BV vs. Yeast Infection: How Do I Tell the Difference?
Summary
- Both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are types of vaginitis with similar symptoms that are often difficult to distinguish.
- Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat yeast infections, while treatment must be prescribed by a doctor for BV.
- Both conditions are treatable and preventable conditions.
- Women with either condition can still enjoy a healthy sex life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginitis that affects an estimated 21.2 million women, while around 1.4 million patients visit a health care provider for vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections) in the U.S. each year.
While some women who have a yeast infection or BV may be asymptomatic, certain individuals may experience itching, pain, discomfort, and in severe cases, even fever.
Preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes, may increase the risk of developing a yeast infection and BV, but there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of infection.
In this article, we’ll cover yeast infections and BV, their symptoms, causes, and preventative measures that reduce the risk of recurrence.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial vaginosis is inflammation of the vagina caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria (disruption of your vaginal pH.)
Over 80% of women with BV have no symptoms, and it most commonly affects women between the ages of 15 and 44. All women can get BV, but those of reproductive age are most susceptible.
Key Point: What is Vaginitis?
Vaginitis refers to vaginal inflammation that is often accompanied by pain, itching, and vaginal discharge. Common types of vaginitis include BV, vaginal yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.
What is a Yeast Infection?
Also called candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis, a yeast infection is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus.
Candida naturally exists in the vagina along with vaginal flora, but an imbalanced microbiome can cause a yeast infection. When Lactobacillus (the good bacteria) can no longer keep the candida fungus under control, a yeast infection occurs.
Anyone can get a yeast infection, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Around 20% of women who have a yeast infection will not exhibit any symptoms.
Key Point: What Are Vaginal Flora?
Vaginal flora refers to the bacteria that comprise the vaginal microbiome (microorganisms that naturally live in the vagina). A total of 581 bacterial species have been identified in the vagina.
Because the symptoms of vaginal infections such as BV and yeast infections often overlap, it can be difficult to tell them apart. A visit to the doctor will help you determine which condition you have, but there are some clear distinctions between the two.
Here are some of the symptoms to watch for:
Symptoms of BV and Yeast Infections |
---|
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) | Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) |
Itching, irritation, and discomfort | Itching, irritation, and discomfort |
A pungent, “fishy” odor that may be more prominent after sex or during menstruation | Little odor or a mild, yeasty smell |
A burning sensation during urination | A burning sensation during urination |
Thin, watery vaginal discharge or discharge that’s white, green, or gray | A creamy, white coating around the vagina |
Pain during sexual intercourse | A clumpy, white vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese-like texture |
Pain or burning during intercourse | A clumpy, white vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese-like texture |
Redness or swelling around the vagina | |
A rash |
Not BV or a Yeast Infection: What Else Could it Be?
BV and yeast infections are not the only conditions that can cause inflammation of the vagina. In some cases, vaginitis may be caused by the following:
Gonorrhea
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), which is a type of bacteria that can cause a sexually transmitted infection
Campylobacter infection
Parasites
Poor hygiene
To rule these out, visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
BV vs. Yeast Infections: What are the Causes?
A bacterial imbalance is the underlying cause of both BV and yeast infections, but there are risk factors that respectively threaten the balance of your vagina’s microbiome. These risk factors are listed below:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Unprotected sex
Multiple sexual partners
Penile-vaginal sex with someone new
Hormonal fluctuations caused by menopause, pregnancy, menstruation, or other factors
Douches or excessive cleansing
Feminine products, such as scented soaps or vaginal deodorants, that cause irritation
Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
Pregnancy
Antibiotics
Menopause
Hormonal changes caused by stress
Scented feminine products
Non-breathable underwear
Restrictive clothing
How Do I Treat BV or Yeast Infections?
The course of treatment for BV and yeast infections will depend on the severity of your condition.
Over-the-counter treatments are typically used for a yeast infection, with prescription medications and creams reserved for BV.
How do I treat BV?
If you suspect you have BV based on the symptoms we’ve covered, be sure to schedule a doctor’s appointment to get treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will confirm a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment to help you get better.
Common treatment options for BV include:
Antibiotics, such as metronidazole, secnidazole, and tinidazole
Suppository creams, such as clindamycin
Gels, such as metronidazole
Daily probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, may help decrease the recurrence of BV. However, there is not enough clinical data to support the use of probiotics in combating BV.
What Can I Expect When I Visit the Doctor?
When you’re experiencing vaginitis, a trip to the doctor may seem daunting. However, a doctor’s diagnosis will help you get the proper treatment for BV.
When you visit the doctor for BV treatment, they may:
Ask questions about your symptoms and medical history
Perform a pelvic exam
Take a vaginal discharge sample for analysis
Request a urine sample
It's possible to self-diagnose a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis, but OTC medication is only available for yeast infection treatment. If you suspect you have a yeast infection or BV, you can also head over to LifeMD.com to speak to a board-certified doctor from your smartphone, computer, or tablet. A doctor may be able to provide a diagnosis and write you a prescription.
How Do I Treat a Yeast Infection?
For mild cases, you can get over-the-counter treatment, but prescription medication is available for more severe cases.
You can treat yeast infections with the following:
Antifungal medication, such as miconazole and terconazole. These are typically available as creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets.
Oral medication, such as fluconazole.
Be sure to consult your doctor if the above treatments don’t work. There are also vaginal health tests you can purchase to ensure you’re treating the right condition.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, you may require long-course vaginal therapy, multidose antifungal medication, or boric acid suppositories.
Home remedies may offer some relief, but over-the-counter and prescription medications provide fast, effective treatment if you have a yeast infection.
What Happens If I Don’t Get Treatment?
Sometimes a vaginal yeast infection and BV can clear on their own; however, if symptoms persist or worsen, you should get over-the-counter treatment or seek medical attention promptly for a yeast infection.
Yeast Infections: An untreated yeast infection may cause severe itchiness, pain, and inflammation that could leave the vagina with raw, cracked patches.
Bacterial Vaginosis: If you have BV, getting treatment as soon as possible will help you avoid certain complications that could:
Increase your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Increase your risk of developing infections that may cause infertility
Result in premature delivery and a baby with a low birth weight
How Can I Prevent Yeast Infections and BV?
Both are treatable conditions, but there are also certain steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing them.
Here are some ways to reduce your chances of getting BV and yeast infections:
Choose breathable underwear made of fabrics such as cotton
Change your underwear regularly
Steer clear of douching
Avoid scented soaps and intimate products
Have protected sex
Only use clean sex toys
Have fewer sexual partners
Take showers instead of baths (or avoid really hot baths)
Avoid hot tubs
Wipe the vagina from front to back
Pat dry genitals instead of wiping, as wiping may cause irritation
Avoid tight clothing
Limit sugar
Eat a balanced diet that includes fermented foods (which naturally contain probiotics)
Take probiotic supplements
BV, Yeast Infections, and Sex: What Should I Know?
While yeast infections and BV aren’t sexually transmitted diseases, engaging in sexual activity can increase your risk of developing these conditions.
Sex is not a direct cause of BV or yeast infections, but anything that disrupts the vaginal pH can trigger vaginitis.
Below are some useful tips:
Always use protection when engaging in sexual activities, which includes the use of a dental dam during oral sex.
Clean sex toys between uses.
Avoid having sex if you have BV or a yeast infection.
Wait for at least a week after you complete your treatment before you have sex.
There is also some evidence to suggest that uncircumcised male partners increase your risk of developing BV, so always use protection.
Do I Need to See a Doctor?
It is possible to self-diagnose a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis, but OTC medication is only available for yeast infection treatment. If you suspect you have a yeast infection or BV, you can make a telehealth appointment here, and speak to a board-certified doctor from the comfort of your home. Your doctor may also be able to write you a lab order to rule out any STDs.
BV and Yeast Infections: Where Can I Learn More?
Bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections can cause uncomfortable vaginal discharge and other symptoms that can make one self-conscious, but there’s no reason why they should affect your quality of life. These conditions are common and quite treatable.
If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms covered in this article, or if you have any concerns about vaginal or sexual health, you can speak to a U.S. based, board-certified doctor from the comfort of your home. Head over ot LifeMD to make your first appointment.
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