What’s the difference between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection?

BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria while yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. These two infections often get confused for one another, and can even occur at the same time.

Yeast infection symptoms often include:

• Discomfort and itchiness around the vaginal opening
• Thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
• Painful urination
• Painful vaginal sex

BV symptoms often include:

• Thin, white, or gray vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal odor
• Itchiness around the vaginal opening
• Burning during urination