What is the difference between a yeast infection and bv

Q: Can you have both BV and yeast infection?

Its possible to have a yeast infection and BV at the same time. If you have symptoms of both conditions, see a doctor for diagnosis.

While both yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis are types of vaginitis (i.e. vaginal inflammation), they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Table of Contents Show

What is a Yeast Infection?
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Signs and Symptoms
Bacterial Vaginosis
Yeast Infections
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Yeast Infections
Do I have BV or a yeast infection?
Is yeast infection and BV treatment the same?
Does BV go away on its own?
Can you have both BV and yeast infection?

A vagina comprises both “good” and “bad” bacteria and bacterial vaginosis is the result of the “bad” bacteria becoming overgrown and disrupting this balance. It can be caused by several types of bacteria but is usually due to the Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria.

On the other hand, yeast infections are fungal – typically caused by the Candida fungus in the vagina.

Both of these types of vaginitis are extremely common. It is advised that you go to a gynaecologist for an accurate diagnosis.

What is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection is a fungal infection. Also known as vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infections are extremely common – about 3 out of 4 women experience them at some point in their lives, and many experience at least twice.

What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a type of vaginal inflammation that occurs when the vagina’s natural bacterial balance is disrupted, leading to the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria called anaerobes. Having BV can increase your chances of getting other STDs. You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

Signs and Symptoms

Both BV and yeast infections can cause unusual vaginal discharge. However, the discharge from a yeast infection usually has a thick, white consistency. On the other hand, the discharge from BV is thin, yellow, or grey and has a strong, unpleasant odour. At least half of the women who develop BV do not experience noticeable symptoms.

Below is a summary of similarities and differences in the signs & symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection:

Symptoms	Bacterial vaginosis (BV)	Yeast infection
Discharge	Thin vaginal discharge that’s gray, yellow, or greenish	Thick, white vaginal discharge with a watery consistency
Odour	“Fishy” odour that becomes stronger during your period or after sex	No vaginal odour
Pain	Discomfort	Pain and soreness
Burning sensation	Burning sensation with urination	Burning sensation with urination and/or sex
Itching	May or may not have vaginal itching	Vaginal itching and/or irritation of the vagina

Causes

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are caused by different factors.

Bacterial Vaginosis

The following are some of the common causes for bacterial vaginosis:

Douching or rinsing your vagina with a cleansing agent typically disrupts the normal vaginal environment. It may strip away “good” bacteria or introduce “bad” bacteria.
Intercourse with a new partner may introduce new bacteria to the area or change your vaginal pH, especially intercourse without a condom.

Yeast Infections

The following are some of the common causes for yeast infections:

Taking antibiotics may lead to a decrease in the “good” bacteria causing the yeast to grow
Major hormonal changes including pregnancy

Treatments

The treatments for BV and yeast infections differ. Some yeast infections can be treated with over the counter medications, but all cases of BV require prescription medication.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a commonly prescribed oral medications used to treat BV.

Although your symptoms are likely to clear up within 2 or 3 days, be sure to finish the full 5 or 7 day course of antibiotics. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics as that is the best way to clear the infection and reduce the chances of it recurring.

During this time, avoid having sexual intercourse or inserting anything into the vagina that could introduce bacteria such as tampons, menstrual cups or sex toys.

Unless your symptoms continue after your course is completed, you are unlikely to require a follow-up appointment.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can be treated with anti-fungal vaginal pessaries, creams or tablets.

It is important to finish the full course to clear the infection and reduce the chances of recurrence. Over the counter and prescription medications can usually clear up a yeast infection within a week. If your symptoms persist, you should consult a gynaecologist for medical treatment.

Conclusion

While the symptoms of yeast infections and BV are often similar, the causes and treatments for these conditions are different.

If left untreated, both yeast infections and BV can lead to further complications. If your symptoms persist, it is advisable for you to visit your gynaecologist for a consultation.

Minimizing irritation to your vulva and protecting the natural microbial environment inside your vagina can help prevent reinfection. Some tips for prevention include taking probiotics, avoiding douching or using scented soaps or fragrances on your vulva, immediately changing out of wet clothes and avoid spending extended amounts of time in hot baths.

Do I have BV or a yeast infection?

With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)

Is yeast infection and BV treatment the same?

Treatment. BV is typically treated by antibiotics (like Metronidazole, Clindamycin and Tinidazole). Yeast infections are typically treated with antifungal medications (like Miconazole, which is an over-the-counter medication, and Fluconazole).

Does BV go away on its own?

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, treatment can help avoid the increased chance of some serious health risks associated with BV, including: Getting or transmitting HIV; Delivering your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; and.