The key difference between yeast infection and BV is that yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina and vulva that causes irritation, discharge, and extreme itchiness, while BV is a bacterial infection of the vagina that causes burning sensation while urinating, fishy odour, and itchiness.
Yeast infection and BV are two types of vaginal infections. Vaginitis is the condition caused due by inflammation or infection of the vagina. It normally happens when there is an imbalance of yeast and other bacteria that usually inhabit the vagina. Sometimes, viruses can also cause infections in the vagina. Vaginal infections cause common symptoms such as discomfort, unusual smell, itchiness, and irritation. Some vaginal infections may not produce any symptoms. The type of symptoms will vary based on the causative agent.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Yeast Infection
3. What is BV
4. Similarities – Yeast Infection and BV
5. Yeast Infection vs BV in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Yeast Infection vs BV
What is Yeast Infection?
Yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina and vulva that causes irritation, discharge, and extreme itchiness. It is also called vaginal candidiasis. This is because the causative agent is Candida albicans. Yeast infection in the vagina affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetime. Some women may experience two episodes of this condition. Yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. However, there is an increased risk of yeast infection during first regular sexual activity.
Figure 01: Yeast Infection
The symptoms of yeast infection can range from mild to moderate. The symptoms include itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva, burning sensation during intercourse, redness and swelling in the vulva, vaginal pain and soreness, rashes in the vagina and thick, white, odourless, watery discharge from the vagina. The overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans) can be a result of antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, impaired immune system, and oral contraceptives. The diagnosis of this condition can be made through examining medical history, performing pelvic exams, and testing vaginal secretions. Furthermore, the treatments include short-term vaginal therapy and single-dose oral medication. In short-term vaginal therapy, women should take antifungal medications for three to seven days. On the other hand, in single-dose oral medication, the doctor might prescribe a one-time single oral dose of fluconazole (difflucan).
What is BV?
BV stands for bacterial vaginosis. It is a bacterial infection of the vagina that causes a burning sensation while urinating, a fishy odour, and itchiness. It is an inflammation of the vagina due to an overgrowth of bacteria found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance. The causative agent is known as Gardnerella vaginalis. Women in the reproductive stage suffer more from this condition.
Figure 02: BV
The risk factors include unprotected sex and frequent touching. Bacterial vaginosis symptoms may include thin, grey, white or green vaginal discharge, fishy vaginal odour, vaginal itching, and burning during urinating. Diagnosis of BV is through examining medical history, performing pelvic exams, testing vaginal secretion and testing vaginal pH. Moreover, the treatment may include medications such as metronidazole, clindamycin, tinidazole, and secnidazole.
What are the Similarities Between Yeast Infection and BV?
- Yeast infection and BV are two types of vaginal infections.
- The causative agents of both conditions can infect the vaginal region.
- These conditions only affect women.
- Both conditions are due to an overgrowth of natural microorganisms in the vagina.
- They cause vaginal itching and discomfort.
- They are treatable conditions.
What is the Difference Between Yeast Infection and BV?
Yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina and vulva that causes irritation, discharge, and extreme itchiness, while BV is a bacterial infection of the vagina that causes a burning sensation while urinating, fishy odour, and itchiness. So, this is the key difference between yeast infection and BV. Furthermore, the causative agent of yeast infection is Candida albicans. On the other hand, the causative agent of BV is Gardnerella vaginalis.
The below infographic lists the differences between yeast infection and BV in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Yeast Infection vs BV
Vaginitis refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can be due to various microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Yeast infection and BV are two types of vaginal infections. Yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina and vulva that causes irritation, discharge and extreme itchiness, while BV is a bacterial infection of the vagina that causes burning sensation while urinating, fishy odour and itchiness. Thus, this summarizes the difference yeast infection and BV.
Reference:
1. Watson, Kathryn. “Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 Mar. 2019.
2. “Yeast Infection (Vaginal).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Mar. 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Yeast Infection” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bacterial vaginosis Gram stain” By Graham Beards – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia