Vaginitis: The Different Between Bacterial Vaginosis and a Yeast Infection

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Vaginitis is a generic term used to describe inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the vagina. Often accompanying the inflammation is discharge, irritation like itching or burning and, sometimes, an odor.

Vaginitis can be caused by infections like a yeast infection or Bacterial Vaginosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, every three out of four women will develop a yeast infection at least once in her lifetime. A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth Candida Albicans, a fungus that is normally found in the vagina. Candida is usually kept in check and from overgrowing by the presence of good bacteria in the vagina. When the balance is upset, such as when taking antibiotics that kill both the good and bad bacteria, Candida can overgrow and cause irritation.

Signs of a yeast infection include a large amount of cheesy white discharge and intense itching or burning.

Causes of yeast infections, besides antibiotic use, often include oral contraceptives, pregnancy, use of intrauterine devices, diabetes, hormonal changes (like during menstruation), allergies, poor hygiene and poor nutritional diet. Yeast infections can also be sexually transmitted by a partner, which is how some women may get re-infected after initial recovery.

Treatment usually includes the use of prescribed or over-the-counter anti-fungal medications applied into the vagina in a cream or suppository form. For more persistent infections, doctors can prescribe oral anti-fungals. Minor infections can often be treated at home without prescription medications.

Another type of vaginitis is called Bacterial Vaginosis, which is also caused by an overgrowth of a naturally occurring organism in the vagina—this time it’s a bacteria instead of a fungus. Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis.

Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis are a fishy odor and thin white or gray discharge along with burning and irritation.

The cause of Bacterial Vaginosis is not known; however, it is more common in women who are sexually active and women who have multiple partners. Unlike yeast infections, Bacterial Vaginosis must be treated with prescription medication because Bacterial Vaginosis can lead to a more serious infection. In fact, it is thought to increase risk of premature birth of babies born to mothers with the infection, pelvic infections, infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Bacterial Vaginosis also increases a woman’s risk for developing sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus and gonorrhea.

Bacterial Vaginosis is treated with prescription medications including tetracycline, Metronidazole, Clindamycin, Ceftriaxone or Ampicillin.

If you notice discharge, odor or irritation, see your doctor to determine the cause.