What is the difference?

Urinary tract infection vs Thrush

A UTI and thrush can both cause stinging or burning around the genitals, so people sometimes treat one when they have the other. A UTI is a bacterial infection inside the urinary system; thrush is a yeast overgrowth on the skin of the genitals.

General information, not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a clinician, pharmacist or sexual health clinic.

Body & health

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most often the bladder, causing a burning feeling when urinating and needing to go often.

Full entry
Body & health

Thrush

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi, leading to itching, soreness and sometimes thick white discharge. It can affect the vulva and vagina or the penis.

Full entry

Side by side

Urinary tract infectionThrush
CauseUrinary tract infectionBacteria, usually from the gut, entering the urethra.ThrushAn overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on the body.
Where it is feltUrinary tract infectionInside: burning when urinating, needing to go often or urgently, lower tummy pain.ThrushOutside: itching, soreness and irritation of the vulva, vagina or penis.
DischargeUrinary tract infectionNo discharge, but urine may look cloudy or contain blood.ThrushOften a thick white discharge that does not usually smell.
TreatmentUrinary tract infectionOften a short course of antibiotics; mild cases sometimes clear on their own.ThrushAntifungal tablets, pessaries or creams.
Warning signsUrinary tract infectionFever, shivering, back or side pain need prompt advice, as the kidneys may be involved.ThrushUsually harmless, but frequent episodes are worth checking with a doctor.

In short

Burning when urinating with frequent trips points more towards a UTI; itching with white discharge points more towards thrush. If unsure, a pharmacist or doctor can check.

What they have in common

Neither is classed as an STI, though sex can trigger both, and both are common. A course of antibiotics for a UTI can itself trigger thrush.

Sources

  1. NHSUrinary tract infections (UTIs)
  2. NHSThrush in men and women
  3. Planned ParenthoodUrinary tract infections (UTIs)

More comparisons

Last reviewed 16 October 2026. Spotted a mistake?