If you experience discomfort in your genital area or when you urinate, you may have an infection.
What’s the Difference Between a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Vaginal Infection?
Although UTIs and vaginal infections are quite different, it’s possible to have both at the same time. In fact, treating a UTI with antibiotics can sometimes lead to a vaginal infection. In addition, having bacterial vaginosis may predispose you to getting recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.
Did you know that some vaginal bacteria may even trigger recurrent UTIs?
In young, sexually active women, about 80 percent of UTIs are caused by E. coli. Conventional thinking holds that recurrence occurs when E. coli is reintroduced into the urinary tract, however, new research suggests another way for a subsequent UTI to develop: The vaginal bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis triggers E. coli already hiding in the bladder, usually under a protective biofilm, to cause another UTI. These findings help explain why sexual activity is associated with UTIs. When Gardnerella vaginalis gets into the bladder, this vaginal bacterium causes dormant E. coli from a previous infection to start multiplying again, causing another UTI. G. vaginalis also may be a contributor to more serious – and potentially deadly – kidney infections.
Symptoms
UTIs and vaginal infections may cause pain when urinating or discomfort in the genital area; however, generally other symptoms and the treatment for the conditions are different.
“UTIs and vaginal infections symptoms may be in the same general area, but they’re distinct and need to be treated differently”
UTI symptoms typically affect urination. They may cause a burning sensation when you urinate, or you may feel a need to urinate more frequently. Vaginal infection symptoms may include pain when urinating, but you’ll also experience pain and itchiness in the affected area. Vaginal infections also typically cause a thick, milky discharge.
Know How to Tell the Difference!
Understanding the differences between a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis and a urinary tract infection (UTI) is important so you can get the appropriate treatment or clearly describe symptoms to a doctor if these issues do not clear up on their own. The chart below that outlines symptoms of common infections including UTIs, Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Trichomoniasis.
GYNALAC is not intended to cure or treat an existing infection. The product works to help balance your vaginal pH levels, which can help to eliminate unwanted vaginal odors, including those associated with BV. Because GYNALAC has the same pH level as a healthy vagina and supports the vagina’s self-cleaning mechanisms, many women who use GYNALAC report a decrease in the occurrence of vaginal infections – like BV or yeast infections.
Introducing URIEXO
- Promotes a Healthy Urinary Tract*
- Helps cleanse & protect the urinary tract*
- Clinical Strength:
- 36 mg Proanthocyanidins (PACs)
- 2000 mg D-mannose
- Antibiotic-Free
- Easy to Swallow Capsules
You now have an option to deal with vaginal odor that tackles the problem at its source.
Developing a routine, with GYNALAC, that maintains a healthy pH balance is the secret to preventing and eliminating vaginal odor, once and for all.
Vaginal Discharge: The production of vaginal discharge can change in consistency and appearance depending on many factors. Click here to learn more about vaginal discharge.
Vaginal Discharge Color: Click here for a guide and to learn more about what the color of your vaginal discharge means.
Importance of pH: A healthy vaginal pH is usually between 3.8 and 4.5. Click here to learn more about why pH of the vagina is so important.
Antibiotic Resistance: The growing concern over the risk of antibiotic resistance is the primary reasons most healthcare practitioners are now turning towards non-antibiotic approaches to prevent recurrent infections. Learn more here.
Pregnancy: Bacterial Vaginosis is found in about 25% of pregnant women. Click here to learn more about potential risks to your pregnancy.
Bacterial Vaginosis or Yeast Infection: Which Is It? Click here to learn how to tell the difference between bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection.
FAQs: Click here to find the answers to commonly asked questions on GYNALAC and bacterial vaginosis.