A candida infection can be described as a bacterial yeast infection and it is a very common infection for women. A candida infection and bacterial vaginosis can mimic each other with their symptoms, however they require completely different treatments.

A harmful bacteria named Gardnerella is usually the cause of bacterial vaginosis. Actually bacterial vaginosis used to be called Gardnerella vaginitis for that very reason.

Now a candida infection or yeast infection is actually caused by a fungus candida albicans. And it is basically what it sounds like an overgrowth of yeast or candida albicans.

An infection can occur when your natural flora gets disturbed for some reason. You see candida live naturally in your body and are usually kept in check by your immune system and "good" bacteria.

Antibiotics are one of the leading reasons for all types of candida infections. Antibiotics kill "bad" bacteria while accidentally killing the "good" bacteria leaving your natural flora unbalanced. This means you are very susceptible to getting either infection.

Now a yeast infection is not considered a STD but it can be transmitted back and forth between partners, my husband and I found that one out the hard way. However bacterial vaginosis is not considered a STD and cannot be transmitted between partners.

Men can have a mild yeast infection and pass it on to you if left untreated. It is not uncommon for men to experience little to no symptoms of a yeast infection and just be a carrier.

Symptoms of a yeast infection are a vaginal white discharge that could be light to heavy with the consistency of cottage cheese. So women have described it like crumbly blue cheese.

Other symptoms would be a little yeasty odor to no odor at all. You should have extreme itchiness and soreness around the vagina. Painful urination and pain during intercourse may also be symptoms.

Candida can cause many problems for you if left untreated. Yeast infections can occur almost anywhere that is dark and moist. Candida infections range from thrush, skin or athlete’s foot to more serious infections like digestive tract, intestinal infections all the way up to a systemic yeast infection.

A systemic yeast infection is where candida has entered the blood stream and can really play havoc on all of your major organs. Now a systemic candida infection is rare but it can happen if you continue to ignore the signs.

You want to kill all the candida in your entire body for any type of yeast infection. This is the only way to be sure you have performed a permanent cure and won't be dealing with another infection soon. Over the counter yeast infection treatments only cure your symptoms and do not fix the root of the problem.