Overview
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are both common vaginal conditions, but they differ in cause, discharge characteristics, and treatment. BV results from an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, often leading to a thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor. A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, producing thick, white, odorless discharge with intense itching. Both can cause discomfort but require different treatments—antibiotics for BV and antifungals for yeast infections.
Disease Summaries
Bacterial Vaginosis: A healthy human vagina contains various types of bacteria. When the balance of bacteria is disrupted, some types can overgrow and cause symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Common triggers include vaginal washing, sexual intercourse, or use of an intrauterine device.
Yeast Infection: This is a fungal infection by Candida that affects the vaginal area. Candida normally exists on skin and vaginal linings without issues. An infection occurs when the skin or vaginal lining changes in character, promoting Candida overgrowth. People with weakened immune systems or on birth control pills may be at increased risk.
Comparing Symptoms
Overlapping Symptoms
- Vaginal discharge
- Itching or irritation
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Burning sensation during urination
Bacterial Vaginosis Specific Symptoms
- Thin, watery, gray or white discharge
- Strong fishy odor, especially after sex
- Mild itching or irritation
- Often no noticeable symptoms
Yeast Infection Specific Symptoms
- Thick, white, "cottage cheese-like" discharge
- Vaginal and vulvar itching
- Redness and swelling around the vulva
- Burning during urination or intercourse
Treatment Approaches
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Approaches
Antibiotic cream or tablets may be given to treat the bacterial overgrowth.
Yeast Infection Treatment Approaches
This is usually treated with antifungal drugs, which can be given through a vaginal cream or an oral antifungal medicine.
Reviewed By:

Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.

Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Apr 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Donders GG, Sobel JD. Candida vulvovaginitis: A store with a buttery and a show window. Mycoses. 2017 Feb;60(2):70-72. doi: 10.1111/myc.12572. Epub 2016 Sep 30. PMID: 27687503.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/myc.12572Sobel JD. Candida vulvovaginitis. Semin Dermatol. 1996 Mar;15(1):17-28. doi: 10.1016/s1085-5629(96)80014-9. PMID: 8723820.
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1085562996800149Bagnall P, Rizzolo D. Bacterial vaginosis: A practical review. JAAPA. 2017 Dec;30(12):15-21. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000526770.60197.fa. PMID: 29135564.
https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/Fulltext/2017/12000/Bacterial_vaginosis__A_practical_review.3.aspx