Does bacterial vaginosis cause vaginal itching?

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.

Can bacterial vaginosis cause vaginal irritation?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. It is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge that occurs in reproductive-age women (women who have not gone through menopause yet). Bacterial vaginosis may cause a “fishy” odor and cause vaginal irritation in some women.

Does BV itch like a yeast infection?

BV is associated with a foul, “fishy” vaginal odor, while most women don’t notice an odor with a yeast infection. A yeast infection also typically causes itching, particularly in younger women, and may include a burning sensation, especially during urination. In general, BV doesn’t cause itching or burning.

Does bacterial vaginosis itch?

If there’s a fishy smell, bacterial vaginosis is a better guess. If your discharge looks like cottage cheese, a yeast infection may be to blame. That’s also more likely to cause itching and burning, though bacterial vaginosis might make you itchy, too.

What helps vaginal itching from BV?

Applying Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is good for BV because it can help introduce good bacteria back into the body. It can be used alone, with honey, or with another vaginal cream inside the vagina to relieve symptoms. 15. Eating garlic tablets: Garlic has been used for BV because of its antibacterial properties.

How do you know when BV is cleared?

Bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 2 or 3 days with antibiotics, but treatment goes on for 7 days. Do not stop using your medicine just because your symptoms are better. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics. Antibiotics usually work well and have few side effects.

Is vaginitis contagious?

Is vaginitis contagious? Because vaginitis refers to the general swelling, irritation, and discomfort of the vagina, it is possible that a contributing factor is contagious. For example, vaginal sexually transmitted diseases can cause vaginitis.

How do I know if its a yeast infection or BV?

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.)

Can you have yeast and BV infection at same time?

It’s possible to have a yeast infection and BV at the same time. If you have symptoms of both conditions, see a doctor for diagnosis.

What can mimic a yeast infection?

Conditions that can mimic a yeast infection


These include trichomoniasis, herpes and genital warts. 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.

Will vaginitis go away on its own?

What Happens. Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. But in some women it doesn’t go away on its own. And for many women it comes back after it has cleared up.

Can sperm cause BV?

Semen is alkaline and often women find they notice a fishy smell after having sex. This is because the vagina wants to be slightly acidic, but if it’s knocked out of balance by the alkaline semen, and it can trigger BV.

Does Monistat get rid of 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.)