April 27, 2023
Bacterial Vaginosis vs Yeast Infection: Understanding the Differences and Symptoms
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are two of the most common vaginal infections that women experience. While they may have some similar symptoms, they are caused by different organisms and require different treatments.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. In a healthy vagina, there are both good and bad bacteria, but when the bad bacteria outnumber the good, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis. The exact cause of this imbalance is not fully understood, but it has been linked to sexual activity, douching, and the use of antibiotics.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may include:
Thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge
Fishy odor (especially after sex)
Burning during urination
Itching around the vagina
Bacterial vaginosis is typically diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a physical exam and a vaginal swab. Treatment may include prescription antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully treated.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. The fungus can grow out of control when there is an imbalance in the vagina, such as an increase in estrogen levels, which can happen during pregnancy, or when taking certain medications, like antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Symptoms of a yeast infection may include:
Thick, white vaginal discharge
Itching and burning around the vagina
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Pain during sex or urination
A healthcare provider can diagnose a yeast infection through a physical exam and a vaginal swab. Treatment may include over-the-counter antifungal medications, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, or prescription antifungal medications, such as fluconazole. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and finish the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
While bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections may have some similar symptoms, they are caused by different organisms and require different treatments. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a vaginal infection, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding douching, and wearing breathable underwear can help prevent these infections from occurring.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. In a healthy vagina, there are both good and bad bacteria, but when the bad bacteria outnumber the good, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis. The exact cause of this imbalance is not fully understood, but it has been linked to sexual activity, douching, and the use of antibiotics.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may include:
Thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge
Fishy odor (especially after sex)
Burning during urination
Itching around the vagina
Bacterial vaginosis is typically diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a physical exam and a vaginal swab. Treatment may include prescription antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully treated.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. The fungus can grow out of control when there is an imbalance in the vagina, such as an increase in estrogen levels, which can happen during pregnancy, or when taking certain medications, like antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Symptoms of a yeast infection may include:
Thick, white vaginal discharge
Itching and burning around the vagina
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Pain during sex or urination
A healthcare provider can diagnose a yeast infection through a physical exam and a vaginal swab. Treatment may include over-the-counter antifungal medications, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, or prescription antifungal medications, such as fluconazole. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and finish the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
While bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections may have some similar symptoms, they are caused by different organisms and require different treatments. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a vaginal infection, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding douching, and wearing breathable underwear can help prevent these infections from occurring.