What is the difference between bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis?

What is the difference between bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis?

Bacterial vaginosis generally refers to bacterial vaginitis, and candidal vaginitis generally refers to vulvovaginal candidiasis. The main difference between the two lies in the different causes, symptoms and treatment methods.

1. Different causes: Bacterial vaginosis is a common genital tract infectious disease, mainly a mixed infection caused by the disturbance of normal vaginal flora, mainly Gardnerella, anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasma, etc. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is mainly caused by Candida infection.

2. Different symptoms: The leucorrhea of ​​patients with bacterial vaginitis is grayish white and thin, which may cause mild itching. The itching symptoms and vaginal odor will be aggravated after intercourse. Patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis often show increased leucorrhea, which is white or yellow-green like tofu dregs. Some patients will experience severe vulvar itching, accompanied by pain at the vaginal opening or urination, and the pain will be aggravated during sexual intercourse.

3. Different treatment methods: Bacterial vaginitis is mainly treated with anti-anaerobic drugs according to the doctor's advice, such as metronidazole tablets, tinidazole tablets or clindamycin hydrochloride capsules. The treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis is mainly antifungal drugs, such as nystatin tablets or miconazole nitrate vaginal tablets, or clotrimazole vaginal tablets or miconazole nitrate capsules under the guidance of a doctor.

In addition to the above differences, the onset time is also different. There may be cross-infection between the two, and active treatment should be given after diagnosis. During treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided and spicy and irritating foods should be avoided to avoid affecting recovery.