There are many forms of a bacterial yeast infection but one of the most common forms of a candida infection effect up to 75% of the women in the United States. A yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis may be similar with their symptoms. However treatment of these two types of infections couldn't be more different.
Bacterial vaginosis used to be referred to as Gardnerella vaginitis. This is because the bacterium that usually causes this infection is Gardnerella.
Now a yeast infection is exactly what it sounds like an overgrowth of yeast. It is actually a fungal infection caused by candida. There are different types of candida infections, candida albicans is variety that causes problems for women.
Candidas live naturally in the body and are usually kept in check by your immune system and the proper balance of "good" bacteria. However an infection can occur when your natural flora balance is disturbed for some reason.
This could be something like you having to take antibiotics or you've had new yeast introduced in some way. Anything that may upset the balance between "good" and "bad" bacteria can cause you to get either one of these infections. Antibiotics are the number one reason for getting many types of candida infections and bacterial vaginosis.
A candida infection or yeast infection can be sexually transmitted between partners, I found that out with my husband the hard way. However bacterial vaginosis cannot be transmitted back and forth.
Men can have a mild yeast infection and pass it on to you if left untreated. It is not uncommon for men to experience little to no symptoms of a yeast infection and just be a carrier.
Some women have described the discharge of a yeast infection like a crumbly blue cheese. But it should be a white vaginal discharge that is light to very thick sort of like cottage cheese.
Painful urination and pain during intercourse are some more symptoms of a yeast infection. Along with soreness around the vagina and itchiness, there should be a slight yeasty smell with the discharge.
Candida infections are common everything from thrush, athlete's foot, skin or a more serious infection like intestinal, digestive or even a systemic yeast infection. If left untreated candida infections can cause you many problems.
If candida enters your blood stream it is considered a systemic yeast infection, this is bad. Now a systemic yeast infection is rare but it can happen if you continue to ignore a infection. A systemic candida infection will wreak havoc on you internal organs maybe even start shutting them down.
You could try an over the counter treatment from your local pharmacy but it will only cure the symptoms and will not address the root of the problem. The best way to permanently cure any candida infection is to kill all of the candida in the whole body. It's the only way to be sure you won't be dealing with another infection in the near future.