What's the difference between BV and a yeast infection?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for your question.

Bacterial vaginosis, known as BV, develops when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. The normal balance is more beneficial bacteria and less harmful baceria.

With BV, there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, douching, using an intrauterine device for birth control, and a sexual partner not using a condom are factors which increase the risk for developing BV.

While some women with BV have no symptoms, an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor is characteristic. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. The discharge can be white and milky or gray. It may also be foamy or watery. Other symptoms may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, and irritation.

A vaginal yeast infection, also called vaginal candidiasis, is a type of vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina. It is caused by fungus candida.

A vaginal yeast infection isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, although the fungus that causes the condition can be spread through oral-genital contact.

Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance, and itching and irritation in the vagina and at the entrance to the vagina (vulva) are classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection.

I hope this answers your question.

Regards,
Maryann