UTI vs BV: Can a UTI Cause Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are both common and unpleasant infections that many women deal with at least once in their life. While 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with BV at some point (and about 80% of those women will be diagnosed more than once), around half of all women will experience a UTI at least once.

Both BV and UTIs can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but each comes with some distinct sensations and symptoms that can help you determine which you are being impacted by. They also differ in regard to what causes the infection and how it can be treated. While both can cause discomfort, it’s important to understand whether a UTI can cause BV and how the symptoms of these infections differ. Read on to find out all about what makes bacterial vaginosis and UTIs unique and how you can tell the difference between symptoms caused by each.

The Basics of Bacterial Vaginosis

All vaginas are populated by a variety of bacteria. When this bacteria is present in the right amount, it helps keep the vagina healthy. When an imbalance occurs and the levels of bacteria begin to rise outside the range of normal, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis and the unpleasant symptoms it’s known for.

What causes bacterial overgrowth to occur?

Anything that changes the pH of the vagina can impact bacteria levels, but what causes these changes can differ from person to person. BV is not sexually transmitted but being sexually active is a risk factor since semen and the introduction of new sex partners can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. Other common behaviors that can increase the risk of BV include:

Douching
Douching can eliminate too much “good” bacteria in the vagina and lead to inflammation which can increase your risk for BV.
Restricting airflow to the vaginal area
Vaginas need to ‘breathe,’ so avoiding things like nylon underwear, tight workout gear, or sleeping in underwear can help reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Opting for breathable cotton underwear and sleeping without underwear allows for better airflow and helps maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
Staying in damp clothing
Bacteria are more prone to overgrowth in warm, damp areas. Changing promptly after working out and getting sweaty or swimming can help reduce your risk of developing BV.
Using soaps with dyes, perfumes, or additives
Using soap with lots of ‘extras’ can upset your vaginal pH and cause irritation in your more intimate areas.
An incomplete diet
If you’re already prone to BV, a diet lacking in nutrients can make it hard for your body to heal, stay healthy, and avoid recurrent infections. Doing your best to eat a nutrient-dense diet can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of BV.

The Basics of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria get into the urinary system, multiply and then cause inflammation, infection, and pain. UTIs can occur anywhere in the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Some things that can increase the risk of developing a UTI include:

Being sexually active
UTIs are not sexually transmitted but being sexually active does increase your risk as sexual activity can introduce or move germs from the vagina to the urethra. Using some forms of birth control or using spermicide can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and make you more susceptible to developing a UTI.
Being pregnant
The physical and hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy can change the bacteria in the urinary tract and make it more difficult for women to totally empty their bladder. This combination can make UTIs more likely.
Having diabetes or other conditions that impact the immune system
Any conditions that impact your immune system can make you more susceptible to UTIs; diabetes can be particularly challenging because it impacts the immune system and causes nerve damage that makes it more difficult to fully empty your bladder.

Bacterial Vaginosis and UTIs: Overlapping Symptoms

Both bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections can cause uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. Though each has some distinct symptoms, there are some that both of these types of infections share. Some symptoms that can occur with both BV and UTIs include:

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Vaginal or pelvic discomfort
A change in the smell you notice in your vaginal area

If you notice any of these symptoms, it can be helpful to consider them in conjunction with whatever other symptoms or sensations you might be experiencing as you consider whether you may have BV or a UTI.

What Symptoms are Unique to BV versus a UTI?

Bacterial vaginosis often comes with a set of symptoms that do not occur with a UTI. Symptoms that are caused by BV but are not a UTI include:

A grayish-white discharge
Abnormal discharge can be an indicator of bacterial vaginosis but not of a UTI; UTIs do not cause gray or white discharge.
A fishy or foul odor
A fishy or foul odor is often one of the symptoms of BV that women notice first. While UTIs can change the odor of your urine, UTIs are not associated with a fishy smell.
Pain or itching in or around the vagina
Bacterial vaginosis can be quite uncomfortable; it is often associated with pain, itching, and burning in or around the vagina. While UTIs can cause pelvic discomfort or pain, their list of symptoms does not include itching or pain in the vagina.

What Symptoms are Unique to UTIs versus BV?

Like bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections generally present with some symptoms that set them apart from other vaginal infections. Symptoms that are caused by UTIs but not BV include:

Frequent urination
Frequent urination or the feeling of having to urinate even when your bladder is empty is extremely common when a UTI is present but is not associated with BV in any way.
Back or abdominal pain, pressure, or cramping
Depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected you may be more or less likely to experience lower back or abdominal pain when you have a UTI. If you have BV you likely won’t experience abdominal or back pain unless you have another infection or problem at the same time.
Blood in the urine
Bleeding is not a symptom of BV. If you notice blood in your urine your doctor will likely test to see if you have a UTI.
Fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting
If you have a kidney infection (a type of urinary tract infection,) you may experience symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. If you have BV you will not experience these symptoms unless you have a different problem that is also happening at the same time.

Managing BV and UTIs

While no one likes getting an infection, both bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections are generally simple to manage with the right support. If you start to notice symptoms and have not experienced them before it is important to reach out to a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

For UTIs, antibiotics are the only treatment that can cure the infection and prevent more serious complications. BV can also be treated with prescription antibiotics, though some over-the-counter options may help manage symptoms in certain cases.

Conclusion

Bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections are both common conditions that can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but they are not the same type of infection. BV occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, while UTIs develop when bacteria enter and multiply within the urinary tract. Understanding the differences between BV and UTI symptoms, such as unusual discharge or odor with BV versus frequent urination or burning with UTIs, can help you recognize what your body may be experiencing.

If you notice symptoms that could indicate either infection, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Taking steps to support vaginal and urinary health, like maintaining good hygiene, avoiding practices that disrupt natural bacteria balance, and staying well hydrated, can also help reduce your risk. By understanding the signs, triggers, and prevention strategies for both BV and UTIs, you can take a more proactive role in protecting your overall intimate health.