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Can You Have BV And Yeast Infection At The Same Time? Yes! Ob ... - Yahoo

If you've ever had a yeast infection (and research shows that 75% of us have), you're all too familiar with the telltale symptoms like itching, burning and discharge. And many women get the pesky infections again and again. But sometimes, those symptoms aren't a sign of a yeast infection at all! Gynecologists are reporting that many women who think they have a yeast infection are self-misdiagnosing a totally different vaginal condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV). Both conditions come with similar uncomfortable symptoms and it can be hard to tell them apart. For that reason, many women are asking, "Can you have BV and a yeast infection at the same time?" The answer is yes. The good news is that it's possible to cure both infections. Read on for the must-know info.

"One of the big misconceptions is every time someone thinks they have vaginal irritation or odor or an abnormal discharge, they think it's yeast, and in fact, most times, it's not," says Lauren Streicher, MD, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University. "Most times, it's bacterial vaginosis, which is an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina." It's surprisingly common, with research showing that up to 30% of the time women with BV also have yeast overgrowth.

If you're not sure whether you have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (or both, ugh!), doctors agree that it's crucial that you visit the gynecologist to see what's going on. Here, what you need to know about these conditions and how you can get relief.

Yeast infection basics

It's normal for a yeast called Candida albicans to live in the vagina. But everything from birth control pills and hormone therapy to antibiotics and uncontrolled diabetes can cause the vaginal tract to become more hospitable to the yeast, which then overgrows, leading to symptoms like vaginal discharge, itching and burning during sex or while urinating, says Barbara DePree, MD, a certified menopause practitioner and founder of MiddlesexMD.Com.

Bacterial vaginosis basics

Age-related hormone fluxes, menstruation and even sex can bring a rise in vaginal pH that allows harmful bacteria to flourish, leading to bacterial vaginosis, a condition that causes odor and an itchy, irritating discharge, explains Laura Corio, MD, author of The Change Before The Change. Normally, the vaginal pH is pretty low, between 3.5 to 4.5, which allows the healthy bacteria in your body to thrive. But if something elevates the pH — such as sexual intercourse or the use of lubricants and douches — the "good bacteria" have trouble thriving and the "bad" bacteria start to take over.

How to tell if it's a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis

If you have a yeast infection, you can expect to see a white, thick vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese. You'll probably feel very itchy down there, and you may spot some redness on the vulva and around the opening of the vagina. You may also notice a mild yeasty odor, but it probably won't be too strong of a smell.

Both BV and yeast infections cause burning and itching, but fishy odor and a thin grayish discharge are hallmark signs of BV, says Dr. Corio. And unlike a yeast infection, there does tend to be a strong fish-like odor with bacterial vaginosis. This odor can get even worse after you have intercourse.

To determine which one you have, Dr. Corio recommends seeing your doctor for a vaginal culture test. If the test confirms BV, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection.

If you're prone to repeat yeast infections, you likely keep over-the-counter treatments on hand. But before you use them, Dr. Corio says you might find it helpful to test your vaginal pH using an at-home kit (like AZO Vaginal pH Test Kit, Buy on Amazon, $14.01 for 2 tests). Simply insert the cotton swab in your vagina, then apply to the included pH test pad. A normal pH is 3.5 to 4.5; a pH of 5 or higher is abnormal. "If your vaginal pH is abnormal, you should see a doctor, who can determine the cause and prescribe targeted treatment," advises Dr. Corio.

How to treat BV

If you discover that you do have bacterial vaginosis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat it. And while antibiotics will kill the bacteria that cause BV, they can also knock out the vagina's healthy flora, leaving you vulnerable to recurrence. Thankfully, these natural options are proven to treat BV and keep future infections at bay:

Spoon up yogurt

Roberto Machado Noa/Getty Images

"Since the depletion of good vaginal bacteria (lactobacillus) is the root cause of BV, it makes sense to replenish them," says Dr. DePree. "Studies have shown a 60% reduction in infections in women who eat probiotic-enhanced yogurt daily for 30 days." (Click through for a simple recipe to make your own probiotic yogurt). Don't like yogurt? Dr. DePree advises taking a probiotic with lactobacillus once daily (like Nature's Way Probiotic Pearls for Women, Buy on Amazon, $10.75 for 30).

Try vitamin C this way

Inserting a 250-mg. Vitamin C tablet into the vagina for six days in a row cured BV for 86% of women in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. How it works: Vitamin C restores a healthy pH level in the vagina to enhance the body's ability to fight off infectious bacteria. Dr. Corio recommends using an enteric-coated pill to avoid irritation to sensitive vaginal tissue and inserting a tablet twice weekly to prevent future infections.

How to keep BV from returning

"There is some scientific evidence that using over-the-counter vaginal probiotic capsules that contain lactobacilli (like VagiBiom, Buy on Amazon, $34.95 for 15 suppositories) can help protect against BV in women with a history of repeat infections — and you don't have to use them every single day," says Dr. DePree. One study found that a pattern of seven days on and seven days off reduced recurrence rates by 65%.

Finally, Dr. DePree notes, consider using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free soap, wearing breathable cotton underwear. You should also avoid douching since it disrupts the vagina's balance of good to bad bacteria, which can trigger an infection.

How to treat a yeast infection Antifungal medications

Antifungal medications like over-the-counter Monistat (Buy on Amazon, $12.97) and prescription Diflucan can treat yeast infections, but Dr. DePree notes that "certain strains of fungi, such as Candida albicans, the one responsible for most yeast infections, can become resistant to over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories.

There's also Vivjoa, a newer prescription oral medication — the first treatment designed to treat repeat yeast infections, or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). "This antifungal drug is more effective than current antifungal treatment options because it's less likely to cause antifungal resistance while still killing fungal growth," says Dr. DePree. Although it's not a quick fix (the medication must be taken for three months), 96% of women with RVVC using Vivjoa were free from recurrent infections for nearly a year. (Note: The medication isn't recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.)

If you prefer natural strategies, consider these:

Vitamin B

A form of vitamin B-3 called nicotinamide reduces the number of candida cells by 67% and enhances the power of prescription antifungal drugs, say Chinese researchers. You can get B-3 from foods like eggs, dairy, poultry, fish and enriched grains or by taking a supplement, like Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator (Buy on Amazon, $45 for 30 capsules).

This purple remedy

Gentian violet (GV) is an antiseptic that prevents candida spores from producing infection-causing proteins, and a 2022 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who used GV in addition to a prescription antifungal were more likely to cure the infection and did so one day sooner. What's more, their infections were 55% less likely to return. To get the benefits, pour 2 tsp. Of a diluted, 1% solution of GV (like De La Cruz Gentian Violet, buy on Amazon, $9.18 for a 1-oz. Bottle) into a glass, soak a tampon in the solution and wear the tampon for up to 3 hours twice a day for three days. Note: GV stains skin and clothing, so consider using a pad or panty liner to protect your clothes.

Other smart strategies Dr. DePree recommends to help restore healthy vaginal pH levels and protect against future yeast overgrowth: reducing your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates (yeast's favorite food), avoiding douching and scented vaginal products that can disrupt the microbial balance and supplementing with a daily probiotic. (Click through to learn about the natural yeast infection cure that helped one woman heal and about kombucha for yeast infections)

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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Ob/Gyns: If Your Yeast Infection Doesn't Go Away After Treatment, It ...

If you've ever been in the uncomfortable, itchy and frantic position of wondering why your stubborn yeast infection won't go away, you're not alone. When the creams that always worked in the past are ineffective and online searches for "yeast infection home remedies" yield nothing, you start wondering what's going on with this yeast infection that won't go away. The answer might surprise you: You may not have a yeast infection at all, says Christy Beyer, MD, an ob/gyn clinician with Midi Health, a national virtual healthcare clinic for women over age 40. "There are many other conditions that can present with symptoms similar to yeast infections," she adds. Read on for the must-know info that will help you feel better fast!

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection occurs when a fungus, most commonly Candida albicans, which naturally inhabits the skin, mouth, throat, gut and vagina, overgrows, explains Barbara DePree, MD, a certified menopause practitioner and founder of MiddlesexMD.Com, an educational resource for women in perimenopause and beyond. Nearly 75% of women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives, and even the most mild of infections can be intensely uncomfortable. You can even have yeast infections in your mouth or on your breasts. Dr. DePree says prescription antifungals as well as over-the-counter yeast infection treatments like Monistat are effective at eliminating most yeast infections. (Click through to learn more about this common under-boob rash and how to treat it.)

Yeast infection symptoms

The symptoms of yeast infection in women can range in severity, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although the symptoms can vary from woman to woman, they usually include:

Itching and irritation in the vagina and the tissues at the vaginal opening

Burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating

Redness and swelling of the vulva

Vaginal pain and soreness

Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance

Possible causes of a yeast infection that won't go away

There are a few factors that could explain why you're experiencing a yeast infection that won't go away, says Dr. Beyer. "That's why it's important to see your physician, who can give you the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations." Read on for possible causes:

1. Overgrowth of a tough-to-treat strain of yeast

Most yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a specific strain of yeast called Candida albicans, but if your antifungal treatment isn't working, it's possible you're harboring a different species of yeast called Candida glabrata, says ob/gyn Laura Corio, MD, author of The Change Before the Change. Both are part of the normal vaginal microflora, but while drugstore medications are effective against C. Albicans, C glabrata is highly resistant to them, Dr. Corio explains. In fact, Swedish researchers found that C. Glabrata can survive even when treated with 10 times the medication dose typically used for C. Albicans infections.

How to treat it: Boric acid vaginal suppositories can treat C. Glabrata, says Dr. DePree, who adds, "It's an inexpensive option that's been used to treat yeast infections for more than 100 years." She suggests using a suppository like pH-D Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories (Buy on Amazon, $26.99 for 30 capsules). Women who've used this product rave about the results, including the 24,000 reviewers on Amazon, like Angela B, who battled yeast for 18 months before trying this product, which she calls "miraculous!" If this strategy doesn't bring relief, your doctor can isolate the specific form of Candida behind your infection and suggest appropriate treatment.

2. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is one of the most common vaginal infections, says Dr. Beyer. And it shares yeast infection symptoms such as vaginal and vulvar itching, burning and discomfort. The main difference? Although BV discharge can be white, it's generally thin and can also be yellow, gray or even green. The discharge also tends to have a fishy odor, while a yeast discharge (which is thick, white and clumpy) lacks a noticeable odor.

How to treat it: Your doctor can diagnose BV through a Pap test. Since BV is caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina, an antifungal treatment won't help. You need an antibiotic to treat the infection. But beefing up the "good" lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina can also help, says Dr DePree. She suggests taking a probiotic containing lactobacillus once daily, like Nature's Way Pearls. (Buy on Amazon, $22.79 for 90 softgels). Note: Sometimes, BV occurs alongside a yeast infection. Click through to learn what to do if you have BV and yeast at the same time.

3. Cytolytic vaginosis

Commonly called lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome, this type of irritation occurs when the population of lactobacillus bacteria that normally live in the vagina spirals out of control. "Lactobacillus help to maintain an acidic vaginal pH that limits other bacteria from growing," Dr. Beyer says. If lactobacillus becomes too plentiful, it's generally a sign that something has thrown off the bacterial balance, she adds. This could include prolonged use of medications, and a sensitivity to soaps, wipes, pads or lubricants.

Because lactobacilli produce lactic acid, an overgrowth makes the vagina too acidic — and that can lead to the itching, burning and discharge that can be mistaken for a yeast infection.

How to treat it: To tame the overgrowth, try sitting in a sitz bath. To do: Fill your bathtub with enough warm water to cover your hips. Add 2 to 4 Tbs. Of baking soda to the water, stir to dissolve and soak for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily. The strategy helps make the vagina's pH less acidic to nix the overgrowth. Dr. Beyer also recommends using mild, unscented soaps that won't disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria. "The vagina is self-cleaning, so douching isn't necessary," she says. "And wearing cotton underwear can help maintain proper airflow to help prevent moisture retention that can increase risk of bacteria growth."

4. Trichomoniasis

This parasite, which can be transmitted during sex, causes symptoms that mimic a yeast infection, including itching, burning and discharge, although according to the Mayo Clinic, the discharge it triggers is more similar to the foul-smelling discharge that accompanies BV.

How to treat it: Your doctor can diagnose trichomoniasis by examining vaginal fluid under a microscope; if the results are positive, he or she will prescribe an oral antibiotic.

5. Menopausal hormone flux

The drop in estrogen that happens during the menopause transition can make some women more prone to yeast infections, says Dr. DePree. She explains that the loss of estrogen can change vaginal pH, making it more difficult to fight off yeast overgrowth. What's more, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a phenomenon that encompasses the variety of physical changes that can happen in the vagina, on the vulva and in the urinary tract, can be misinterpreted as a yeast infection, says Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, author of Menopause Bootcamp. "The tissue changes themselves — thinning, loss of collagen and elastin, and decreased blood flow — contribute as much, if not more, to the discomfort and potential of a yeast infection misdiagnosis than a change in the microflora." Plus, these physical changes also create a more perfect environment for yeast to grow.

How to treat it: Dr. Gilberg-Lenz says the most important and effective treatment for restoration of vaginal resilience and microflora is prescription vaginal estrogen, which is placed in the vagina via a cream, ring, or tablet. Lucy McBride, MD, a Harvard-trained primary care physician in Washington, DC, agrees. "Topical estrogen can be a good choice for women to reduce vaginal yeast infections, especially if the infections are recurrent or complicated." By that, she means if you have severe pain or symptoms, skin irritation or are immune-compromised.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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Bacterial Vaginosis Vs. Yeast Infection: How To ... - Onlymyhealth

Did you know? Not all bacteria or fungal species are harmful. Some of these microorganisms are an integral part of the female reproductive system. Certain types of bacteria and fungi are normally present in the vagina, which help maintain healthy pH levels and safeguard it from different illnesses. An unnecessary or abnormal growth of such microorganisms can lead to many infections, including Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infection. These can cause discomforting symptoms that are overlapping in nature and therefore, can make it difficult for you to tell them apart. 

Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Sujata Dutta, Consultant Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata, shared some important points to help distinguish between the two infections. But first let us understand what BV and yeast infection are. 

Also Read: Habits That Can Help You Prevent a UTI

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

A pH measurement helps determine the nature of a substance or a solution, both in terms of acidity or alkalinity (basic). Similarly, a vaginal pH level determines how acidic or basic the vagina is. BV is caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis in the vagina, which can shift the natural pH balance of the vagina and decrease the number of good bacteria. Pain, itching, burning in the vagina, a foul-smell  while urinating, and a thin and a greyish-white vaginal discharge are some of the common symptoms of BV. 

What Is Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection is a type of fungal infection that occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast and fungi in the vagina. An imbalance can push the yeast to grow rapidly and cause an infection, which can cause irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva. Some of the symptoms of yeast infection can be similar to symptoms associated with BV. Having said that, here's how you can differentiate between the two infections.

Also Read: Women's Health: 7 Essential Nutrients For Women In Their 40s

Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis And Yeast Infection

Dr Dutta says, "BV is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina, while yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida."

According to the doctor, the symptoms of BV include a fishy odour, thin greyish-white discharge, and itching or burning in the vagina, whereas yeast infections are characterised by thick, white curd-like discharge, itching, and burning. In addition, while BV makes the vagina more alkaline, yeast infections make it more acidic.

How To Know If It Is Bacterial Vaginosis Or A Yeast Infection?

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection can both be diagnosed by taking a sample of vaginal discharge and examining it under a microscope, says Dr Dutta. The healthcare provider will examine the vaginal secretions to determine the cause of the infection and recommend a treatment plan accordingly.

Treatment for BV typically involves antibiotics, which can be taken orally or applied as a cream or gel in the vagina. On the other hand, yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications, which can be taken orally, or applied as creams directly to the vagina. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tight clothing and taking probiotics may also help prevent recurring yeast infections, says Dr Dutta. 

Disclaimer

All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.

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