What is the difference between bacterial and fungal vaginosis? What are the common symptoms and effective treatment methods? Approximately 50% of women with vaginal infections find it difficult to determine whether they are fungal or bacterial. Each has different symptoms, causes, and treatment methods, which we will learn about in the rest of the article.
What is bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition resulting from an imbalance of the natural bacteria in the vagina. This causes a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful bacteria, leading to an abnormal, thick vaginal discharge. It is treated with antibiotics.
What is yeast vaginosis
Yeast vaginosis, also known as vaginal candidiasis or vaginal yeast infection, is an infection caused by fungi, particularly Candida albicans this leads to an imbalance between beneficial bacteria and fungi, resulting in a thick, white discharge.
Symptoms of Bacterial and Yeast Vaginosis
The most common bacterial symptoms are:
- Vaginal discharge is often green, gray, or white, and is thin and watery compared to normal discharge.
- The discharge has a strong, fishy odor.
- Itching and irritation in the vaginal area.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in rare cases.
- Burning or pain during urination.
The main symptoms of yeast vaginosis are :
- The main symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, which range from mild to moderate, include:
- Vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese and is thick without an unpleasant odor.
- Pain and burning during urination or intercourse.
- Swelling and redness in the vulva.
- Vaginal pain.
What causes bacterial vaginosis
It occurs as a result of an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, the primary cause of which is an increase in harmful anaerobic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the vagina. Other causes include:
- Using soap or perfumed products, which irritate the vaginal area and remove the natural beneficial bacteria.
- Douching internally, as it disrupts the natural balance.
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy affect the bacterial balance.
- Wearing tight underwear or underwear made of non-cotton, such as nylon.
- Harsh ingredients in cleaning products can disrupt the natural bacteria.
- Smoking increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
- Using antibiotics reduces beneficial bacteria and increases harmful bacteria.
Causes of Yeast Infection
Yeast infection results from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, a common infection that occurs as a result of an imbalance between bacteria and fungi in the vagina. Other primary causes include :
- Pregnancy, as hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of yeast infections.
- Weakened immune systems, such as those caused by HIV or chemotherapy.
- The use of antibiotics destroys beneficial bacteria in the vagina.
- The use of birth control pills or hormone therapy, which increases estrogen, affects the balance of vaginal yeast.
- High blood sugar levels.
What is the difference between bacterial and viral vaginosis
The main difference between them lies in the cause. Bacterial vaginosis results from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. It is characterized by a gray or green color and a foul odor. Fungal vaginosis results from an overgrowth of naturally occurring fungi, such as yeast, and is characterized by a thick, white color similar to cottage cheese and odorless.
The Best Antibiotic for Treating Bacterial Vaginosis
There is no single best antibiotic, but treatment for bacterial vaginosis depends primarily on the antibiotics prescribed by the treating physician. These include:
- Clindamycin, available as a vaginal cream, oral tablets, or vaginal capsules.
- Metronidazole, available as a vaginal gel or oral tablets.
- Secnidazole, an antibiotic taken with food.
- Tinidazole tablets are taken orally.
Home remedies for treating bacterial vaginosis
Personal hygiene is important in cases of bacterial vaginosis, as the proximity of the anal area to the vaginal area increases the risk of infection. It is important to wipe the area from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent the spread of infection.
During menstruation, it is recommended to change sanitary pads several times a day and wash the vaginal area with water without scented soap. It is also important to wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
In cases of infection, it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of infection. Mixing semen with vaginal fluids can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
What is the treatment for yeast vaginosis
An effective treatment for yeast vaginosis is the use of antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. These include vaginal suppositories and creams such as miconazole and clotrimazole, and tablets such as fluconazole, which help eliminate the fungi causing the infection.
Boric acid, used in the form of vaginal capsules, is used in some cases that do not respond to other treatments. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Important Tips for Relieving Vaginal Inflammation Pain
The following is recommended for those suffering from vaginitis:
- It is important to ensure that the sensitive area is thoroughly dried after showering or bathing.
- Stop using scented soaps and vaginal douches on the vaginal area, as they increase tissue irritation.
- It is important to avoid sexual intercourse during the infection period to avoid pain.
- Wash the external area only with warm water to avoid tissue irritation.
- Use mild detergents when washing underwear and avoid using scented detergents.
- Do not stop taking the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Summary of the Difference Between Bacterial and Yeast Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by thin, milky, homogeneous vaginal discharge with a strange, unpleasant odor. It is a condition in which beneficial bacteria are absent and harmful bacteria are present.
Yeast vaginosis, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is characterized by white, thick, cottage cheese-like discharge with no odor.