BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments. Both cause inflammation of the vagina, also known as vaginitis. Both can also cause itchiness, but yeast infections do this more., One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, “fishy” odor, while a yeast infection produces a slight “yeasty” aroma to no vaginal odor at all., Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, and white, “cottage-cheese-like” discharge, while BV doesn’t produce such symptoms., To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:, , ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections, , perform an exam to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge, , take a sample of the discharge for analysis to see whether an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present, , test the pH of the vagina; according to research from 2018, a pH of 4.5 or above can be an indication of BV, ,