BV vs. Yeast Infection: How to Tell the Difference (And Why It Matters)
If you’ve ever had vaginal itching, unusual discharge, or just that sense that something’s “off,” your first thought might be a yeast infection—and your second might be a trip to the drugstore. But not so fast. There’s another common culprit with similar symptoms: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
These two conditions are often confused, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. And while they can both cause discomfort, they have different causes, treatments, and risks which makes getting the diagnosis right essential.
Here’s how to tell the difference between BV and a yeast infection, what symptoms to watch for, and why accurate testing (like our BV Check Test) is the key to getting relief and preventing chronic flare-ups.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis is an imbalance in your vaginal microbiome specifically when anaerobic bacteria overgrow and crowd out the good bacteria (lactobacilli) that keep your vaginal pH acidic and healthy.
Key triggers include:
New or multiple sexual partners
Douching or using scented vaginal products
Hormonal shifts (menstruation, menopause, pregnancy)
IUD use
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it’s more common in sexually active individuals and can increase your risk of contracting STIs like chlamydia and HIV if untreated.
What Is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection (or vulvovaginal candidiasis) is caused by the overgrowth of yeast, most commonly Candida albicans, in the vagina. Unlike BV, it’s not about bacteria—it’s a fungal imbalance.
Common triggers include:
Antibiotic use
Tight, non-breathable clothing
Hormonal changes
High blood sugar or diabetes
Weakened immune system
Yeast infections are not considered STIs, though they can sometimes be passed between partners through skin-to-skin contact or oral sex.
Symptoms: Where They Overlap and Differ
Here’s where it gets confusing: Both BV and yeast infections can cause discharge, irritation, and discomfort. But their specific symptoms tell very different stories.
With BV, symptoms usually include:
Thin, grayish-white discharge
Strong, fishy odor (especially after sex)
Mild irritation or burning
No visible redness or swelling
With a yeast infection, symptoms tend to be:
Thick, white, “cottage cheese”-like discharge
Intense itching or burning
Redness, swelling, and soreness around the vulva
Pain during sex or urination
If you’ve ever tried to diagnose based on discharge alone, you know how easy it is to get it wrong. That’s why treating “based on a hunch” can backfire.
Why Misdiagnosis Happens So Often
It’s no secret that many women treat vaginal symptoms at home before ever speaking to a doctor. OTC antifungal creams are widely available and often the default even though they’re completely ineffective against BV.
Likewise, many medical providers rely on outdated in-office tests (like pH strips or the “whiff test”) that don’t always offer clear answers especially for people with mixed infections or mild symptoms.
Misdiagnosis leads to:
Persistent or worsening symptoms
Recurrent infections
Unnecessary exposure to medications (antibiotics or antifungals)
Delayed diagnosis of other conditions like Trichomoniasis, UTIs, or atrophic vaginitis
Why Accurate Testing Matters
Your vagina deserves better than guesswork.
The MyUTI BV Check Test is a vaginal swab test that checks for:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Yeast infections (Candida)
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
It uses FDA-approved NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) technology to detect DNA from each infection—giving you lab-grade results from the comfort of your home.
Unlike urine-based STI tests or at-home pH kits, this swab test collects a sample directly from the vaginal environment, where these infections live and grow. Results are delivered in 3 days, so you can skip the speculation and finally get answers.
When to Get Tested
If you're dealing with persistent, recurrent, or confusing symptoms, it's time to test—not guess. You should also test if:
You're unsure whether your symptoms are due to BV or a yeast infection
You've tried OTC treatments and they haven’t worked
You’re about to start antibiotics or hormone therapy
You’re experiencing new symptoms after sex or with a new partner
Knowing which infection you’re dealing with helps you and your provider choose the right treatment from the start—and reduces your risk of further imbalance.
Treatment Paths: Why It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
BV requires antibiotics, typically metronidazole or clindamycin, either orally or as a vaginal gel. Antifungals won’t work.
Yeast infections require antifungals, like fluconazole (oral) or miconazole/clotrimazole (vaginal creams or suppositories). Antibiotics won’t work.
Taking the wrong medication won’t just fail, it may actually make things worse. Antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in your vagina and lead to yeast overgrowth. Antifungals won’t touch BV bacteria and can irritate already-inflamed tissue.
What If It's Something Else?
If your test results come back negative for both BV and yeast, you’re not imagining things—there are other conditions that can mimic these infections, including:
Trichomoniasis (Trich) – a common STI with similar symptoms
Vaginal atrophy (GSM) – common after menopause
Lichen sclerosus or eczema – can cause itching and irritation
Recurrent UTIs or interstitial cystitis – may feel similar to yeast or BV
This is why rule-out testing is just as important as diagnosis. Knowing what it’s not can help you get on the right path faster and stop the cycle of mistreatment and confusion.
The Takeaway
When it comes to your vaginal health, your body knows when something’s off—but it can’t always tell you what’s wrong. BV and yeast infections can feel similar, but they’re different conditions with very different treatments. Trying to self-diagnose can lead to delays, recurrences, and even complications.
Instead of relying on guesswork or outdated tests, use a trusted, clinical-grade solution like the MyUTI BV Check Test. It’s fast, discreet, and gives you answers you can act on—so you can finally stop the cycle and start healing.
