How Do I Know If I Have a Yeast Infection or BV?
Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are very similar in their symptoms and are both caused by naturally occurring organisms that live in the vagina. In both cases, there is typically itching around the vaginal area and a discharge with an unpleasant odor. Yeast infections are a fungal infection that is caused by an overgrowth of the naturally occurring yeast in the body.
Bacterial vaginosis on the other hand is a bacterial infection that is the result of the bacterial balance in the body getting thrown off. With both conditions, women may experience vaginal discharge that is white or grayish in color. Your doctor can determine the exact cause through a physical exam that includes a swab of the vagina to collect a tissue sample to be tested for both conditions.
Your OBGYN may also be able to provide a diagnosis based on your symptoms, particularly the smell or consistency of your discharge. Each type of infection can cause an increase in discharge, with bacterial vaginosis giving off a fishy smell from the discharge and a yeast infection producing a discharge that has an almost cottage cheese-like texture to it.
