Both yeast and Bacterial vaginosis (BV) are imbalances of the microbes in the vaginal environment. Yeast is a fungus that lives on the human body. A yeast infection is when it overgrows and causes problems like irritation, itchiness and unusual discharge. BV is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina. Yeast is rarely sexually transmitted, and BV is not an STI.
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are spread through sexual contact with another person’s genital area, semen or vaginal fluid. Every person with a vagina has some discharge. When discharge is problematic (e.g., stinky, large amounts, irritating, new colour or texture), see a healthcare professional.