Does a Yeast Infection Change Urine pH?
No, a yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) does not change urine pH—in fact, normal vaginal pH (<4.5) is a diagnostic criterion that helps distinguish yeast infections from other causes of vaginitis. 1
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and pH
The presence of vulvovaginal candidiasis is actually associated with maintaining a normal acidic vaginal pH of less than 4.5 (or 4.0-4.5), which is a key diagnostic feature used to differentiate yeast infections from bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. 1
- When evaluating a patient with suspected vulvovaginal candidiasis, a normal pH (<4.5) supports the diagnosis, while an elevated pH suggests an alternative diagnosis. 1
- The diagnostic workup should include a wet mount preparation with saline and 10% potassium hydroxide to demonstrate yeast or hyphae, along with pH measurement. 1
Candiduria and Urine pH
Regarding candiduria (Candida in the urine), which is a completely different clinical entity from vulvovaginal candidiasis:
- There is no established relationship between Candida presence in urine and changes in urine pH. 2, 3, 4
- One study examining urinary symptoms found no correlation between urine pH and symptomatology, whether or not infection was present. 5
- Candiduria most commonly represents colonization rather than true infection, particularly in hospitalized patients with indwelling catheters, diabetes, or antibiotic exposure. 2, 3
Important Clinical Distinctions
The key pitfall to avoid is confusing vulvovaginal candidiasis with candiduria:
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects the vagina and vulva, presents with pruritus, discharge, and dysuria (external), and is associated with normal vaginal pH. 1
- Candiduria refers to Candida in the urinary tract itself, is usually asymptomatic colonization, and does not typically alter urine pH. 6, 2, 3
Special Populations
In diabetic patients, candiduria prevalence is elevated (7.5% in asymptomatic and 17.1% in symptomatic diabetic patients), but this still does not indicate a pH change—rather, it reflects increased susceptibility to colonization. 7