Yeast Infection vs Bacterial Infection
Yeast infection and bacterial infection are two common health problems that are encountered by a vast majority of females around the country but remain as hush-hush topics of discussion as most ladies are ashamed to talk about these infections in public. Of these, bacterial infection, known as bacterial vagionosis, or BV, is more common. Women, when they have a vaginal infection think that they are suffering from yeast infection whereas they are actually having BV. This is because of similarities between the two types of infections. However, there are also differences that this article intends to highlight. This will enable women to know the infection they are suffering from and take the treatment accordingly.
Yeast infection
This is an infection caused by overgrowth of a fungus that is already present in the body of a woman, known as Candida Albicans. There are many causes of this overgrowth such as diabetes, overuse of antibiotics, an immune system that is weak, hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, or malnutrition. This infection has many symptoms that vary from case to case and if a lady has any or some of these symptoms, she should immediately consult her gynecologist. These symptoms include burning, itching, pain while having sex, white lumpy discharge that is odorless or has yeast like smell. This infect can be treated with over the counter drugs or in some cases which are severe prescription from a doctor may be required. There are traditional home made remedies for yeast infection that work well such as tea tree oil, yogurt or raw garlic.
Bacterial infection
It is a bacterial infection as the name implies. When vagina is in good health it has helpful bacteria known as Lactobacillus. This is a wonderful bacterium as it keeps the pH levels of vagina slightly acidic to keep away harmful organism. When this bacterium gets replaced by harmful bacteria, BV occurs. A woman can know there is something wrong when there are symptoms such as swelling, itching, and a yellowish discharge that has a bad smell almost like a fish. These symptoms vary case by case and there have been cases where a woman had BV and never felt anything. BV can be treated through anti biotic.
Difference Between Yeast Infection and Bacterial Infection
It is thus clear that the biggest difference between yeast infection and bacterial infection is odor. If your discharge has a bad odor, then you can be certain that it is not yeast infection. But sometimes there is no odor in BV which is why it is imperative to consult a doctor to get proper treatment. Doctors usually confirm BV by checking the pH levels of vagina through a testing kit. If you have yeast infection, the pH level of vagina would not be altered, but in case of BV, pH goes up above 4.5. Another difference is that yeast infection can take place at all age levels and even babies can have it but BV normally occurs only in women who have had sexual intercourse.
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