Both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are common and can be treated by your OB/GYN in Logan, Utah. A yeast infection is fungal, while BV is bacterial.
Many women get the two confused given that their symptoms are often similar. However, the causes, treatment, and prevention for each are very different. Keep in mind that it’s also possible to have both a yeast infection and BV at the same time.
Let’s take a deeper look at the causes, symptoms, and when to seek help from your doctor.
Identifying A Yeast Infection Versus BV
Both types of vaginitis often include abnormal vaginal discharge. With a yeast infection, it’s usually thick, white, and odorless. With BV, the discharge is often thin, yellow or gray, and accompanied by a strong odor.
Many women who have BV don’t experience any symptoms. If any are noticeable, in addition to discharge and odor, vaginal itching and burning when urinating may also be present.
In addition to odorless discharge, yeast infections are often coupled with redness or swelling around the opening of the vagina, pain, itching, or soreness of the vulva, and burning during urination and/or sex.
What Causes Yeast Infections And BV?
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus. BV is caused by an overgrowth of one of the types of bacteria in the vagina.
A change in the pH level of the vagina can affect the balance of bacteria in the vagina and trigger BV. This can be a result of hormonal changes, certain methods of cleansing the vagina, or vaginal intercourse.
Overgrowth of fungus in the vagina, which can lead to a yeast infection, can be caused by antibiotics, birth control pills, hormone therapy, pregnancy, high blood sugar, and other factors.
When To See Your OB/GYN
If this is your first time experiencing one of these types of vaginitis, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Reach out to your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms. For example, persistent symptoms after over-the-counter or antibiotic treatment, bleeding, cracking, or excessive pain or irritation, or if the infection keeps coming back after treatment.
Treatment For Yeast Infections And BV
A prolonged BV infection can affect your fertility in the long term, so it matters to seek treatment quickly.
All BV cases require prescription antibiotic treatment. You may also be prescribed a suppository cream. Be sure to continue with the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms clear up sooner. This is essential to clear the infection completely and help reduce your risk of recurrence.
Yeast infections can be treated using over-the-counter medications, suppository creams, home remedies, and prescription medications.
During treatment for either a yeast infection of BV, avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, or inserting anything into the vagina.
Preventing Yeast Infections And BV
Avoid irritation to your vulva and protect the natural microbial environment and pH balance inside your vagina.
Also be sure to wipe from front to back, avoid underwear or pants that are too tight, avoid staying in wet clothing for prolonged periods of time, limit the amount of time spent in baths or hot tubs, use soaps that are fragrance-free, take probiotics, and avoid douching.
OB/GYN In Logan, Utah
It matters to treat yeast infections and BV quickly to help prevent further complications. Your OB/GYN in Logan, Utah can help you prevent, treat, and recover from yeast infections and BV.
Contact Cache Valley Women’s Center to schedule your appointment.