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 refered to as Gardnerella vaginitis. This is because the bacterium that usually causes this infection is Gargnerella.
Now a candida infection or yeast infection is actually caused by a fungus candida albicans. And it is basically what it sounds like an overgrowth of yeast or candida albicans.
Your body has a natural flora which is a combination of several things like your immune system and "good" bacteria. Anytime time this flora becomes unbalanced or disturbed it makes you vulnerable to getting an infection.
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.
Now a yeast infection is not considered a STD but it can be transmitted back and forth between partners, my husband and I found that one out the hard way. However bacterial vaginosis is not considered a STD and cannot be transmitted between partners.
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.
Symptoms of a yeast infection are a vaginal white discharge that could be light to heavy with the consistency of cottage cheese. So women have described it like crumbly blue 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 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 yeast infection is where candida has entered the blood stream and can really play havoc on all of your major organs. Now a systemic
candida infection is rare but it can happen if you continue to ignore the signs.
Treating your symptoms and not addressing the root of the infection is what a lot of the over the counter
bacterial yeast infection treatments will give you. But the only way to be sure you won't be dealing with another infection in the future is to kill all the candida in your entire body. It's easy and it's the only permanent solution.
