Sometimes referred to as a bacterial yeast infection a candida infection is one of the most common infections in women. Although the symptoms of a bacterial infection or bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection or candida infection can mimic each other, they are completely different.

Bacterial vaginosis used to be refered to as Gardnerella vaginitis. This is because the bacterium that usually causes this infection is Gargnerella.

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.

You might get new yeast introduced into your body in some way or you could be taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are probably the number one cause for getting either one of these infections. Even though antibiotics kill the "bad" bacteria in your body they accidentally kill the "good" bacteria as well, leaving you unable to fight off an infection.

A candida infection or yeast infection can be sexually transmitted between partners, I found that out with my husband the hard way. However bacterial vaginosis cannot be transmitted back and forth.

Men are lucky they usually experience no or very little symptoms of a mild yeast infection. However they are still capable of giving an infection back to you.

Some women have described the discharge of a yeast infection like a crumbly blue cheese. But it should be a white vaginal discharge that is light to very thick sort of like cottage 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.