Lactoferrin Treatment In Women With Bacterial And Yeast Vaginal Diseases
Even if the use of prebiotics for the treatment of vaginal infections has been investigated less than probiotics, the data available in the literature have highlighted prebiotic therapeutic potential. As far as lactoferrin is concerned , it has been reported that its oral and vaginal administration in women refractory to conventional treatment for vaginosis and with a history of late miscarriages and preterm delivery due to refractory vaginitis and chorioamnionitis resulted in a significant improvement of the vaginal bacterial flora.
How Are Antibiotics Used
Symptoms are usually treated with an antibiotic such as clindamycin or metronidazole as a cream, vaginal suppositories or tablets, or oral tablets. Treatment can last one to seven days depending on the exact drug used, its form and the dose, and the severity of the symptoms. Your doctor can help you decide what type of treatment is most suitable for you.
If you’ve been prescribed , it’s important to be careful about using them correctly. That especially means using the medicine regularly and for as long as prescribed: Stopping early, for instance if the symptoms have already cleared up, contributes to the development of resistant strains of .
An Allergic Reaction Or Sensitivity
Your vaginal area is sensitive, which means it may be sensitive to certain products you use.
As with other parts of the body, the vulvar and vaginal areas can develop a contact dermatitis reaction to detergents, lotions, soaps and creams that you use Dr. Nelson said. In addition, depending on what products you use, they can also alter the which can lead to increased risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis.
This kind of vaginal irritation is known as noninfectious vaginitis. It can cause itching and burning and vaginal discharge.
Treatment: Treating an allergic reaction or sensitivity will depend on whats causing the symptoms and then eliminating them to see if symptoms resolve. Sometimes short courses of steroid creams can help with the itching.
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How Effective Are Antibiotics
Clindamycin and metronidazole are very effective against vaginosis symptoms. Studies on clindamycin cream treatments have shown the following:
- 50% of the study participants who didn’t use clindamycin had no symptoms one to two weeks after placebo treatment.
- 88% of the study participants who used clindamycin had no symptoms one to two weeks after treatment.
Several studies have also shown that clindamycin and metronidazole are similarly effective: In the studies comparing these two , over 90% of the women had no symptoms after treatment regardless of which drug they had used.
It’s not uncommon for bacterial vaginosis to return after a few weeks. That happens quite often. About half of all women have symptoms again about one year after the first infection. If bacterial vaginal infections return more frequently, it may be a good idea to discuss options for preventive treatment with your doctor.
Studies have also looked into whether it’s a good idea for your partner to also take . But that didn’t speed up the recovery time. It also hasn’t been shown that treating your partner would prevent the infection from coming back.
Whats The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis
Sometimes vaginitisor vaginal inflammationcan be so mild you may not think anything out of the norm is happening. Other times, vaginitis is accompanied by pain and discomfort, which may point to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
The problem? Both issues share common symptoms, which can make it hard to distinguish which one you are experiencing.
Rachel Urrutia, MD, an OB-GYN at UNC Medical Center and assistant professor at the UNC School of Medicine, explains the difference between the two and when you should see a doctor.
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What Can Mimic A Yeast Infection
Conditions that can mimic a yeast infection
- Sexually Transmitted Infections : Some STIs can cause irritation and manifest as an itchy discharge and mild odor.
- A skin reaction or allergy: Some sanitary products can cause a reaction, as can feminine hygiene products, bath soap, or even a change in laundry soap.
What does the BV discharge look like?
Discharge: The hallmark of BV is discharge with a fishy smell. Yeast infection discharge usually does not have a strong odor, but may taste like cottage cheese. Vaginal irritation: BV does not usually cause vaginal irritation or itching.
How can I stop BV itching?
Relieve itching with a cold compress or a cool bath. Do not wash your vaginal area more than once a day. Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap. Dont shower.
Bv Vs Yeast Infection Symptoms
BV and candidiasis are forms of vaginitis that usually create immense discomfort. Although they have some common symptoms, key differences help us detect what we are dealing with. Knowing the difference and determining which one you are suffering from is very important as it will help you understand what type of treatment you should seek.
The most common difference of BV vs yeast infection is the discharge color. What are the other symptoms for each? Lets find out.
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How Do You Know Bv Is Gone
Sometimes bacterial vaginosis clears up on its own, but its beneficial to contact your primary care provider if you have any symptoms as most cases require antibiotics to be completely resolved. Bacterial vaginosis while pregnant or if left untreated can lead to complications in pregnancy or make you more susceptible to STIs. Most treatments last for 5-7 days, though symptoms may stop bothering you within 2-3 days. Make sure to complete the cycle, even if symptoms have cleared, to reduce the chance of the infection recurring. If youre pregnant or are still experiencing symptoms after a round of treatment, you might want to have a follow-up visit.
If you think you have any type of vaginal infection, we suggest getting in touch with your primary care provider for a diagnosis.
Yeast Infection Vs Bacterial Vaginosis
| Bacterial Vaginosis | |
| Caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis | Caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida Albicans fungus |
| Causes a burning sensation often when urinating | Causes a burning sensation when urinating or during sex |
| Causes thin white, yellow, or grey vaginal discharge that is often noticed after vaginal intercourse | Causes white discharge that is often thick |
| Antibiotics prescription medications are used for treatment | Antifungal medications are used for medical treatment |
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When To Go To The Doctor
Because yeast infections and BV have such similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell which you are experiencing, and self-diagnosing is often inaccurate, Dr. Urrutia says.
Dr. Urrutia recommends watching your symptoms for a few days before taking any action. This ensures that you arent just experiencing a normal part of your menstrual cycle.
If you believe you may have a yeast infection, Dr. Urrutia says its OK to try an over-the-counter antifungal medication before making an appointment with your doctoras long as the medication is longer than a one-day treatment.
Do not use the one-day treatments because they are not as effective as the longer-course treatments, she says. You should at least be using the three-day treatment.
It can take up to a week and a half for yeast infection symptoms to go away, but you should see some improvement within a week, Dr. Urrutia says. If your symptoms dont improve, its time to go to the doctor.
Unlike yeast infections, you cannot take OTC medication for BV. If you think you might be experiencing BV, talk to your doctor, who can prescribe the appropriate medication.
What Are Common Symptoms Of A Uti
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are often confused with those of a yeast infection because both can cause burning while urinating and your vulva may appear red or swollen.
The bittersweet news is that cystitis and urethritis dont always cause symptoms, but when they do, they can manifest as a frequent urge to pee , cloudy or bloody urine, and pelvic pain or pressure. Other symptoms may include urine that smells like ammonia, and yellowish-green and thick, or clear and thin discharge. You may also experience body aches and pelvic pain.
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Preventative Steps For Both Types Of Vaginitis
- Swap tight-fitting clothing like jeans, leggings or underwear for loose, moisture-wicking cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
- Avoid scented feminine hygiene products, like tampons or scented soaps.
- Avoid remaining in wet clothes or bathing suits after swimming.
- Avoid remaining in hot tubs or hot baths for extended periods of time.
- Wipe from front to back after using the restroom.
- Wear condoms during intercourse and properly clean any toys.
- Consider taking probiotics to encourage the good bacteria in your vaginal flora.
What Can Happen If Bv Is Not Treated
If BV is untreated, possible problems may include:6
- Higher risk of getting STIs, including HIV. Having BV can raise your risk of getting HIV, genital herpes, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and gonorrhea. Women with HIV who get BV are also more likely to pass HIV to a male sexual partner.
- Pregnancy problems. BV can lead to premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby . All pregnant women with symptoms of BV should be tested and treated if they have it.
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How Long Does Each Infection Typically Last
BV is unlikely to go away without the use of antibiotics, so always contact a doctor.
Mild yeast infections may go away on their own or with over-the-counter medication after a few days. If a yeast infection persists or is getting progressively worse, seek medical advice.
A prescription treatment can quickly clear up BV or a yeast infection within a week . You may feel better sooner, but complete the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor to ensure the infection is gone.
Whats The Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis And A Yeast Infection
Both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are vaginal infections that increase discharge. Heres how you can tell the difference:
- Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a fishy smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesnt usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese.
- Vaginal irritation: Typically, BV doesnt cause vaginal irritation or itchiness. Yeast infections do.
- Over-the-counter treatment: You can treat yeast infections with over-the-counter medications. Youll need to see your healthcare provider to get antibiotics for BV.
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What Do Yeast Infections And Bacterial Vaginosis Have In Common
Both are common vaginal infections, but they arent considered sexually transmitted infections . Both of them also do not tend to have serious health consequences and can be successfully treated with antibiotics and even OTC medication .
Roughly one third of the females of reproductive age in the U.S. get at least one BV outbreak per year, making it the most common vaginal infection. For yeast infection , the rate of occurrence in the U.S. female population is about 20%. Around one out of four women experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime.
So much for the similarities. Both infections vary in their causes and symptoms. BV often even is free of symptoms , while symptoms are much more likely to develop with a yeast infection.
Order safe and effective treatment for vaginal yeast infection
How Do I Know If I Have Bv Or A Yeast Infection
BV can be confused for a yeast infection. But while its true that they are similar below-the-belt issues, theyre ultimately different conditions with slightly different symptoms. First, lets talk discharge: BV causes a watery grayish discharge while a yeast infection causes a white, thick discharge. Odor is also really critical, Dr. Streicher says. There is a very specific fishy odor that generally goes along with BV. You might notice a slight odor with a yeast infection, she says, but its not foul like the one that accompanies BV.
So, if your discharge is watery as opposed to white and thick, and smells like Pike Place Market on an August afternoon, its probably BV, and not a yeast infection. But you know what we always say, Dr. Streicher says. If youre not sure, you should go to the doctor.
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When To See A Medical Provider
If any symptoms of BV or a yeast infection last longer than a few days, or if they impact your quality of life, talk to a medical provider.
BV and yeast infections are some of the most common vaginal conditions faced by women of reproductive age, and your provider will know how to distinguish between them.
Bacterial Vaginosis Or Yeast Infection
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are both common types of vaginal infections.
Even though they have some symptoms in common, BV is caused by bacteria while yeast infections are caused by fungus. There are both over-the-counter and prescription treatments available for yeast infections, but for BV you need a prescription.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and tips to prevent both BV and yeast infections.
JGI / Tom Grill / Getty Images
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
Without a pelvic exam, it can be tough to know if you have BV or something else. If you have vaginal discharge that comes with an odor or if you develop a fever, its time to make an appointment.
Another reason to see your provider is if you have multiple sex partners or recently started having sex with someone new and now have vaginal symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms of BV can resemble those of sexually transmitted infections. And finally, if you thought you had a yeast infection but the OTC remedies just arent working, get medical advice.
While you can usually treat yeast infections with OTC medications, some instances merit an office visit.
Suppose its your first yeast infection ever. In that case, you may want to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure youre not experiencing another issue that requires different treatment, like a urinary tract infection or an STI. You should also seek medical attention if you get a yeast infection while pregnant, since not all OTC meds are pregnancy-safe. And finally, if you get yeast infections a lot , you may need longer-term treatment.
Is It Possible To Prevent Yeast Infections And Bacterial Vaginosis
Careful attention to hygiene may help prevent some yeast infections, as well as changing out of wet bathing suits or damp clothes as soon as possible. Loose-fitting cotton underwear decreases moisture in the genital area and may help prevent yeast infections. Avoidance of vaginal douching can also help prevent both conditions. Reducing certain risk factors, such as limiting the number of sex partners and taking all medications as directed when being treated for bacterial vaginosis, can also help reduce a woman’s risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. However, it is not possible to completely prevent either condition.
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How Common Are Bv And Yeast Infections
Both vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are incredibly common. In fact, BV is the most common vaginal infection affecting women of reproductive age in the United States, and it can hit women of any age, even theyre not sexually active.Meanwhile, up to 75% of women will have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life, with at least 45% of women experiencing more than one.
When To See Your Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of an infection, but think that it might not be a yeast infection, use the Vaginal Health Test from MONISTAT® CARE to help determine if you need to see a doctor.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- It’s your first yeast infection
- You’re under 12 years of age
- You get an abnormal result from the Vaginal Health Test from MONISTAT® CARE
- You have missed a period, are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have or suspect you may have diabetes
- You’re taking the prescription drug Warfarin
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have recurring yeast infections
- You may have been exposed to HIV
- You develop other symptoms such as rash, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain
- You have foul-smelling or greenish-grayish vaginal discharge
- You’re using MONISTAT® and there is no improvement in symptoms within 3 days
- You’re using MONISTAT® and symptoms last more than 7 days
If you are unsure of what to ask or uncomfortable speaking with your doctor regarding yeast infection concerns, download our
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What Causes Bv And What Are The Symptoms
Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy or the use of IUDs can also raise the risks of getting BV.
The only symptom of BV is a vaginal discharge that is grey or white and smells foul and fishy. As mentioned, most BV cases dont develop symptoms and go away on their own unnoticed after a few days. However, if you develop the mentioned discharge, youll definitely notice it. A last note: BV doesnt cause skin rashes, pain, or itching. If you experience such symptoms, the underlying problem wont be a BV.
What Is The Difference Between Yeast Infections & Bacterial Vaginosis
The two most common types of vaginal infections are Bacterial Vaginosis and Yeast Infections. BV is the most common form of vaginal infection. Nearly half of all vaginal infections are classified as BV, while about 29% are classified as Yeast Infections. It is common for women to mistake one for the other. If you suspect you have an infection, see your doctor immediately.
BV generally results in an excessive grayish white vaginal discharge and a bothersome fishy odor which can be worse after sexual intercourse. Many people describe the discharge as yogurt-like or pasty. The condition may also cause vaginal itching & redness.
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