Bacterial vaginosis vs. yeast infection

You’re itchy, you’re uncomfortable, and you know something isn’t right down there. But before you go self-diagnosing, consider the following: bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are two common vaginal conditions that tend to present with similar symptoms. However, each requires different treatments. Here’s how to tell the difference between the two and how to treat them. 

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that occurs when something disrupts the vagina’s natural bacterial balance, also called vaginal flora. The microorganisms that live in the vagina are necessary for maintaining normal vaginal pH and the healthy status quo. They also take up space to ensure invaders can’t settle there. When the balance goes awry, you can have an overgrowth of “bad” kinds of bacteria called anaerobes. This overgrowth can sometimes lead to vaginal inflammation or vaginitis (Kairys, 2020).

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is caused by a species of fungus (yeast is a form of fungus) called Candida; specifically, Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common culprit. This yeast is typically present inside the body, but it’s usually kept in check by your immune system and the presence of “good bacteria. If the environment of your vagina changes, it can become particularly hospitable to this yeast, sometimes resulting in infection (Jeanmonod, 2020).

BV and yeast infections have similar symptoms and can be tough to tell apart. Let’s talk about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for each of these vaginal conditions.

Symptoms of BV

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of women in the U.S. between the ages of 14-49 may experience this condition (Kairys, 2020). The resulting inflammation usually isn’t dangerous, and at least half of people who develop BV don’t even experience noticeable symptoms (Hay, 2014). But when the symptoms do become apparent, they can be unpleasant. A few of the signature symptoms include (Kairys, 2020):

• A “fishy” odor, before or after adding potassium hydroxide (KOH), also called the whiff test 

• Thin, grayish white vaginal discharge

• Vaginal itching

• A burning sensation with urination

• Pain during sex

Causes of BV

For bacterial vaginosis to occur, something typically has to disrupt the vagina’s natural bacterial balance. When everything is at it should be, the “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber the “bad” bacteria (anaerobes). But if something comes along and disrupts the vaginal environment, BV can develop. Some of the risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis include (Sobel, 2020): 

• Douching or excessive cleaning of the vagina

• Hormonal changes that accompany events like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause

• Sex with male or female partners

• Presence of sexually transmitted infections, like herpes and HIV

• Cigarette smoking

Treatments for BV

The primary goal of treatment in people with BV is to relieve their symptoms; however, it can get better without treatment in up to one-third of people. If you suspect that you may have bacterial vaginosis, see your healthcare provider for a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and to discuss treatment options (Sobel, 2021-a). 

BV treatment typically involves prescription medications like metronidazole (brand name Flagyl), clindamycin (brand name Cleocin), tinidazole (brand name Tindamax), and secnidazole (brand name Solosec). Some people turn to probiotics to help with their BV. In truth, there is not enough information to recommend for or against the use of probiotics for BV; more research is needed in this area. Approximately 30–50% of people will have a recurrence of their bacterial vaginosis after completing treatment (Sobel, 2021-a). You should avoid having sex, using tampons, sex toys, etc., during treatment. 

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections

Like BV, vaginal yeast infections are common—almost three out of four women experience them at some point in their lives. The symptoms can appear similar to those of BV and include (Jeanmonod, 2020):

• Itching, burning, and/or irritation of the vagina and vulva

• Soreness 

• Thick, white vaginal discharge that’s odor-free and resembles cottage cheese

• A burning sensation with urination and/or sex

• Redness and swelling of the vulva and vagina

It’s important to know that BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it is associated with sexual activity. Your sexual partner doesn't necessarily need treatment if you have BV. Bacterial vaginosis also puts you at an increased risk of getting STIs, like herpes, HIV, etc. 

Causes of yeast infections

While yeast infections differ from bacterial vaginosis, some of the root causes overlap. Your vagina naturally contains different types of yeast. The good bacteria we discussed earlier—lactobacilli—typically keep it in check. When something disrupts that delicate balance of bacteria, it can create an overgrowth of one specific type of yeast called Candida. Some of the risk factors for this imbalance include (Jeanmonod, 2020):

• Birth control pills or hormone therapies that affect estrogen levels

• Antibiotic use

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Pregnancy

• Immune system problems

Treatments for yeast infections

Candida species can live in the vagina and not cause symptoms—this is the case 10-20% of the time. These people generally do not need treatment. Like BV, the main purpose of treating most yeast infections is symptom improvement (Sobel, 2021-b). 

In many cases, you can treat yeast infections with over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal creams or suppositories like clotrimazole (brand name Gyne-Lotrimin) or miconazole (brand name Monistat). Alternatively, your healthcare provider can prescribe a single dose of an oral antifungal medication, like fluconazole (brand name Diflucan) (Sobel, 2021-b).

If you have a severe infection or you’re experiencing recurrent infections (more than four per year), you may need to be on prescription medicines for longer than a single dose. It’s best to avoid vaginal intercourse during your treatment and steer clear of inserting anything into your vagina that could harbor bacteria, like tampons, menstrual cups, and sex toys (Sobel, 2021-b).

It can sometimes be challenging to tell if your vaginal infection is due to bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection; your healthcare provider can help you differentiate between the two. Here is a summary of the main characteristics of these two vaginal conditions.

While the treatments may differ, the prevention strategies for avoiding BV and yeast infections overlap. The key objective is to maintain the natural bacterial balance of your vagina. Here are some ways to do that:

• Always wipe from front to back in the bathroom.

• Don’t douche. 

• Wear cotton underwear that’s not too tight and wicks away moisture.

• Avoid long, hot baths and too much time in hot tubs.

• Don’t use scented feminine products.

• If you go for a sweaty workout or swim, change out of wet clothes ASAP.

• Keep your diabetes under control.

Without a pelvic exam, it can be tough to know if you have BV or something else. If you have vaginal discharge that comes with an odor or if you develop a fever, it’s time to make an appointment. 

Another reason to see your provider is if you have multiple sex partners or recently started having sex with someone new and now have vaginal symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms of BV can resemble those of sexually transmitted infections. And finally, if you thought you had a yeast infection but the OTC remedies just aren’t working, get medical advice.

While you can usually treat yeast infections with OTC medications, some instances merit an office visit. 

Suppose it’s your first yeast infection ever. In that case, you may want to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re not experiencing another issue that requires different treatment, like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or an STI. You should also seek medical attention if you get a yeast infection while pregnant, since not all OTC meds are pregnancy-safe. And finally, if you get yeast infections a lot (four or more per year), you may need longer-term treatment.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

April 21, 2021

Written by

Chimene Richa, MD

Fact checked by

Steve Silvestro, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Steve Silvestro, MD, Ro

Dr. Steve Silvestro is a board-certified pediatrician and Associate Director, Clinical Content & Education at Ro.