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.
A harmful bacteria named Gardnerella is usually the cause of bacterial vaginosis. Actually bacterial vaginosis used to be called Gardnerella vaginitis for that very reason.
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.
An infection can occur when your natural flora gets disturbed for some reason. You see candida live naturally in your body and are usually kept in check by your immune system and "good" bacteria.
Antibiotics are one of the leading reasons for all types of candida infections. Antibiotics kill "bad" bacteria while accidentally killing the "good" bacteria leaving your natural flora unbalanced. This means you are very susceptible to getting either infection.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a STD and cannot be transmitted through intercourse. However a yeast infection is not considered a STD per say but it can be transmitted back and forth between partners, my husband and I found that out the hard way.
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.
A vaginal white discharge is a symptom of a yeast infection in women. This dishcarge could be like crumbly blue cheese or cottage cheese anywhere from light to very thick.
Other symptoms would be a little yeasty odor to no odor at all. You should have extreme itchiness and soreness around the vagina. Painful urination and pain during intercourse may also be symptoms.
Candida can cause many problems for you if left untreated. Yeast infections can occur almost anywhere that is dark and moist. Candida infections range from thrush, skin or athlete's foot to more serious infections like digestive tract, intestinal infections all the way up to a systemic yeast infection.
A systemic candida infection is rare but you don't want to take that chance. A systemic condition is where candida have entered the blood stream and will start to wreak havoc on your organs, possibly 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.
For more information on a bacterial yeast infection and all candida infections, Thank You.
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