Is it fungus or bacteria?

2 mins to read

Two of the most common types of organisms that can cause infection and irritation in the vagina are yeasts and bacteria, but what exactly are they and how do they differ? Naturopath Jennifer McLennan explains.

Womens health

All women have a vaginal discharge which varies depending on the phase of her menstrual cycle. However, a normal vaginal discharge should not cause any irritation.

Thrush

Up to 75% of women will suffer from vaginal thrush in their lifetime. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of one of the most common organisms found in the vagina: Candida albicans. This normally dormant yeast, which also lives in the gut, can overgrow and cause irritation and infection in the vagina and externally around the vulva.

Causes

There is no specific cause for the occurrence of thrush, however the most common reasons for thrush to develop are:

Antibiotics suppress the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina, providing an opportunity for an overgrowth of candida.
High oestrogen levels, such as those found in women who are pregnant and women who take the oral contraceptive pill, increase the amount of glucose in the vagina which is the fuel that candida feeds on.
Poor immunity, such as in diabetes and other immune system disorders (thyroid and autoimmune diseases) can lead to candida growth in the vagina.

Symptoms

Irritation in the form of itching and burning in and around the vagina which can worsen pre-menstrually.
Discharge that looks like white cottage cheese in appearance, but can vary from watery to thick
Burning and stinging when urinating or during intercourse.

Prevention and treatment

For advice about preventing and treating thrush, see Jennifer’s related article: Preventing thrush.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) accounts for the majority of vaginal infection experienced by women

As opposed to thrush, BV is caused by a non-specific bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. The normal flora of the vagina, mostly consisting of Lactobacilli bacteria, are overgrown by a mixture of other bacteria, causing the symptoms typically seen in BV.

Causes

Bacterial imbalances in the vagina that lead to BV are not well understood. Although BV it is not a sexually transmitted disease, it does seem to present commonly in women who have a new partner. Safe sex practices are recommended to protect against infection.

Symptoms

The presentation of BV can be similar to thrush which is why it’s important to go to your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, as the treatment is different to that for thrush.

Irritation, burning and redness are present in 50% of women with BV, however many women are asymptomatic. Other common symptoms are:

Watery, thin and greyish discharge
Malodorous, ‘fishy’ smelling discharge

Prevention and treatment

Supplement with probiotics, as these have been shown to improve symptoms and help prevent unhealthy vagina flora balance
Safe sexual practices are recommended as BV infection is often linked with sexual activity, especially with a new partner

It’s always best to check with your healthcare professional about prevention and treatment for BV, particularly if symptoms persist and infection reoccurs.