Yeast Infection Vs UTI: Differences and Management
The vagina houses hundreds of different microorganisms, and some tend to be more prevalent than others. For instance, Lactobacilli are present in large numbers and produce an acid that lowers the pH of the vagina. This limits what can survive and thrive there, thus preventing infections.
However, some conditions can permit the overgrowth of some organisms, like Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections. This organism is a shapeshifter, which implies that when there is a change in the pH of the vagina, Candida can assume its disease-causing form. Once it does this, it can secrete enzymes that break down the epithelial cells of the vagina. This leads to immune cells assembling at the site and generating symptoms associated with vaginal yeast infections.
Urinary tract infections, on the other hand, are infections caused by bacteria that can invade the urinary system, which includes the bladder, the urethra, and even the kidneys. The main distinguishing factor from yeast infection is the urinary symptoms associated with urinary tract infections.
The Differences in Symptoms between Yeast Infection and UTI
 YEAST INFECTION | URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS |
·      Irritation and swelling in the vagina | ·      Burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate and discolored urine |
·      Burning sensation during sexual intercourse | ·      Pelvic pain |
·      Thick, white and odorless discharge | ·      Strong or foul-smelling urine |
·      The vulva is red and sore | ·      Blood present in urine |
Other differences between both of them are:
The symptoms associated with yeast infection and urinary tract infection (UTI) occur in the vagina and urinary tract, respectively. Also, while UTIs are caused by bacteria, yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. In addition to having uncomfortable symptoms, these two diseases can lead to other severe health complications and infertility if not treated.
How to Reduce the Frequency of Yeast and Urinary Tract Infections
- Incorporate good personal hygiene: This includes wearing clean and dry cotton underwear, wiping the genitals from front to back, and avoiding the use of scented products in the vagina.
- Reducing the consumption of sugar: What you might not know is that yeast and bacteria love sugar. Therefore, avoiding sugary foods and drinks will prevent the frequent occurrence of these conditions.
- Taking a probiotic supplement that contains a yeast-digesting enzyme blend: The walls of a yeast like Candida are made of beta-glucans. Digestive enzymes like cellulase and hemicellulase break down those walls. This weakens the yeast cells and makes them vulnerable to antifungal medication or wipe out by the immune cells. Thus, getting a probiotic like NATURE’SFIELD WOMEN’S ONCE-DAILY VAGINAL CARE PROBIOTICS will significantly hinder the growth and proliferation of yeast cells. It will also create an environment consisting of a balanced population of microorganisms.
Recurrent yeast and urinary tract infections can be a beast to deal with, especially if they occur simultaneously. Improving your vaginal health and restoring the optimal pH of the vagina is critical to avoiding these infections. Treating a UTI with antibiotics can be effective, but it’s more like a double-edged sword. This is because antibiotics unintentionally kills off both good and bad microorganisms in your body. This creates an environment for opportunistic yeasts like Candida to overgrow and cause yeast infections.
Therefore, incorporating NATURE’SFIELD WOMEN’S ONCE-DAILY VAGINAL PROBIOTICS containing a yeast-digesting enzyme blend will work synergistically to prevent both infections and restore the balance of microorganisms in your body required for overall health.