Differences Between Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections

A lot of people are often confused about the differences between Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections, but not anymore. In this post, you will learn about the top 5 differences between Bacterial Vaginosis vs Urinary Tract Infections.

Let’s take a look:

The main difference between Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections is the location of the infection. BV affects the vagina, while UTIs affect the urinary tract.

Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections:

  • Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. It is not a sexually transmitted infection but can be triggered by sexual activity. Symptoms may include a fishy odor, unusual discharge, itching, and burning.
  • Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. Symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pressure or pain in the lower abdomen.

Top 5 differences between Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections

Now, let’s move to Bacterial Vaginosis vs Urinary Tract Infections:

Bacterial VaginosisUrinary Tract Infections
BV is caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina.UTIs are caused by bacteria in the urinary tract.
BV symptoms may include a fishy odor, unusual discharge, itching, and burning.UTI symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pressure or pain in the lower abdomen.
Risk factors for BV include douching, using scented products, and having multiple sex partners.Risk factors for UTIs include not urinating after sex, using spermicides, and having a history of UTIs.
BV is diagnosed by a doctor through a pelvic exam and laboratory tests.UTIs are diagnosed through a urine sample.
BV is treated with antibiotics, either in pill or cream form.UTIs are also treated with antibiotics.

Are there any similarities between Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections?

Both BV and UTIs can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, discomfort, and odor. Both can also be caused or worsened by sexual activity.

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That’s it.

I hope this article has helped clear up any confusion you had about Bacterial Vaginosis and Urinary Tract Infections.

If you still have a related query, feel free to let me know in the comments below.


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