Bacterial vaginosis vs. yeast infection: How to tell - Medical News Today

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments.

A yeast infection and BV are both infections that cause vaginitis.

Vaginitis is the medical term for inflammation of the vagina. It can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• itching
• pain
• burning
• changes in vaginal discharge
• a foul-smelling odor

Most females have at least one episode of vaginitis in their lifetimes; it is the most common gynecologic diagnosis in a doctor's practice.

Below, we describe the differences between BV and a yeast infection. In particular, we explore the symptoms of both issues and the steps a person can take to prevent them.

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Inflammation of the vagina is an effect of both BV and yeast infections.
Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

BV and yeast infections have different causes and risk factors, but both cause inflammation of the vagina — vaginitis. In fact, these infections are two of the most common causes of vaginitis.

When a doctor diagnoses a cause of vaginitis, the cause is:

• BV in around 40–50% of cases
• a yeast infection in 20–25% of cases
• trichomoniasis in 15–20% of cases
• not an infection in the remaining 5–10% of cases

It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a person has BV or a yeast infection, but there are some characteristic signs.

Below, find similarities and differences in the symptoms of BV and a yeast infection:

BV causes

"Vaginal flora" collectively refers to the bacteria that live in the vagina.

Usually, among the vaginal flora, there is more of a type of helpful bacteria, called Lactobacillus, than harmful bacteria.

Certain activities can disrupt the natural balance of the microorganisms in the vagina, and this disruption leads to BV.

Risk factors for BV include:

• vaginal douching
• smoking
• having new or multiple sexual partners
• having sex without a condom
• a natural lack of Lactobacillus bacteria

Yeast infection causes

Bacteria do not cause vaginal yeast infections. Instead, the cause is usually a type of fungus, or yeast, called Candida.

Candida can be naturally present in the vaginal area, but Lactobacillus bacteria usually restrict the growth of Candida.

However, in some situations, Candida multiplies unchecked, leading to a yeast infection.

Risk factors for a yeast infection include:

• using hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills
• being pregnant
• having recently taken antibiotics
• having a weakened immune system

To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:

• Ask about the person's medical history, including previous vaginal infections, which may have been sexually transmitted.
• Perform an examinationto look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge.
• Take a sample of the discharge for analysis, to see whether an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present.
• Test the pH of the vagina, as a pH of 4.5 or above can indicate BV.

Around 20% of healthy females tend to have Candida in their vaginas, so a positive fungal culture does not necessarily indicate that the fungus is responsible for any symptoms.

The treatments for BV and a yeast infection are different. Also, the right course of treatment can depend on the severity of the infection.

BV treatment

To treat BV, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic medications, such as:

• Metronidazole (Flagyl). This is available as a pill or a vaginal gel.
• Clindamycin (Cleocin). This is a cream that a person inserts into their vagina.
• Tinidazole (Tindamax). This comes in pill form.

Yeast infection treatment

If a person experiences mild to moderate symptoms of a yeast infection, a doctor may recommend one of the following antifungal medications:

• Miconazole (Monistat) or terconazole (Terazol). Both can be pills, creams, ointments, or suppositories — available over the counter or by prescription.
• Fluconazole (Diflucan). This is a prescription, single-dose oral medication.

If a person has a severe yeast infection, a doctor may recommend taking a long course of antifungal medication, involving multiple doses.

Some strains of Candida are resistant to conventional medications. When one of these strains is causing the infection, the doctor will recommend special antifungal treatments.

It is not always possible to prevent BV or a yeast infection. However, doing the following can reduce the risk:

• Not douching. Douching can upset the natural balance of organisms in the vagina, increasing the risk of infection.
• Wiping from front to back. Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom helps prevent harmful bacteria from entering the vagina.
• Wearing cotton underwear. Cotton allows air to flow to the vagina and keeps moisture from collecting and creating an environment in which yeast thrives.
• Avoiding hot baths and hot tubs. Instead, a person could soak in a warm bath or take a shower.
• Drying thoroughly after washing. Rubbing the genitals can cause or worsen irritation, so a person should gently pat the area dry instead.
• Staying away from irritants. Avoiding harsh or scented soap products can help prevent or ease irritation.

BV and a yeast infection can cause similar symptoms, though there are telltale differences.

Different issues cause the two infections, so they require different treatments.

BV results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina, while an overgrowth of Candida fungus causes a yeast infection.

Both infections cause changes in vaginal discharge. BV causes thin discharge with a fishy odor, while a yeast infection causes discharge that is thick and odorless.

Doctors typically recommend antibiotic medications to treat BV and antifungal medications to treat yeast infections. Also, over-the-counter tablets, creams, ointments, and suppositories are available to treat mild to moderate yeast infections.

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