Thrush or UTI? How to Tell the Symptoms Apart
Thrush and urinary tract infections can both cause discomfort around urination, but they are different conditions and usually produce different patterns of symptoms. Getting appropriate advice matters because their treatment is different.
Book a private consultation in Rochdale
What does vaginal thrush usually feel like?
Common symptoms can include white vaginal discharge that does not usually smell, itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina, and soreness or stinging during sex or when passing urine.
What does a UTI usually feel like?
UTI symptoms can include burning or pain when passing urine, needing to urinate more often, urgency, cloudy urine, blood in the urine and lower abdominal discomfort. Fever, shivering or pain in the back under the ribs can indicate a more significant infection and needs prompt assessment.
Why can they be confused?
Both can cause stinging around urination. Vaginal itching and characteristic discharge can occur with thrush, while urinary frequency and urgency are more typical of a UTI. Symptoms can overlap, however, and other vaginal or sexually transmitted infections can produce similar problems.
When can a pharmacist help?
A pharmacist can discuss symptoms privately and advise whether pharmacy treatment or another route of care is appropriate. First-time, recurrent or otherwise concerning symptoms may require further medical assessment.
When should you seek urgent advice?
Seek prompt medical advice for symptoms such as fever or shivering, pain in the back under the ribs, blood in the urine, rapidly worsening illness, pregnancy with possible UTI, or where you are otherwise at increased risk of complications.
Read UTI Symptoms in Women, explore our Women's Health services, or book a consultation.
Longeva Wellness, Rochdale. GPhC registered pharmacy 9012378.
This article cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms. Individual assessment may be required.
0 comments