Answer for What’s the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?

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Life is all about striking the right balance. The vagina is a place where having the right balance is also very important. Generally, the vagina has an acidic pH around 4 which allows certain types of bacteria to thrive. When that balance is exacerbated by external factors (stress, chemicals, medication, etc.) it can allow for yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis to develop.
Yeast infections occur when a type of yeast, Candida, overgrows and disrupts the vagina’s natural pH balance. With yeast infections, you might notice white, cottage cheese appearing discharge. These symptoms are usually accompanied by burning and/or itching in the vagina or vulva. Multiple infections may indicate the presence of an underlying disease such as diabetes.
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginal infection. It is caused by an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria leading to sometimes a yellow/grayish-white, fishy smelling discharge. With bacterial vaginosis, the vaginal pH is generally elevated. Rarely, is bacterial vaginosis associated with itching.
The treatments for yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis are very different so it very important that they are properly diagnosed in order for the right therapy to be administered.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.