How do I know if I have a yeast infection or a bacterial infection?

With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)

How do I check myself for a yeast infection?

Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for

Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.

Can a bacterial infection mimic a yeast infection?

Both these forms of vaginitis are typically accompanied by vaginal itching, burning sensations and discomfort, with a few key differences in symptoms. There is one typical, major difference between symptoms of a yeast infection vs BV: discharge color. Beyond that, the other key difference is the odor.

What does a bacterial yeast infection feel like?

Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include: Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating. Redness and swelling of the vulva.

Can yeast or bacterial infections go away on their own?

Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.

How To Know If You Have Yeast Infection

Can you use Monistat for BV?

Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter products like Monistat that will do the trick. (Monistat is a treatment for yeast infections—it won't do anything to stop the itching and clear up your condition if what you really have is BV.)

Will Monistat hurt me if I don't have yeast infection?

Monistat may cause a mild increase of vaginal burning, itching, and irritation when used, even without a yeast infection. The vaginal area is sensitive in general and prone to these side effects when applying any type of medication there. However, burning may be worse if you already have a yeast infection present.

What else could it be if not a yeast infection?

Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as well as lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory condition that is more common in postmenopausal people, can mimic symptoms of a yeast infection.

Can I use Monistat if I think I have a yeast infection?

If you think you have a yeast infection and are familiar with the symptoms because you have been previously diagnosed with a yeast infection, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal remedy such as MONISTAT®. If this is your first yeast infection, see your healthcare professional.

How do you know if it's not a yeast infection?

BV discharge may be off-white, grey or greenish in color, and thin and watery in consistency. In comparison, vaginal discharge from a yeast infection is curd-like in consistency (often compared to cottage cheese), appears whitish-yellowish in color, and generally does not have a smell.

What are the symptoms of BV in females?

What happens if I treat myself for a yeast infection but don't have one?

If you don't really have a yeast infection, antifungals won't help you get better. They can actually prolong the real problem, because while you'll think you're treating the issue, the real cause will continue to develop.

How long does it take for Monistat 1 to work?

For most people, Monistat starts to kick in within 24 hours of your first dose. Even if you don't feel relief in the first 24 hours, you should definitely feel some symptom improvement within 3 days. If you don't feel any better within the 3 days, let your healthcare provider know.

Can a yeast infection just be itchy without discharge?

Causes of vaginal itching without discharge

Infections — Your vagina or vulva may feel itchy due to a candida infection or genital warts from a viral infection. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes result in vulvar itching (although it's rare), likely due to contact dermatitis.

Are you supposed to rinse out Monistat?

Official answer. You may shower in the morning, but it is not required. Monistat 3-day and Monistat 7-day topical yeast infection treatments (miconazole cream, ointment, ovule or suppositories) are inserted into the vagina before bedtime. Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product to help reduce leakage.

What over the counter helps with BV?

Bacterial vaginosis treatments

The three best treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis include: Metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel once a day for 5 days. Metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 mg pills twice a day for 7 days. 2% clindamycin vaginal cream once a day for 5 days.

How long does bacterial vaginosis last?

Once you start treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually go away within two to three days. While in some cases it can resolve on its own without treatment, it can take longer to clear up and it can come back.

Does bacterial vaginosis itch?

Symptoms - The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal, odorous vaginal discharge. The fish-like odor is noticeable especially after intercourse. Women with BV also may have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both.

What does a BV discharge look like?

Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching.

How do I test myself for BV?

To test for bacterial vaginosis at home, you take a sample of your own vaginal fluid by inserting a swab into your vagina. You seal the sample in a container, then mail it to a lab. It may take the lab a few days to a week to process the sample and get results, depending on the kit you choose.

Can a female yeast infection go away by itself?

If a yeast infection is mild, it will usually clear up after a few days. More severe yeast infections, however, can last for up to two weeks. If for some reason a yeast infection is left untreated, it won't cause any serious long-term medical complications, like infertility or scarring.