Bacterial vaginosis vs. yeast infection: How to tell

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal yeast infections can both cause pain and discomfort, difficulty urinating, and itching. Other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge, may differ. Treatment will depend on which infection a person has.

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.

Share on PinterestInflammation 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.

Vaginitis, Yeast Infection & BV

In This Section

• Vaginitis (yeast infection & bacterial vaginosis)

• How do I get checked and treated for vaginitis?

• How do I prevent vaginitis?

• What is a yeast infection?

• What is bacterial vaginosis?

What is vaginitis?  

Vaginitis is an irritation of your vagina or vulva. It’s super common and usually easy to treat. Almost everyone with a vulva gets vaginitis at some point.

What causes vaginitis?

Vaginitis is when your vulva or vagina becomes inflamed or irritated. This can happen when there’s a change in the normal chemical balance of your vagina, or if you have a reaction to irritating products.

Many things can cause vaginitis — and sometimes there’s more than 1 cause. Things that lead to vaginitis include:

• Lack of Estrogen (atrophic vaginitis):
  Lack of estrogen can lead to a type of vaginitis called atrophic vaginitis (also known as vaginal atrophy). Atrophic vaginitis is when you have irritation but no abnormal discharge. Things that can cause low estrogen include:

• Vaginal Sex
  Vaginitis isn’t a sexually transmitted infection. But sometimes sexual activity can lead to vaginitis. Your partner’s natural genital chemistry can change the balance of yeast and bacteria in your vagina. In rare cases, you can have an allergic reaction to your partner’s semen. Friction from sex, or certain types of lubricants, condoms, and sex toys may also cause irritation. Read more about vaginitis and sex.

• Allergies and Irritants
  Allergic reactions or sensitivity to different products, materials, or activities can also cause vaginitis. Things that can lead to irritation include:

  • douching

  • vaginal deodorants, washes, and perfumed “feminine hygiene” products

  • scented panty liners, pads, or tampons

  • perfumed bath products

  • scented or colored toilet paper

  • some chemicals in laundry detergents and fabric softeners

  • certain types of lubricants (i.e. flavored or with sugars in them)

  • sex toys made out of certain materials

  • latex and rubber in sex toys and condoms (if you have a latex allergy)

  • spermicide

  • tight pants, or underwear/pantyhose that don’t have a cotton crotch

  • wearing wet bathing suits or damp clothing for long periods of time

  • hot tubs or swimming pools

Everyone’s body is different, so things that lead to irritation in some people don’t cause problems for others. Read more about keeping your vagina healthy.

• Recurrent Vaginitis
  Some people get vaginitis a lot. If you have vaginitis 4 or more times in a year, it’s called recurrent vaginitis. You can get recurrent vaginitis if you have conditions like diabetes or HIV that make your immune system weak. You can also get recurrent vaginitis if you don’t finish your vaginitis treatment.

What are vaginitis symptoms?

The signs of vaginitis can vary depending on what’s causing it. But vaginitis symptoms usually include:

• Your vagina and/or vulva is discolored, irritated, swollen, or uncomfortable.

• Itching, burning, and pain in your vulva or vagina.

• Pain or discomfort during sex.

• Feeling like you have to pee more often than usual. Peeing may sting if your vulva is really irritated.

• Vaginal discharge that isn’t normal for you:

  • 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.)

  • With trich, discharge is often frothy, yellow-green, smells bad, and may have spots of blood in it.  

Vaginitis symptoms can be super obvious, or barely noticeable. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. It’s a good idea to pay attention to what your vulva and vaginal discharge normally looks, feels, and smells like, so it’s easier to notice any changes that could be signs of vaginitis or other infections.

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symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Contents of the article

1. Symptoms and signs of candidiasis
2. Causes of vaginal candidiasis
3. Routes of transmission of thrush
4. Risk factors for disease
5. Complications after thrush
6. When to see a doctor
7. Preparing for a doctor’s appointment
8. Diagnosis of thrush in women and men
9. Treatment and features
10. Home remedies, myths and misconceptions
11. Prophylaxis
12. How to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist

Thrush refers to urogenital diseases of a fungal nature. The second name is candidiasis. The causative agent is a fungus of the genus Candida. They affect the genitourinary system, but do not belong to sexually transmitted infections. Most often diagnosed in women, but men also have cases of infection with these opportunistic pathogens. Their habitat is the vagina, human intestines and skin. Under certain conditions, the fungal microflora begins to multiply and exceed the allowable amount, which leads to a diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with thrush are treated on an outpatient basis.

Symptoms and signs of candidiasis

Not everyone knows what thrush looks like in women at the onset of the disease. It is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms:

• severe itching in the intimate area;
• swelling of the vaginal mucosa;
• burning sensation during intercourse;
• Sour smell of white or yellowish cheesy discharge.

Signs of fungal candidiasis in men

Appeared thrush in men shows symptoms in the form of painful urination, swelling of the glans penis, redness and white plaque under the foreskin. Unpleasant sensations can intensify after intercourse, which should alert. In a state of calm, thrush in men is less pronounced.

Causes of vaginal candidiasis

The causes of thrush are associated with a decrease in immunity. The list of provoking factors also includes:

• taking oral contraceptives;
• taking antibiotics;
• pregnancy;
• violation of the microflora in the body;
• hygiene products with unsuitable Ph.

Ways of infection with thrush

Thrush during pregnancy appears due to changes in the hormonal background and the composition of the microflora. In other cases, in women, the risk of infection depends on the state of health. Thrush can also appear in men if there was unprotected intercourse with a Candida carrier. The fungal microflora is transmitted if hygiene is not observed (foreign towels, shared bedding). Pools and beaches are often places of infection. There may be signs of thrush after a kiss. Oral contact is a common route of infection because Candida can be found on any mucous membrane of the body.

Risk factors for disease

Risk factors depend on external exposure and health status. The chances of getting a diagnosis increase with frequent stress, hypothermia, the use of condoms, due to recent infectious diseases. Thrush often appears during pregnancy in women, which become a risk factor for men as well.

The list also includes the following items:

• diabetes mellitus;
• HIV infection;
• chemotherapy;
• beriberi;
• dysbacteriosis.

Complications after thrush

At first, thrush symptoms are less pronounced. Especially during menstruation, when the alkaline environment in the vagina changes. Then the thrush eliminates these causes and the regression of recovery begins. Without treatment, the disease will progress, provoking the development of complications:

• extensive reddening of the mucosa in the intimate area;
• sores and fissures;
• frequent relapses of candidiasis;
• infection of internal organs;
• outbreaks of inflammatory processes;
• weakening of the immune system;
• risk of infertility in women and sexual dysfunction in men.

When to see a doctor

If the occurrence of thrush in women or men is recorded, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. Over-the-counter medications may not work as expected. In addition, before making a diagnosis, you need to take smears for laboratory analysis. According to the clinical picture, it is not always possible to determine the nature of mycosis: bacterial vaginosis, thrush or colpitis. Gynecologists of JSC “Medicina” (clinic of academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. If you haven’t been exposed to Candida before, don’t self-medicate. Especially in the case of illness in children under the age of 12, with regular relapses and with an allergic reaction to ointments, suppositories. Any drugs for thrush are selected according to individual criteria.

Preparing for a doctor’s visit

Thrush in women causes and symptoms are almost the same, so you need to follow the general rules for preparing for the visit. It is recommended to come in the first days after the end of menstruation. Before visiting a gynecologist:

• don’t douche, just take a shower;
• refrain from sexual intercourse 2-3 days before taking;
• Do not take medication 2 weeks before your appointment.

Diagnosis of thrush in women and men

During the diagnosis, the clinical picture is taken into account. This is the patient’s well-being, discharge with thrush and the presence of a number of symptoms. At the appointment at JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) near the Mayakovskaya metro station, a gynecologist conducts an examination and takes tests to study the microflora. Thrush has different causes. Truth can only be found by inspection. And for this, men need to contact a urologist. The clinic has the necessary doctors, its own laboratory and equipment that allow you to quickly get the result and make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and its features

Thrush in women is treated depending on the tests and the severity of the symptoms. If they are not very pronounced, topical medications will be prescribed: antifungal creams, vaginal suppositories, ointments. After that, preparations are used to restore microflora and probiotics. But chronic thrush requires a more systematic approach and antibiotic therapy. You also need to follow a diet. Sweets, store-bought juices, fatty foods, smoked meats, starchy foods, sweet fruits, pickles, and alcohol should be excluded from nutrition. It is worth knowing about the diet, how to treat thrush in women and maintain the microflora to stop relapses.

Home remedies, myths and misconceptions

Traditional medicine knows how to cure thrush at home. Douching, baths and tampons are used. The traditional way: dilute 1 tsp. soda in 1 liter of water. You need to douche 2 times a day. Decoctions of herbs are also suitable for this method: St. John’s wort, yarrow, chamomile, oak bark, knotweed, sage, juniper. A common myth is that there is no need to buy a cure for thrush. You can quickly and cheaply get by with folk remedies. No, that’s not possible. Treatment with herbs and lotions takes about 2-3 weeks. And not the fact that they will help. Thrush requires treatment without fail. It doesn’t go away on its own.

Prevention

Often, thrush in women appears due to the use of daily sanitary pads and wearing tight synthetic underwear. In order to prevent, it is worth abandoning these habits. Cotton underwear is the best choice. Avoid hypothermia at any time of the year, dress warmly. Do not use scented hygiene products, select the appropriate composition and Ph level. With symptoms of the disease, do not self-medicate, any candles and tablets for thrush should be prescribed by a doctor. Avoid stress and overwork, and do not abuse alcohol and sweets.

How to make an appointment with a gynecologist or urologist

You can make an appointment with the specialist you need online. To select an appointment date, you can also call the 24-hour available phone number +7 (495) 775-73-60. Thrush, although a common disease, requires competent treatment. The clinic operates in the Central District at the address: Moscow, 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy pereulok, 10, Mayakovskaya metro station. There are also metro stations nearby: Belorusskaya, Tverskaya, Novoslobodskaya and Chekhovskaya. Convenient location allows you to come to the clinic at any time and visit the consultation. For each person, thrush has individual symptoms and treatment, so make an appointment and diagnosis with experienced specialists at Medicine JSC (clinic of academician Roitberg).

What is thrush (Vaginal candidiasis) ➤➤ Types, causes of development and treatment of thrush

Feelings of itching, burning, discomfort in the vulva were experienced by many women. Is it thrush or vaginal candidiasis.

What is thrush

Thrush (vaginal candidiasis) is an inflammatory disease of the female genital organs caused by opportunistic yeast fungi of the genus Candida. It does not belong to the category of venereal. Symptoms include pain, itching, burning in the vulva. Most often occurs in women, but, in rare cases, affects men (for 4 cases of women, there is 1 case of men). This type of fungus is found in the body of all people, but in small quantities. When there is an imbalance in the microflora of the body, the growth of Candida fungi occurs, accompanied by symptoms of thrush.

Why thrush occurs

Causes that provoke the onset of the disease can be divided into several types:

Non-observance of hygiene rules.

Symptoms of thrush

Vaginal candidiasis has several key symptoms that clearly indicate the disease:

• very severe itching in the intimate area that does not stop for a long time;
• burning sensation in the vagina, especially during intercourse;
• curdled discharge, sometimes very profuse, with an unpleasant sour smell;
• redness of the mucous membranes of the vagina;

If we are talking about candidiasis, then all of the above symptoms should be combined. If one thing worries, then this may indicate a completely different disease.

In men, thrush is also characterized by burning during urination, itching, swelling and redness in the head of the penis, as well as pain during intercourse.

Stages of thrush

• acute inflammatory process: symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are very pronounced;
• chronic thrush: in this case, the discomfort may be either completely invisible or mild.

If vaginal candidiasis has passed into the chronic stage and is almost not disturbing, this does not mean that you can not worry about it. Treatment, in any case, is necessary, since the disease, left to chance, can be repeated again and again.

Methods for diagnosing the disease

In order to determine whether you are really worried about thrush, it is not enough just to feel all the symptoms. It is also important to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis of the patient, listen to complaints about the symptoms, their duration. In addition, an analysis is taken to study the microflora (bakposev) from the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina. After the results are obtained, the doctor makes recommendations for treatment.

In addition, thrush, which often recurs, may indicate other diseases, such as diabetes. Therefore, the gynecologist may recommend taking a blood test for sugar, in the future – a consultation with an endocrinologist.

Treatment options for thrush

Your gynecologist may recommend several treatment options for thrush, depending on the severity of the condition.

• Topical treatment: gels, creams, ointments, vaginal tablets. This type of treatment is aimed at restoring the local microflora and improving local immunity. It is used in the early stages of the disease.
• Treatment with tablets: in the case when thrush has become chronic, then gynecologists prescribe treatment with tablets, often in combination with local remedies. The course of treatment is from 6 to 14 days, depending on the patient’s condition. It is important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations, not to interrupt the course of treatment, even if the condition improves, otherwise a relapse is likely.
• Diet for thrush: It is important to follow dietary recommendations during drug treatment in order to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It is necessary to give preference to fermented milk products, fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, excluding sweets, flour, pastries.

Drugs for the treatment of thrush

The safest and most effective drugs for the treatment of thrush, in tablet form:

• Pimafucin;
• Futsis;
• Clotrimazole;
• Nystatin;
• Diflucan.

Clotrimazole and Pimafucin are also available as topical creams. This format is suitable for the treatment of symptoms of thrush in men.

In addition, the gynecologist may prescribe probiotics to normalize the intestinal microflora. They are available in the form of suspensions, capsules, powders, tablets.

It is important to remember that you should not self-medicate, especially if you have already had recurrences of candidiasis, you are prone to allergic reactions. Doctors select drugs for thrush according to individual criteria.

Prevention of thrush

To eliminate the risks of thrush, a number of preventive measures must be taken.

• Underwear should be comfortable, preferably cotton.
• Wet clothing should be changed to dry immediately. This applies to visiting the pool, swimming in ponds. In a humid environment, fungi grow much faster.
• Hot baths also promote the growth of Candida, so do not overuse them. But water at a comfortable temperature does not cause such development of fungi.
• Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics provokes a violation of the microflora, causing the development of candidiasis. Therefore, the decision to prescribe antibiotics should be made only by a doctor.
• Diet also serves as an excellent prevention of the development of thrush. From the diet it is necessary to exclude sugar and refined foods, as well as drinks containing yeast.
• It is important to remember to protect yourself during intercourse, especially if you often change sexual partners.
• Regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist allow you to identify the disease at an early stage and start treatment on time.