A Yeast Infection
When you visit your healthcare provider, he or she will conduct a series of tests to confirm if you have a yeast infection and, more importantly, the source of your infection.
Some of the tests that your healthcare provider may try include:culture, or scrape, swab test, pH level, serum creatinine, and Aromatase test.
Keep in mind that if any of the tests come back with positive results, then you should begin treatment right away.
There are several OTC treatments for vaginal yeast infections.
The most common treatment options include the use of suppositories, use of cream, and use of topical ointment.
It is very important that you only use over-the-counter medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Since the symptoms of this condition can also include itching, burning, and dryness, it is not advisable to self-medicate.
In addition to treatment options, there are also things that you can do to help prevent getting a yeast infection and help to get rid of it when it is already in the vagina.
It is important that you keep your vagina clean and dry, as well as drying up after sex.
This will prevent moisture from building up in your vagina, which allows the fungus that causes yeast infections to grow.
Also, avoid using scented feminine hygiene products and doing anything that would put pressure on your vaginal area.
The more comfortable you make your vagina, the less likely you are to get an infection in the first place.
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What Is A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections most often affect the vagina in women, although they can also affect the mouth, gut, penis, anus, and other parts of the body. Vaginal yeast infections are also known as candidiasis or vaginal thrush.
Pregnancy, antibiotic use, or a weakened immune system increase a womans risk of developing a yeast infection. Yeast infections are also more common in women:
- With uncontrolled diabetes
- Using high-dose estrogen birth control
- Using douches or vaginal sprays
- Wearing tight underwear and synthetic clothes that dont breathe.
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast within the vagina, and are very common, affecting around 75% of women at least once in their lifetime. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells, but a disruption in the balance of yeast and bacteria causes an overgrowth of yeast cells and symptoms of vaginal thrush. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection range from mild to moderate and include:
- Intense itching or irritation around the genital area
- A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
- A thick, white, odor-free, discharge .
Although vaginal yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted infection, sexual intercourse can trigger or spread them. Women who arent sexually active can also get them. Some women are prone to yeast infections and get them relatively regularly.
How Is A Bladder Infection Diagnosed
The most common way by which a bladder infection diagnosed is determined is by a urine test.
This type of urine test is called a urinalysis.
An endoscope or even an abdominal x-ray is sometimes used to determine the diagnosis.
A urine sample is taken from the bladder and analyzed in the laboratory.
Certain conditions, such as kidney disease, can cause the sample to be cloudy, making it nearly impossible to read, but this is rarely the case for a bladder infection diagnosed.
The symptoms that come with bladder infections are quite similar to those of a kidney infection.
They include any inflammation of the bladder, either in the bladder itself or in nearby areas, blood in the urine, burning sensations, and pain when urinating or while having sex.
A bladder infection diagnosed through urine tests will indicate bacteria in the bladder.
When the cause of the infection is found, doctors will then consider the possibility of urethral plugs, or ureteral blockage as a more definitive diagnosis.
Once the cause is determined, doctors will discuss possible treatment options.
As mentioned earlier, doctors will typically do nothing unless the cause of a bladder infection is established.
If a bladder infection is caused by bacteria, doctors might prescribe antibiotics for chronic UTI treatment.
There are some patients, however, who are simply resistant to antibiotics and require other types of treatment.
And if you have any signs of blood in your urine, this can mean that you have a UTI.
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Symptom Of Uti & Yeast Infection
Painful Urination
Burning urination or painful urination is also referred to as dysuria. A burning sensation with urination can be caused by infectious and noninfectious conditions, but it is most commonly due to bacterial infection of the urinary tract affecting the bladder. It is often accompanied by other symptoms of urinary tract infections , such as dysuria or blood in the urine, and it can occur after intercourse in women when infection is present. Burning or painful urination during pregnancy is also suggestive of a urinary tract infection.
Yeast Infection Of Bladder And Kidneys
Home » Infectious Diseases » Fungal Infection » Yeast Infections » Yeast Infection Of Bladder And Kidneys
In the urinary tract yeast infection of bladder and kidneys is, as the name implies mainly affecting the bladder or the kidneys.
Patients who are diabetic, cancer patients or patients who are immunocompromised are more susceptible for yeast infections of the urinary tract.
1. Yeast infection of the bladder
In the bladder Candida infections are usually due to manipulation with Foley catheters that are given in hospitals for procedures, during periods of unconsciousness in the Emergency Department or during labor and delivery. Also antibiotic therapy to treat bacterial infection of the bladder will often be followed by yeast infections.
Symptoms
The patient usually experiences frequent and painful urination with small amounts of urine each time, urgency and possibly pain in the center of the lower abdomen. A urinary culture will often lead to the diagnosis.
Treatment
Fluconazole at a dosage of 150 mg to 200 mg daily is given for a period of time. However, there can be liver toxicity and other toxic side-effects and the physician has to balance this in relation to the benefit of the treatment.
2. Yeast infection of the kidneys
Symptoms
Yeast Infection Of Bladder And Kidneys
Treatment
References:
1.The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beer s et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 158.
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