Urine Analysis Biomarker
Collection Type: Urine
Related System: Urine Analysis
Candida in urine (candiduria) refers to the presence of Candida species (yeasts) detected by urine microscopy, dipstick, or culture. The test measures whether yeast cells or colony-forming units (CFU) are present in a urine specimen and, if cultured, may identify the species. Candiduria can reflect contamination, colonization of the urinary tract (often from an indwelling catheter), or true infection of the lower or upper urinary tract. Symptoms that prompt testing include dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, flank pain, fever, or unexplained sepsis in high-risk patients. Prevalence is higher in women, older adults, people with diabetes, catheterized patients, those receiving broad‑spectrum antibiotics, and immunocompromised individuals; neonates and pregnant women are also higher-risk groups.
Run our symptom checker to see if this test is right for you
Symptom Checker0 CFU/mL
Q: Is Candida in urine serious?
A: Candida in urine (candiduria) is often contamination or harmless colonization, especially with catheters, diabetes, or recent antibiotics. Asymptomatic candiduria usually doesn't require treatment unless the patient is high‑risk (neutropenia, immunosuppression, urinary obstruction, prosthetic devices, or before urologic procedures). Symptomatic infection or signs of systemic illness warrant evaluation and antifungal therapy. Discuss results with your clinician.
Q: How do you treat Candida in the urine?
A: Treatment depends on symptoms and risk. Asymptomatic candiduria often needs no therapy; repeat culture and remove or replace indwelling catheters. Symptomatic infection or high-risk patients (neutropenia, urologic procedures) require antifungal therapy—oral fluconazole is first-line for susceptible Candida. For fluconazole‑resistant species or severe disease, use amphotericin B (systemic or bladder instillation) guided by culture and susceptibility. Manage underlying factors like diabetes.
Q: What causes Candida during pregnancy?
A: During pregnancy Candida overgrowth is usually triggered by hormonal and immune changes: higher estrogen and progesterone increase vaginal glycogen and lower pH, favoring yeast growth. Reduced local immunity, antibiotic use (which disrupts protective bacteria), high blood sugar or gestational diabetes, increased vaginal moisture, and tight non‑breathable clothing also raise risk.
Q: Can Candida cause headaches?
A: Candida yeast rarely causes headaches directly. Local Candida infections (thrush, vaginal) generally don’t produce headaches. Invasive candidiasis uncommon except in severely ill or immunocompromised people can cause systemic symptoms, including fever and sometimes headache. Claims that gut \
Q: Can Candida damage the kidneys?
A: Yes. While Candida usually causes surface infections, invasive candidiasis can spread through the bloodstream and seed organs including the kidneys. Fungal kidney infection may cause abscesses, pyelonephritis and acute kidney injury, especially in immunocompromised, hospitalized or catheterized patients. Prompt diagnosis (cultures, imaging) and systemic antifungal therapy plus source control reduce risk of permanent damage; untreated invasive disease can lead to renal failure.
Q: What is the main cause of Candida?
A: Candida infections are caused by overgrowth of Candida yeasts (most commonly Candida albicans) when normal microbial balance or immunity is disrupted. Common triggers include broad‑spectrum antibiotic use, weakened immune systems (HIV, chemotherapy), uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraception), high‑sugar diets, and warm, moist environments—factors that let Candida multiply and cause symptoms.