A yeast infection arises from an overgrowth of Candida fungus. While these infections can cause discomfort and irritation, they typically do not directly cause blood in the urine. The presence of blood in urine, known as hematuria, usually indicates other underlying health conditions requiring medical evaluation.
Understanding Yeast Infections
Yeast infections, particularly vaginal candidiasis, result from an imbalance allowing the Candida fungus to multiply excessively. This imbalance can occur due to various factors, including antibiotic use, hormonal changes from pregnancy or birth control, uncontrolled diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Candida normally lives in the body without causing issues, but certain conditions can lead to its overgrowth.
Common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include intense itching, burning, and irritation in and around the vagina and vulva. Individuals may also experience redness, swelling, and soreness in the affected area. A thick, white vaginal discharge, often described as having a cottage cheese-like consistency and typically odorless, is another characteristic symptom.
Diagnosis of a yeast infection usually involves a physical examination of the genital area. A healthcare provider might also take a sample of vaginal discharge to examine under a microscope to confirm the presence of an overgrowth of yeast cells. This microscopic analysis helps differentiate a yeast infection from other conditions.
Causes of Blood in Urine
Hematuria, the medical term for blood in urine, can be visible (gross hematuria) or microscopic. Any blood in urine warrants medical attention, as it can indicate various conditions.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of hematuria, where bacteria infect the urinary system. Kidney stones, hard mineral deposits, can also lead to blood in the urine as they pass or irritate urinary passages.
Other potential causes include certain medications, strenuous physical activity, or an enlarged prostate in men. More serious conditions like kidney disease, bladder inflammation, or cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate can also result in hematuria. While a yeast infection is not a direct cause, severe irritation or scratching from a vaginal yeast infection can sometimes lead to minor, superficial bleeding in the surrounding tissues, which could be mistaken for blood in the urine.
Distinguishing Symptoms
Differentiating between yeast infection and urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Yeast infections primarily cause localized discomfort such as itching, burning, and redness of the external genital area.
In contrast, UTIs are characterized by symptoms related to the urinary tract itself. These include frequent, urgent, and painful urination, and lower abdominal discomfort. Unlike yeast infections, UTIs can directly cause blood in the urine, and the urine may appear cloudy or have a strong odor.
Both conditions can cause painful urination, but the mechanism differs. With a yeast infection, pain during urination is usually due to urine irritating inflamed external tissues. For UTIs, the pain originates internally from the inflamed urinary tract. Recognizing these distinctions helps individuals understand the nature of their symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms, especially if blood is present in the urine. Any visible or microscopic blood in urine warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Consult a doctor if yeast infection symptoms are severe, persistent, or don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments. Accompanying symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or severe back or abdominal pain also require immediate assessment. A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.