Free tool
BV vs Yeast Infection vs UTI: Side-by-Side Reference
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a shift in the vagina's bacteria, a yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida fungus in the vagina, and a urinary tract infection (UTI) is bacteria in the urinary tract, not the vagina. They can feel similar, so only a clinician's exam or test can tell them apart.
How to use it
- Read across a row to compare one feature for all three.
- Use it to prepare questions for your clinician, not to decide what you have.
- If you have fever, back or side pain, symptoms in pregnancy, or symptoms that keep coming back, contact a clinician promptly.
Reference
| Feature | Bacterial vaginosis (BV) | Yeast infection | Urinary tract infection (UTI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it happens | Vagina | Vagina and vulva | Urinary tract (bladder, urethra, sometimes kidneys) |
| What is involved | A shift in the balance of vaginal bacteria | Overgrowth of Candida, a fungus | Bacteria entering the urinary tract |
| Discharge commonly described | Thin, gray or white, often with a fishy odor | Thick, white, often described as cottage-cheese-like | Not a typical feature |
| Other commonly described signs | Often none at all | Itching, soreness, burning | Pain or burning when peeing, frequent urge to pee |
| Vaginal pH | Often above 4.5 | Usually 4.5 or below | Not used |
| How a clinician checks | Exam and testing of vaginal fluid | Exam and testing of vaginal fluid | Urine test |
| Who should evaluate | A clinician | A clinician, especially for a first episode or in pregnancy | A clinician; seek care quickly with fever or back pain |
They can overlap
It is possible to have more than one at the same time, and symptoms overlap. That is why testing matters.
Yeast infections are common
A 2021 review notes that vaginal yeast infection affects close to 70% of women at least once. A first episode, or one in pregnancy, still needs a clinician.
When to get care promptly
Fever, chills, back or side pain, symptoms during pregnancy, or symptoms that return after treatment are reasons to contact a clinician without waiting.
Other causes exist
ACOG lists trichomoniasis and atrophic vaginitis among other causes of vaginal symptoms, which this chart does not cover.
How this tool works
This is a fixed reference chart built from CDC and ACOG patient and clinical guidance. It has no inputs and gives no result, because symptoms of these conditions overlap and cannot be told apart reliably without an exam or lab test.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between BV and a yeast infection?
BV is a shift in the balance of vaginal bacteria; a yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus. CDC guidance describes different discharge and pH patterns, but a clinician's test is needed to tell them apart.
Can a UTI cause vaginal discharge?
Discharge is not a typical UTI feature. UTIs affect the urinary tract and usually cause pain or burning when peeing and a frequent urge to go. A clinician confirms a UTI with a urine test.
Can I have BV and a yeast infection at the same time?
Yes. More than one cause can be present at once, and symptoms overlap, which is one reason clinicians test vaginal fluid rather than going by symptoms alone.
Does this chart tell me what I have?
No. It is a general reference built from public-health guidance. Symptoms of these conditions overlap, so only an exam or lab test by a clinician can identify the cause.
When should I see a clinician right away?
With fever, chills, back or side pain, symptoms during pregnancy, symptoms that keep returning, or symptoms that did not improve after treatment. CDC advises seeing a healthcare provider for UTI symptoms.
Where does this information come from?
From CDC treatment guidelines for bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, CDC urinary tract infection basics, ACOG patient FAQs and one peer-reviewed review, all linked in the sources below.
Sources
This tool gives general information for adults and does not diagnose or treat any condition. It is not a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you have severe symptoms, fever, or are pregnant, contact a healthcare professional.