Thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urine infections, such as cystitis, all have similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to identify, which one you might be suffering from.
Thrush and BV are incredibly common, but they are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs), despite common misconceptions. Let’s look at the symptoms, and differences between these common vaginal infections.
What is BV?
The vagina has naturally occurring bacteria and fungi, which is called flora. This is normal and keeps the vagina healthy, however, an imbalance of flora can cause bacterial vaginosis. Sometimes, BV can be symptomless, but the most common symptoms are:
- Thin, white/grey discharge
- Strong, fishy odour
- Some discomfort, irritation, or pain, especially when peeing
- Pain during/after sex
What causes BV?
BV is caused by an imbalance of bacteria. It’s unknown why this happens, but you may be more likely to have a change to the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina if you are sexually active, have an IUD, have a change in sexual partner, or you have used perfumed products in or around the vagina.
What is Thrush?
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast, called candida. Thrush is another common condition, which can cause a range of difference symptoms, including:
- Thick, white discharge, which doesn’t usually smell
- Itching or irritation around the vagina
- Stinging or soreness when you pee or during sex
- Some people are symptomless
What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by yeast, and can develop if there is an imbalance or change to the yeast in your vagina. This may happen if you are taking antibiotics, have a weakened immune system, you are taking hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), have poorly controlled diabetes, or you are pregnant.
What is the difference between thrush and BV?
The main difference between thrush and BV is the symptoms, for example, both cause unusual discharge, but it’s likely to be BV if the discharge has a strong, fishy odour, whereas thrush does not normally cause strong smelling discharge.
Another difference is that BV does not cause irritation and itching around the vagina, but thrush does.
How are thrush and BV diagnosed?
If you are unsure if you have thrush or BV, then you can take a test, which can determine if you have thrush, BV, and sometimes other infections. This involves using a cotton bud to take a swab of your vagina. There are different kinds of tests, but Canesten Self-Tests are ideal for checking for these vaginal infections at home. You can also contact a doctor or visit a local sexual health clinic.
Can you have BV and thrush at the same time?
You can have BV and thrush at the same time, but this is uncommon. However, if you do, you can be treated for both at the same time. It does not make either infection more dangerous if you have them at the same time, and both infections are usually harmless.
How are thrush and BV treated?
BV and thrush are treated differently. BV is a bacterial infection, so it can be treated with antibiotics. You can take tablets, or use a gel/cream which can be inserted into the vagina. Metronidazole is mainly used to treat BV. Metronidazole can be taken as a 1-day or 7-day course of tablets.
Thrush is a fungal infection, so it is treated with antifungal medicine, such as Clotrimazole cream, which is applied to the vagina to treat it at the infection site. Another medicine which may be used to treat thrush is Fluconazole, which is a tablet, which can be taken by mouth.