What is the difference between an STD and a yeast infection? Learn about the symptoms and causes that distinguish these two conditions.

What is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that passes through sexual contact. When a person is infected with a parasite, virus, or strain of bacteria that causes an STD, they can give it to another person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection can also pass during intimate contact like kissing or touching. An STI can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Some STIs show no symptoms for weeks or months. Syphilis, for example, can lie dormant in the body for years without showing symptoms. Other STIs cause only mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to be infected with an STD, and be contagious, and not be aware. This is why sexual health testing is so important.

Some of the most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis B and C, HIV, HPV, pubic lice, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. The most common STD in the United States is HPV, with 2 in 5 people ages 15 to 59 years having the infection.

What is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast is a fungus that grows naturally in small amounts on the skin, inside the digestive tract, and in the vaginal area. In most cases, this fungus is entirely harmless. However, a yeast infection (also known as candidiasis), can occur when the yeast grows and multiplies out of control.

Yeast grows best in warm, moist places. As such, yeast infections may develop in several of the same areas of the body where STDs can occur, such as between skin folds, the mouth (thrush), the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis), the navel, the vagina (yeast vaginitis), the nail beds, and the penis.

Symptoms that STDs and Yeast Infections Have in Common

It’s no wonder that many people are unsure if they have a yeast infection or an STD—both have many similar symptoms. These include itchiness, irritation, redness, discharge, pain or burning with urination, and pain or discomfort during sex.

Differences in Symptoms Between STDs and Yeast Infections

Although STDs and yeast infections share several symptoms, some signs point to only one of these health conditions. Understanding which symptoms are indicators of infection can help you determine whether you should take a test, see a healthcare provider, or visit a pharmacy.

Sores or Blisters

One telltale difference between an STD and a yeast infection is that an STD may develop sores, warts, or blisters, while yeast infections of the mouth, vagina, or penis will not cause visible sores. Examples include genital herpes and syphilis.

Abnormal Discharge

Both yeast infections and various STDs can trigger abnormal discharge from the genitals, but the color, appearance, and odor of the discharge can differ. Yeast infections typically cause thick, white, clumpy discharge, while STD-related discharge may have a stronger or more foul odor.

Pain and Itching

Yeast infections often cause severe itching, burning, and irritation, especially in the vaginal area. STDs, on the other hand, may cause pain or discomfort during sex or urination, but do not typically cause the same level of intense itching.

Systemic Symptoms

Some STDs, like HIV and hepatitis, can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches. Yeast infections, however, are typically limited to the localized area of infection and do not cause these broader systemic symptoms.

STD vs. Yeast Infection: Comparing Causes

STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted through sexual contact. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida that naturally exists in the body.

Factors that can increase the risk of a yeast infection include antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, poor hygiene, and certain medications. STDs are primarily spread through unprotected sexual activity with an infected partner.

Find Out if it’s a Yeast Infection or an STD with Everlywell

If you are experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of a yeast infection or an STD, it’s important to get tested. Everlywell offers at-home STD tests and yeast infection tests that can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and take the appropriate next steps.