Is a Yeast Infection Similar to Bacterial Vaginosis?

The term used medically for vaginal inflammation is Vaginitis. Vaginitis could be of many type, but two of the types that we’ll be discussing today are called Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Usually, women go through at least one episode of vaginitis in their life as it’s the most common diagnosis by gynecologists. Read the difference between the two conditions below and if you think you might’ve contracted one of them, get in touch with a virtual doctor immediately.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Although a vaginal yeast infection is really common among women, it isn’t something that women like to discuss. This infection makes the sufferer uneasy and itchy. Any woman can contract yeast infection at any time in her life, but there are certain factors that make one woman more susceptible to catching it than others.

There’s a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria around the vagina. However, if the balance is disproportioned for some reason, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection down there.

Bacterial Vaginosis

When the naturally occurring bacteria found inside the vagina grow out of control, it causes inflammation and swelling in the region. Although this vaginal infection can infect women of any age, the women who are in their reproductive years are more susceptible to it.

Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

There are numerous symptoms that indicate  the presence of a vaginal yeast infection. these include:

• A swollen vagina and a tingling and burning sensation
• Uneasiness or pain during urination
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• A cheese like discharge that’s thick, white and odorless.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

Not all women who suffer from this condition experience symptoms, but those who do experience complain of the following symptoms:

• A vaginal discharge that’s slimy and gray in color.
• A fish like odor that wafts from the vagina.
• Itching in and around the vagina.
• Pain or a burning sensation while urinating.

 

Causes of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

Listed below are some of the factors that may be the reason why you’re suffering from a  vaginal yeast infection.

• Hormonal changes occur when you’re expecting a baby,  or are breast feeding one.  They also go through change when you’re on the on-set of menopause or consuming birth control pills.Fluctuations in the hormone estrogen can lead to yeast overgroeth down there.
• The mucus membrane of the vagina becomes a breeding ground for yeast if the sugar levels in your blood are not under control.
• Antibiotics may treat other diseases, but they may also affect the good bacteria in and around the vagina.
• Vaginal sprays can cause a misbalance of yeast and bacteria.
• A weakened immune system may cause the yeast to grow uncontrollably.
• Sexual intercourse with an infected person may infect you too.

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis increases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. Listed below are some of the factors that cause Bacterial Vaginosis:

• There’s no fixed cause of a bacterial vaginosis, but it is observed that this infection occurs in women who are sexually active.
• It occurs due to an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in and around the vagina.
• Skipping on using protection during sexual intercourse might be another cause.
• Rinsing out your vagina using a cleaning agent, also called douching, is a process that might rinse out the good bacteria in the vagina. It creates an imbalance and increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
• Having sexual intercourse with multiple or new partners can be another reason.
• Some women lack the ability to produce the amount of lactobacilli needed to create a proper balance in the vagina. This leads to an overgrowth of the bad bacteria and causes Bacterial Vaginosis.

The pain and cramping in your vagina might be due to one of the above discussed infections, or it could be due to some other reason.  You can never be sure what’s causing you discomfort until you book an appointment and get in touch with a virtual doctor.

Healthcare professionals at TelMDCare can offer online doctor consultation for bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infection, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. Get in touch with the doctors at TelMDCare to get help with erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infection and strep throat infection today.

About the Author

Dr. Fayez Mekhael has extensive experience in emergency medicine and is certified by the Family Medicine American Board. He offers his professional services to patients at TelMDCare.