Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) vs. Yeast Infection: How to Tell the Difference

Are you experiencing uncomfortable personal symptoms like itching, burning or irritation? Many vaginal infections (vaginitis) have can similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to self-diagnose or right the right course of treatment.

Learn more here about the similarities and differences between the two most common types of vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. Understand more about signs, symptoms and treatment options for both.

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women aged 14 to 44.¹ It is caused by a bacterial imbalance — when “bad” bacteria (anaerobes) grow more quickly than “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) in the vagina. Anything that disrupts the natural chemistry of the vagina can lead to BV, including unprotected sex and douching.²

Certain behaviors and factors can increase your risk of BV, including:

• Pregnancy.

• Having an IUD.

• Unprotected sex.

• New or multiple sex partners.

• Douching.

• Antibiotics.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina. As many as 3 out of 4 women will experience a yeast infection at some point in their life.³ The fungus that causes yeast infections is called candida and naturally occurs in the body. When the balance of yeast is disrupted, candida can start to overgrow in the vagina, causing a yeast infection.⁴ Certain factors and conditions that can increase your risk of a yeast infection, including:⁵

• Pregnancy.

• Diabetes.

• Antibiotics.

• Weakened immune system.

• Wearing a wet bathing suit or sweaty clothes for too long.

• Scented tampons or vaginal deodorant.

How do signs and symptoms compare for BV and a yeast infection?

One defining difference between the signs and symptoms of BV and a yeast infection is that up to 84% of people with bacterial vaginosis don’t experience any symptoms.⁶ Only around 20% of people with a yeast infection will not exhibit symptoms.⁷

When symptoms are present, BV and yeast infection show up with different discharges, smells and symptoms. Symptoms of BV include:⁸

• Off-white, gray or greenish-colored vaginal discharge.

• Fishy-smelling vaginal discharge.

• Vaginal itching or irritation.

• A burning feeling when you urinate.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:⁹

• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.

• Watery vaginal discharge.

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.

• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.

• Redness and swelling of the vulva.

• Vaginal pain and soreness.

• Vaginal rash.

Can you have BV and a yeast infection at the same time?

It is possible to have more than one type of vaginitis, a general term for any vaginal infection, simultaneously. This includes having BV and a yeast infection at the same time.¹⁰

Can BV cause a yeast infection?

While BV cannot cause a yeast infection, the treatment for BV can. Antibiotics are a standard treatment for BV that kill off bacteria in hopes of returning the balance in the vagina. Without enough bacteria, the yeast can flourish, causing a yeast infection.¹¹

Can a yeast infection cause BV?

No, a yeast infection is not a cause of BV. However, if a yeast infection is treated incorrectly with antibiotics meant for bacterial infections, it can worsen the infection.¹² Yeast infections need antifungal treatment.¹³

What are recommended treatments for BV and yeast infections?

It is always recommended to seek medical advice before treating BV or a yeast infection. Professional diagnosis will help you determine what kind of vaginitis is present and the best course of treatment.¹⁴

BV treatment options include:

• Topical antibiotics like metronidazole gel or clindamycin cream.¹⁵

• Oral antibiotics like clindamycin or metronidazole.¹⁶

Treatment for a yeast infection will depend on the severity. For mild to moderate yeast infections treatment options include:¹⁷

• Topical creams like miconazole (Monistat®), clotrimazole, ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral®).

• Vaginal suppositories like miconazole (Monistat®).

• Oral antifungals like fluconazole (Diflucan®).

Your provider may recommend long-term antifungal treatment for more severe or recurrent yeast infections.

BV vs. Yeast Infection Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

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• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications starting at $10 per treatment.

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Get started now with an online assessment for BV or yeast infection.