How can I tell if I have a yeast infection or bacterial infection?

With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)

How do I check myself for a yeast infection?

Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for

Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.

What does a bacterial yeast infection feel like?

Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include: Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating. Redness and swelling of the vulva.

Can yeast or bacterial infections go away on their own?

Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.

Can you test for BV or yeast infection at home?

However, if you are unable to see a healthcare professional, you can use an at-home BV test. These over-the-counter testing kits can measure the pH levels in the vagina and give you an indication of whether or not there are any irregularities.

How To Know If You Have Yeast Infection

Does bacterial vaginosis itch?

Symptoms - The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal, odorous vaginal discharge. The fish-like odor is noticeable especially after intercourse. Women with BV also may have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both.

How long does bacterial vaginosis last?

Once you start treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually go away within two to three days. While in some cases it can resolve on its own without treatment, it can take longer to clear up and it can come back.

How do I test myself for BV?

To test for bacterial vaginosis at home, you take a sample of your own vaginal fluid by inserting a swab into your vagina. You seal the sample in a container, then mail it to a lab. It may take the lab a few days to a week to process the sample and get results, depending on the kit you choose.

What are the symptoms of BV in females?

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching.

Can I treat BV without antibiotics?

The primary treatment course for BV is antibiotics. However, some people may wish to treat the condition at home. Options for home treatments include practicing safe hygiene, using barrier protection during intercourse, and taking probiotic supplements. BV is a common condition and typically is not cause for concern.

Is it OK to leave a yeast infection untreated?

Complications of untreated yeast infections

If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.

Can I get rid of a yeast infection myself?

You can treat most vaginal yeast infections with an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppository. Most large drugstores and supermarkets sell them. Many yeast infection treatments come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths.

What can a yeast infection do if left untreated?

If patients leave oral thrush untreated, the candidiasis may travel to their esophagus or—more rarely and more deadly—into their bloodstream.

Can a yeast infection just be itchy without discharge?

Causes of vaginal itching without discharge

Infections — Your vagina or vulva may feel itchy due to a candida infection or genital warts from a viral infection. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes result in vulvar itching (although it's rare), likely due to contact dermatitis.

What feels like a yeast infection but isn t?

Bacterial vaginosis. Many women who think they have a yeast infection may actually have another condition: bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV, which affects about 10% of women and up to 30% of pregnant women, is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women.

What antibiotics treat yeast infections?

Fluconazole is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus (tube leading from the mouth to the stomach), abdomen (area between the chest and waist), lungs, blood, and other organs.

How can I tell if I have a yeast infection without going to the doctor?

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

A burning sensation in the vaginal area. Redness, soreness, or irritation in and around the vagina. Vaginal discharge ranging from thin and watery to thick and curd-like.

What is the main cause of yeast infection?

A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. Yeast can also “overgrow” in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast.

Can a Pap smear detect BV?

In the present study, conventional Pap smear demonstrates good accuracy to detect BV. Pap testing for cervical cancer screening can additionally serve as an effective screening tool for diagnosing BV among women with genital infection in healthcare settings.

What does BV discharge look like?

The main symptom of BV is lots of thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. The discharge may be white, dull gray, greenish, and/or foamy. The fishy smell is often more noticeable after vaginal sex.

How did I get bacterial vaginosis?

BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.

Is Cranberry good for BV?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms. Complete prevention of BV is not possible, however, there are a number of factors to be considered when attempting to reduce the risk of BV.

Does bacterial vaginosis smell?

Often there are no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Some women may notice a change in the normal secretions from the vagina. This discharge will usually be white or grey, thin or watery and have a strong, unpleasant fishy smell. This can be more noticeable during and after sex, and during periods.

Can I treat yeast and BV at same time?

Although thrush and BV are similar, their causes are slightly different, so they can't be treated in the same way.