Fungal UTI vs. Bacterial UTI: What’s the Difference?

If you’re dealing with burning urination, discomfort, or cloudy urine, a urinary tract infection (UTI) might be to blame. But did you know not all UTIs are caused by bacteria? While bacterial UTIs are more common, some are caused by fungi—and the treatment for each is very different.

In this article, you’ll learn what sets fungal UTIs apart from bacterial ones, what symptoms to watch for, and how to get the right diagnosis and treatment to protect your health.

What causes fungal UTIs vs. bacterial UTIs?

Bacterial UTIs happen when bacteria—most often E. coli, a common gut bacterium—enter your urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. This can happen due to poor hygiene, sexual activity, not urinating after intercourse, or wiping from back to front.

Fungal UTIs, on the other hand, are most often caused by Candida, a type of yeast that lives naturally on your skin and inside your body. These infections usually appear when your immune system is weakened or your body’s natural balance is disrupted—such as after surgery, long-term antibiotic use, or while using a catheter.

Learn more about foods to avoid with UTIs to help prevent bacterial flare-ups.

Who’s at risk for each type?

You’re more likely to develop a bacterial UTI if you:

• Are biologically female (shorter urethra)

• Are sexually active

• Use spermicides or diaphragms

• Don’t urinate frequently

• Are postmenopausal

• Have diabetes or kidney stones

You may be at greater risk of a fungal UTI if you:

• Have uncontrolled diabetes

• Use a urinary catheter for extended periods

• Are taking antibiotics frequently

• Have recently had surgery or been hospitalized

• Have a weakened immune system from medications, cancer, or organ transplant

Fungal UTIs are far less common in the general population but are increasing in clinical settings like hospitals or nursing homes. People with diabetes should be aware of glucose in urine, a common complication that increases UTI risk.

What symptoms should you look for?

Many of the symptoms of fungal and bacterial UTIs overlap, which can make diagnosis tricky without testing. However, there are a few subtle differences.

Bacterial UTI symptoms often include:

• Pain or burning during urination

• Urgent or frequent urination

• Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine

• Foul-smelling urine

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure

• Fever or chills (especially if it spreads to the kidneys)

Fungal UTI symptoms may include:

• Burning or stinging while urinating

• White particles or debris in the urine

• A persistent feeling of bladder discomfort

• Chronic or recurring symptoms that don’t improve with antibiotics

• Little to no symptoms (especially in catheterized patients)

Fungal UTIs often develop slowly and can linger without obvious signs—making early detection and testing especially important if symptoms don’t improve with standard care.

Also, keep in mind that urine color can signal an active infection or imbalance.

How are these infections diagnosed?

If you’re showing signs of a UTI, your healthcare provider will likely start with a urinalysis to look for signs of infection like white blood cells or bacteria. A urine culture helps identify exactly what’s causing the infection.

• For bacterial UTIs, urine is tested for common bacteria like E. coli or Klebsiella.

• For fungal UTIs, the lab looks for yeast like Candida albicans.

If your infection doesn’t respond to antibiotics, your doctor may repeat the test or send your sample for fungal culture.

In more complicated or persistent infections, you may need:

• Imaging tests like a bladder ultrasound or CT scan to check for obstructions

• Blood tests to look for systemic infections

• Cystoscopy, where a tiny camera is used to inspect your bladder

Always let your doctor know if you’ve recently had surgery, used a catheter, or have a condition like diabetes. This helps them choose the right tests from the start.

If you notice discomfort and aren't sure what's causing it, urine pH testing may provide helpful clues about your urinary environment.

How are fungal and bacterial UTIs treated?

Bacterial UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which usually bring relief within a few days. Common antibiotics include:

• Nitrofurantoin

• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

• Fosfomycin

• Ciprofloxacin

Your doctor will choose the right one based on your health history and the bacteria involved. Be sure to complete the full course—even if your symptoms improve.

Fungal UTIs require antifungal medications, since antibiotics don’t work against yeast. These may include:

• Fluconazole (most common)

• Amphotericin B (for resistant infections)

• Flucytosine (used in combination in severe cases)

In many cases, especially for people with catheters, removing or replacing the catheter is essential for recovery. A catheter can become a constant source of fungal growth if not managed properly.

If your symptoms aren’t resolving, urinalysis for UTI indicators can help confirm what’s wrong.

How long does recovery take?

For most people with bacterial UTIs, symptoms improve within 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotics. Full recovery typically takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity and whether the infection has spread.

Recovery from a fungal UTI may take 1 to 2 weeks or more, particularly if the infection has reached the kidneys or bloodstream. People with weakened immune systems or underlying health issues may need longer treatment and careful follow-up.

If you’ve had multiple UTIs in a short period or if symptoms return after treatment, your doctor may suggest further testing to identify hidden causes or resistant infections.

If you've had multiple UTIs, recurring UTIs: tests and treatment may provide clarity on why they keep coming back.

Can UTIs become serious if left untreated?

Yes—whether bacterial or fungal, an untreated UTI can cause complications.

Bacterial infections can travel from your bladder to your kidneys, leading to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis. This may require IV antibiotics and hospital care.

Fungal infections can also become dangerous, especially if they spread into the bloodstream. Candidemia, or fungal sepsis, is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment in a hospital setting.

The good news? Most UTIs can be treated quickly and effectively—especially when caught early.

Can you have both a fungal and bacterial UTI at the same time?

It’s possible, especially if you’ve been on antibiotics for a long time or have a catheter. Antibiotics can wipe out helpful bacteria in your body, creating the perfect environment for yeast overgrowth.

When this happens, doctors may find both bacterial and fungal organisms in your urine. Treating both types of infections requires a carefully managed plan involving antibiotics and antifungals.

This is why testing before treatment is so important—so your doctor can choose the right approach from the beginning. Consider the possibility of overlapping issues like yeast infection vs. UTI, which may require dual treatment strategies.

What can you do to prevent UTIs?

You can take steps to prevent both bacterial and fungal UTIs with a few simple habits:

To prevent bacterial UTIs:

• Urinate after sex to flush out bacteria

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day

• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet

• Wear breathable cotton underwear

• Avoid holding in urine for too long

• Limit use of spermicides or diaphragms

To prevent fungal UTIs:

• Manage blood sugar levels if you have diabetes

• Avoid unnecessary or frequent antibiotic use

• Keep your genital area clean and dry

• Ask your doctor if you really need a catheter—and have it changed regularly

• Boost your immune system with a balanced diet and adequate sleep

If you’re prone to frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about additional prevention strategies or consider tracking symptoms at home with a UTI test kit.

What’s the takeaway?

While bacterial UTIs are far more common, fungal UTIs are a growing concern—especially in people with complex health needs, weakened immune systems, or prolonged catheter use. The symptoms can be similar, but the causes and treatments are very different.

If you’ve had multiple UTIs that don’t improve with antibiotics, ask your doctor about fungal testing. With the right diagnosis, both types of infections are treatable—and early action can prevent serious complications.

Support your urinary health with Ribbon Checkup

Looking for a simple, reliable way to monitor your urinary health at home? Ribbon Checkup offers fast, affordable at-home UTI tests that help you detect infections early—so you can take the right next steps.

Explore Ribbon Checkup’s at-home UTI test kits 

Related Resources

• Recurring UTIs: Tests, Reasons & Treatment
  Learn why some UTIs keep coming back, how to test for chronic infections, and what treatment options can help.
  

• Urinalysis: What Indicates a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
  Understand what your urine test results mean and how to interpret common markers of infection.
  

• Yeast Infection vs. UTI
  Discover the key differences between yeast infections and UTIs, including overlapping symptoms and when both may occur together.

References

References

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Flores-Mireles, A. L., Walker, J. N., Caparon, M., & Hultgren, S. J. (2015). Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 13(5), 269–284. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro3432 

Hidalgo, J. A. (2025, March 28). Candidiasis Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Medscape.com website: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/213853-treatment 

Saliba, W., Orna Nitzan, Chazan, B., & Elias, M. (2015). Urinary tract infections in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: review of prevalence, diagnosis, and management. Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, 129–129. https://doi.org/10.2147/dmso.s51792 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes. (2025). Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447 

Warning. (2023, August 28). Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections