Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are super common and something many women or people with vaginas deal with at some point. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences of bv vs yeast infection, go over their symptoms, explore treatment options, and share tips to prevent them from coming back.
Your Cheat Sheet
- BV Symptoms: Fishy smell and grayish discharge
- Yeast Infection Symptoms: White, clumpy discharge
- BV Treatment: Antibiotics, boric acid suppositories, OTC solutions
- Yeast Infection Treatment: Antifungal meds, OTC creams
- Prevention Tips: Probiotics, healthy diet, good hygiene, staying active, managing stress
BV and Yeast Infection: The Most Common Women’s Struggles
At their core, BV (bacterial vaginosis) and yeast infections are two distinct conditions caused by different culprits:
- BV happens when there’s an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria.
- Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida.
BV is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15-44. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacterial vaginosis affects around 21 million American women each year.
A majority of women have already experienced or will experience yeast infection. At least 75% of women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will have at least one yeast infection episode in their life, and up to 45% have two or more.
BV vs Yeast Infection: How To Tell The Difference
One of the easiest ways to differentiate between BV and a yeast infection is by paying attention to the discharge and odor—two of the most telling symptoms.
Check Your Discharge
BV discharge tends to be watery, thin, and grayish-white. It often feels more fluid-like, almost as though your body is leaking. Many women describe it as “wet” and noticeable on underwear throughout the day.
Yeast infection discharge, on the other hand, is thick, clumpy, and white—often compared to cottage cheese. It doesn’t spread or flow like BV discharge. Instead, it appears dense and may cling to the vaginal walls.
| Feature | BV Discharge | Yeast Infection Discharge |
| Consistency | Watery, thin | Thick, clumpy |
| Color | Grayish-white | White |
| Appearance | Fluid-like, often feels “wet” | Cottage cheese-like, dense |
Check Your Odor
BV odor is often described as foul or fishy, especially noticeable after sex. This odor is caused by a disruption in the vaginal pH, which allows anaerobic bacteria to thrive.
Yeast infections, however, usually lack a strong odor. If there’s any smell at all, it may be faintly yeasty or slightly acidic, similar to bread or fermenting dough. Unlike BV, yeast infections don’t produce an offensive or unpleasant odor, making this an important differentiator.
| Feature | BV Discharge | Yeast Infection Discharge |
| Description | Strong, foul, or fishy | Faintly yeasty or slightly acidic, like bread or dough |
| Taste | Foul or bitter | Acidic |
| Trigger | More pronounced after sex | No significant triggers for odor |
| Intensity | Can be very strong, similar to a rotten fish | Usually lacks a strong odor |
BV vs Yeast Infection: How To Treat
While both conditions are common and can cause discomfort, their treatments differ significantly.
Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
The treatment goal for BV is to create a balance to the vaginal microbiome, and kill the harmful bacteria that have settled in the vagina.
Prescription Medications: Antibiotics Work But Be Careful
In case of a serious BV infection, antibiotics have been scientifically proven to be the most effective and used as the first line of treatment for BV. Antibiotics are prescribed by a healthcare professional only.
The most common prescription antibiotics include:
- Metronidazole: Available in oral form or as a vaginal gel. This antibiotic targets anaerobic bacteria responsible for the fishy odor and discharge.
- Clindamycin: Typically prescribed as a vaginal cream, it’s an alternative for those who cannot tolerate Metronidazole.
The Problem with Antibiotics
However, there is a problem with antibiotics. They kill most of the bacteria in the vagina, even the healthy, protective Lactobacilli.
OTC Solutions: Pro- & Prebiotics, Boric Acid Suppositories and Garlic Supplements
In case of mild symptoms, we recommend starting with OTC (over the counter) solutions and natural remedies that have proven to be effective.
Lactobacillus supplements
Lactobacillus probiotic or prebiotic supplements, taken orally or vaginally, help restore healthy bacteria and prevent future infections. Several studies have proven that probiotics can have a positive impact on treating BV.
Boric acid suppositories
Boric acid vaginal suppositories lower vaginal pH and restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Some gynecologists prescribe boric acid suppositories for bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection as they help lower vaginal pH.
Garlic capsules
Garlic has antimicrobial properties and has proven to be efficient in dealing with BV. Studies have shown that oral garlic tablets might be just as good as medicine (Metronidazole) to treat BV.
Read more about our recommendations for home remedies for BV.
Treatment for Yeast Infection
The treatment goal for Yeast infection is to gain control over Candida yeast that has been overgrown in the vagina.
Prescription Antifungals
For recurrent or severe infections, doctors may prescribe oral antifungal medications like:
Fluconazole (Diflucan): Typically a single-dose pill, though multiple doses may be needed for recurrent cases. Longer courses (up to 6 months) may be necessary for recurring infections.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antifungal Treatments
Topical Creams and Suppositories: Available without a prescription, these are highly effective in clearing mild yeast infections. Popular options include:
- Clotrimazole (e.g., Lotrimin)
- Miconazole (e.g., Monistat)
OTC treatments are available in 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day formulations. These options work by targeting the yeast directly, helping to relieve symptoms like itching, burning, and discharge, while restoring balance to your vaginal flora.
BV and Yeast Infection: How To Prevent
Along with treatment and probiotics, factors like diet, lifestyle, and hygiene also play a key role in easing symptoms and preventing BV and yeast infections from coming back.
Diet: Eat Foods That Your Vagina Appreciates
Among the best foods for vaginal health are probiotic-rich foods. For example, plain yogurt with live cultures and kefir contain probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. Fermented foods such as kombucha and kimchi are rich in natural probiotics and also support vaginal health.
Hygiene: Say No To Soap
If you want to improve your vaginal health, stay away from scented products as they harm your vaginal balance. Avoid fragranced soaps, sprays, or pads that irritate sensitive vaginal tissues.
The vagina is self-cleaning and does not require special cleansers or rinses. That’s why experts universally advise against douching that disrupts your natural pH levels.
A part of good hygiene practice for preventing BV and yeast infection is choosing the right underwear. We recommend you to wear breathable, cotton underwear to reduce moisture.
Sex: Make It Safe
Penile bacteria and semen disrupt female vaginal pH balance. Therefore avoiding contact with semen during sex is especially crucial for BV where harmful bacteria thrive, but might also be useful with yeast infections. Use condoms to minimize pH disruptions caused by semen.
Physical Wellness: Keep Moving
It’s not a myth—physical activity is great for vaginal health. Exercise plays a crucial role in balancing hormones, especially by improving insulin sensitivity.
Regular exercising and an active lifestyle strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off harmful bacteria in your vagina.
With BV or yeast infection symptoms it’s absolutely essential to keep it dry down there as harmful bacteria grow in humidity. So, as soon as you’ve finished your workout, shower yourself and change into dry, breathable clothes.
Mental Health: Reduce Your Cortisol
Mental health contributes directly to your vaginal health. For example, stress and anxiety can directly lead to the loss of lactobacilli in the vaginal tract. High cortisol levels, which stress triggers, quickly halt glycogen production, starving the resident lactobacilli and leaving your system vulnerable to harmful pathogens.
Taking care of your mental health can help your body—and your vaginal health—recover. Women find help in reducing stress with meditation and breathing exercises, going to therapy, exercising in fresh air, enjoying time with friends etc.
| Intensity | Solution | For Bacterial Vaginosis | For Yeast Infection |
| Severe Symptoms | Doctor’s appointment & prescription | Antibiotics (e.g., Metronidazole, Clindamycin), boric acid suppositories | Antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole, Miconazole) |
| Mild to Bearable Symptoms | OTC solutions, home remedies | Vaginal probiotics and prebiotics, boric acid suppositories | Creams, suppositories (e.g., Clotrimazole, Monistat) |
| Avoiding Recurrence | Long course, hygiene | Practicing safe sex, boric acid for chronic, oral probiotics | Longer antifungal courses, boric acid for chronic, lactic acid suppositories, oral probiotics |
| Long-term prevention | Home remedies and wellness | Probiotics-rich and fermented foods, vitamins, supporting mental and physical health | Avoiding sugar and yeast, probiotics-rich and fermented foods, vitamins, supporting mental and physical health |
When to Seek Medical Help
Here’s when you should see a doctor if you are having bv and/or yeast infection symptoms:
Symptoms persist or worsen: If your symptoms don’t improve after trying over-the-counter treatments or natural remedies, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Recurring infections: Experiencing recurrent BV or yeast infections could indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Severe symptoms: Intense pain, swelling, or unusual discharge (e.g., green or yellow) could point to a more serious condition.
During pregnancy: Vaginal infections can pose risks to your pregnancy and should be evaluated promptly.
Other symptoms appear: If you experience fever, abdominal pain, or bleeding, seek immediate medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Keep Getting BV and Yeast Infections at the Same Time?
If you find yourself battling both conditions simultaneously, there might be underlying factors at play:
a) Frequent douching, antibiotics, or unbalanced hygiene can lead to repeated infections
b) Introducing new bacteria from a partner may increase your risk
c) Stress, illness, or even diet can also contribute
Does BV Go Away on Its Own?
In some cases, BV might resolve without treatment, especially if your body restores its bacterial balance naturally or if you support your immune system and vaginal microbiome with probiotics or supplements. However, untreated BV can increase your risk of complications, therefore it’s better to treat BV promptly.
How Do I Know if I Have BV or a Yeast Infection?
First thing is to check your symptoms: BV = odor and thin discharge; yeast = itching and thick discharge.
If you’re still unsure whether you’re dealing with BV or yeast infection, before seeking medical help, you can try to do a vaginal pH test at home: BV often results in a pH higher than 4.5, yeast infections don’t typically alter vaginal pH.
Can You Treat BV and a Yeast Infection at the Same Time?
If you have been diagnosed with both BV and yeast infection at the same time, it’s possible to treat both together as their treatments are different. However, some healthcare providers may recommend treating these conditions separately to ensure the most effective results and to avoid potential interactions between treatments.
The Bottom Line: BV vs Yeast Infection
BV often brings that annoying fishy smell and grayish discharge, while yeast infections show up with white, clumpy discharge. BV is usually treated with antibiotics, sometimes paired with boric acid suppositories or OTC solutions. Yeast infections are often managed with antifungal meds, or mild cases may clear up with OTC creams.
But treatment isn’t enough—preventing future infections is key! Probiotics, a healthy diet, good hygiene, staying active, and looking after your mental health can all help keep these infections at bay. Take charge of your intimate health and enjoy longer-lasting relief.