Discerning Between a Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis in Your Irritated Vulva: Detecting Symptoms for Proper Treatment Identification
A Burning Sensation Down There: Recognizing Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis
For many individuals with vaginas, experiencing a sense of discomfort down there is unfortunately common. Yet, distinguishing between the two most frequent causes of vaginal discomfort – yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) – is crucial for expeditious relief.
Both yeast infections and BV are the result of an overabundance of specific microbes in the vaginal area. A yeast infection involves excess fungi of the Candida species, most frequently Candida albicans, while BV occurs with an overgrowth of anaerobic (non-oxygen requiring) bacteria, predominantly Gardnerella vaginalis. Every vagina contains some yeast and anaerobic bacteria; issues arise when the levels of either surpass their normal quantity, leading to an imbalance.
To grasp the discrepancies between yeast infections and BV, one should familiarize themselves with the following distinguishing features:
Discharge and Odor:- Yeast infections typically yield thick, white, and clumpy discharge with little or no smell. On the other hand, BV-related discharge tends to be thinner and grayish, frequently giving off a fishy odor. Dr. Carolyn Ross, a board-certified ob-gyn, protege of Winx Health, highlights this noticeable difference.- Symptoms concentrated in the vagina - pain or irritation - are characteristic of BV, whereas the discomfort of a yeast infection tends to encompass the vulva as well, causing irritation and itching throughout this external area.
In essence, a yeast infection's symptoms usually comprise itching, irritation, and pain in the vagina and vulva, swelling and discoloration of the vulva, as well as burning sensations during urination or intercourse, and cottage cheese-like discharge with minimal smell. In contrast, BV's symptoms primarily involve pain or irritation in the vagina, potentially coupled with a burning sensation during urination or intercourse, a light gray discharge with a fishy smell, especially noticeable after sexual activity.
It is essential to recognize that these similar symptoms may also overlap with those of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, so consulting a doctor is pivotal if you're uncertain about the cause of your symptoms. Moreover, it's possible to experience both yeast and BV simultaneously, albeit this scenario isn't common. Aiming for a harmonious vaginal microbiome may be challenging, but basic hygiene practices, such as steering clear of douching or using soaps, detergents, or scented menstrual products, could help minimize the likelihood of recurring infections. Additionally, maintaining good vaginal flora may require adhering to certain lifestyle habits, such as avoiding tight or damp clothing, managing blood-sugar levels or diabetes, and minimizing estrogen levels via pregnancy or hormone therapy.
In the event of a yeast or BV infection, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance, as the treatment varies significantly between the two conditions. Antifungals or antibiotics are the respective means to correct a yeast or BV overgrowth. If self-treated based on assumptions – perhaps experiences with previous yeast infections – yeast infection medications may be employed, but their ineffectiveness in the face of BV could exacerbate symptoms, requiring pertinent medical intervention. For accurate diagnoses, doctors can usually identify yeast infections based on symptoms alone; however, they can also conduct a gentle swab to examine discharge for signs of either yeast or bacterial overgrowth. If a culture test is necessary, it typically checks for a broad spectrum of infections, including BV, yeast, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Recurring infections may signal a need for personalized treatment plans developed by a healthcare provider to attain resolution. Various underlying conditions, such as altered immunity or hormone imbalances, might affect an individual's susceptibility to recurring yeast or BV. It's also worth exploring whether lifestyle habits contribute to continuing infections. Regardless of the root cause, diligent adherence to good vaginal hygiene practices can help stave off repeat yeast or BV. To aid in this endeavor, consider the following hygiene tips:
- Use sensitive skin-friendly laundry detergent
- Opt for scent-free soap and menstrual products
- Wear loose cotton underwear and change out of wet bathing suits and damp workout clothes as quickly as possible
By adhering to these basic standards, you can help create a cool, calm, and balanced vagina, ensuring a comfortable experience for yourself.
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Related: 10 Vaginal Problems You Should Always Tell Your Gynecologist About
Related: What to Do If You Have a Yeast Infection While You're on Your Period
Related: Can You Have Sex with a Yeast Infection?
Footnotes: National Institutes of Health. (2022, April). Bacterial vaginosis: Hope through research. Retrieved 2022-11-13.Footnotes: Hobbins Jr, JC. (2019, October 26). Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial vaginosis in women. Retrieved 2022-11-13.Footnotes: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 28). Yeast Infections – CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved 2022-11-13.Footnotes: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019, April 22). Candida Vaginitis. Retrieved 2022-11-13.Footnotes: UpToDate. (2022, June 14). Pathophysiology of bacterial vaginosis. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- Maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome, free from excessive growth of Candida albicans or Gardnerella vaginalis, falls under the umbrella of health-and-wellness, particularly women's health and sexual health, due to the impact these imbalances can have on reproductive health.
- Engaging in regular health news consumption that focuses on women's health issues, such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections, is crucial for recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt treatment.
- Practicing good health and wellness habits, like adopting a sensitive skincare routine, can help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, thus promoting overall health and reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
