Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis

Both are common types of vaginitis. Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by excessive bacterial growth in vagina and Trichomonas vaginalis is the microscopic organism that causes trichomoniasis.

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

BV is the excess of bacteria in the vagina. Typically, women who are fertile are affected by bacterial vaginosis. An individual’s risk may be raised by actions like regular douching or unprotected sexual contact.

Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Other symptoms could include an odd smell, irritation, or vaginal discharge.

Trichomoniasis

A parasite causes the sexually transmitted infection known as Trich. Trichomonas is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Risk factors for sexual activity include having multiple partners and not using condoms.

Trichomonas causes painful urination, irritation in the genitalia, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge in women. The majority of males don’t exhibit any symptoms. The risk of an early birth for expectant mothers is one of the difficulties.

Similarity

Both are common vaginal infections that affect women.

Difference between BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) and Trich

Definition

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

BV is the excess of bacteria in the vagina. 

Trich (trichomoniasis)

A parasite causes the sexually transmitted infection known as Trich.

Causes

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

A disruption in the normal balance of the common bacteria prevalent in the vagina is the primary cause of bacterial vaginosis. It occurs when the balance between good and bad bacteria in the vaginal region is upset.

Trich (trichomoniasis)

Trichomonas vaginalis is the microscopic organism that causes trichomoniasis. It is a sexually transmitted infection that is usually acquired through sex.

Symptoms

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

Many women who experience BV might not show any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they usually include a thin, fishy-smelling discharge that comes out of the vagina. The discharge is grayish-white in color. Furthermore, there can be itchiness and irritation.

Trich (trichomoniasis)

Symptoms of trichomoniasis include burning, itching, swelling, and inflammation of the vagina and vulva. It often results in a foul-smelling, frothy, greenish-yellow, or yellow discharge from the vagina. Urination and sexual activity pain are also common.

Diagnosis

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

Evaluating the clinical symptoms and looking under a microscope at the vaginal fluid to find clue cells—vaginal cells covered with bacteria—are the usual methods of diagnosing the illness. Laboratory tests could also be carried out.

Trich (trichomoniasis)

A laboratory test that finds Trichomonas vaginalis in samples taken from the cervix or vagina is commonly used to diagnose trichomoniasis. Urine samples or swabs can be used for this test.

Treatment

BV

Medication, prescription creams, and gels are available for treatment. Recurrences within three to twelve months are frequent and necessitate further care.

Trich

Both spouses take a single, high dosage of a specific oral antibiotic during therapy.

Summary

The points of difference between BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) and Trich (trichomoniasis) have been summarized as below:

FAQ:

Is BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) and trich treated the same?

Your doctor could also advise taking probiotic supplements or eating a diet high in probiotics that contains lactobacilli, or the “good” bacteria, to help balance the vaginal flora if you repeatedly contract bacterial vaginosis. Oral antibiotics are commonly used in the treatment of vaginal trichomoniasis.

Can a woman with BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) give a man trichomoniasis?

Since both sexes are susceptible to trichomoniasis, it is easy for the parasite to transfer between sexual partners. However, because bacterial vaginosis only affects the vagina, biological males are immune to it.

What does trich smell like?

The most distinguishing feature of the infection is its peculiar fishy odour. Trichomoniasis has an overpowering, foul smell. Sometimes an ob-gyn may detect it before they even insert the speculum since it is so distinctive.

Does trich always smell fishy?

Trichomonas infections are typically asymptomatic in 50% of people. If you are affected, you might experience a green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina, often accompanied by an unpleasing odor which is usually fishy.

Can BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) cause a positive trichomoniasis?

It is possible for trichomoniasis to occur in conjunction with other infections, especially pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis.

How did I get BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) and trichomoniasis?

Trichomonas can spread between partners through sexual intercourse. However, bacterial vaginosis cannot be contracted during intercourse. Sexual activity can change the pH balance of your vagina and affect the flora that lives inside.

How did I get trichomoniasis if my partner doesn’t?

Even if you or your spouse exhibit symptoms or receive a positive test result, there is no assurance that someone is cheating. Either spouse may have caught the illness in a past relationship, or it may have been unintentionally spread by towels, toilet seats, or swimming pools.

How long can you have trichomoniasis without knowing?

Trichomonas (also known as trich) can go undiagnosed for months or even years. This is due to the fact that a large number of people, regardless of gender, either have no symptoms at all or very minor symptoms that go unnoticed.

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