Bacterial Vaginosis
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- Bacterial Vaginosis Overview
- Bacterial Vaginosis Causes
- Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
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Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, FACP,
FACR
Up to 75% of women will experience an inflammatory condition of the
vagina at some point in
their lives. Medically known as vaginitis, inflammation in the vaginal area is a
common condition resulting from multiple causes. Two of the most common causes
of vaginitis are yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis refers to an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina and is not a sexually-transmitted infection (STD). The condition used to be referred to as Gardnerella vaginitis; because Gardnerella is a type of bacteria that sometimes causes the infection. While symptoms are not present in about half of women with bacterial vaginosis, those who do experience symptoms will have vaginal discharge, usually with an unpleasant odor. The discharge is usually gray to white in color but can be of any color.
Bacterial Vaginosis Overview
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal condition that results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. The condition was formerly referred to as Gardnerella vaginitis, after the bacteria that were believed to cause the condition. However, since there are a number of species of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina and can grow to excess to cause the condition, the name bacterial vaginosis is the preferred term. As a result of overgrowth of certain bacteria, a vaginal discharge may result.
Bacterial Vaginosis Causes
The reasons for overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina or an imbalance in the growth of these bacteria are not fully understood. However, certain factors can increase a woman's risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, including:
- having multiple sex partners,
- having a female sex partner, and
- tobacco smoking.
Vaginal douching may also increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.
While the condition is more common in women with multiple sex partners, it is not believed to be contagious or entirely related to sexual activity since it is the result of overgrowth or imbalance in the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Moreover, women who have not had sexual activity can develop bacterial vaginosis.
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Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) »
Yeast Infection Overview
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections.
- Candidal infections commonly occur in warm moist body areas, such as underarms. Usually your skin effectively blocks yeast, but any breakdown or cuts in the skin may allow this organism to penetrate.
- Typical affected areas in babies include the mouth and diaper areas.
- In adults, oral yeast infections become more common with increased age. Adults also can have yeast infections around dentures, under the breast and lower abdome...
