What is the difference between bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection?

Although there may be some symptoms that resemble those of vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV) has a different origin and requires a different course of therapy.

Yeast infections and BV are both included in the large classification of vaginal infections known as vaginitis. These infections affect women pretty frequently. Typically, they can be adequately treated without developing any long-term issues.

BV is caused by an organism that is normally present in your vagina but has grown out of control. Lactobacilli, the "good" bacteria typically outweigh anaerobes, the "bad" bacteria. When anaerobic bacteria overwhelm the normal balance of microorganisms in your vagina, bacterial vaginosis occurs.