Bacterial vaginosis vs Yeast infection (Thrush): What is the difference?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infection (thrush) are types of inflammation of the vagina. BV results from too much harmful bacteria in the vagina. In contrast, too much candida (a fungus) causes thrush. BV and thrush have different causes, symptoms and treatments.

Bacterial vaginosis

BV is an inflammation of the vagina. It results from an infection caused by bacteria. You may have some itching, burning, discharge and pain with BV. Most women will have it at least once in their life.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

Symptoms of vaginitis include:

• Itching or irritation of the genital area (this is not common)

• Discharge that may be white, grey, watery or foamy

• Redness and inflammation of the genital area

• Pain, a burning sensation or discomfort while urinating

• Pain during sex

• A foul or fishy vaginal smell, which gets stronger during your period and after sex

• Stomach pain

Yeast infection (thrush)

You get thrush when there is too much yeast (a type of fungus) growing in the vagina. Thrush is the most common cause of inflammation in the vagina and the outer part of the female genitals.

Thrush can cause abnormal discharge, itching or burning. The symptoms may get worse a few days before your period begins.

In some cases, thrush doesn’t cause any symptoms at all.

You are likely to get thrush if:

• You are pregnant

• You are taking birth control pills

• You are taking certain medicines, such as antibiotics and steroids

• You are having hormone therapy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy

• You have diabetes or another condition that weakens the immune system

Symptoms of thrush

If you get thrush, you may get the following symptoms:

• Itching or burning of the vagina

• Thick, white clumpy discharge, like cottage cheese, with a yeasty smell

• Itching and irritation around the vagina

• Redness or swelling of the vagina or vulva

• Splits in the genital skin

• Stinging or burning while urinating or during sex

Differences between bacterial vaginosis and thrush

The differences between BV and thrush are as follows:

• When you have BV, discharge is white, grey, yellow or greenish. When you have thrush, it is white only.

• BV discharge is thin. Thrush causes clumpy discharge that’s like cottage cheese.

• With BV, redness or inflammation around the vagina or on the vulva is rare. Thrush causes irritation and itching around the vagina. There may also be redness or swelling.

• BV can be more uncomfortable than painful. Thrush can cause burning or pain while urinating or during sex.

• BV has a foul or fishy vaginal smell, which gets stronger during your period and after sex. Thrush either has a yeasty smell or no smell at all.

• Several types of bacteria may cause BV. Thrush is caused by too much candida.

• You can use antibiotics such as metronidazole to treat BV. You can treat thrush with pessaries and creams such as clotrimazole.

Conclusion

BV and thrush are both common among women. This is why you must know what they are and how to treat them. Go for a pelvic exam if you have an ongoing issue.