text: what is the difference between a yeast infection and a bacterial infection?   a yeast infection is caused by the normal flora of the vagina and tends to cause white discharge and itching.  a bacterial infection is caused by a different type of organism.  it could be bacterial vaginosis, which is also a disturbance of the normal flora of the vagina.  bacteria can also be transmitted by sex, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.  there are also some strains of bacteria that can infect the urinary tract, which causes pain with urination.  your doctor will evaluate your history and your symptoms and probably do a urine test to check for urinary tract infections.  a yeast infection can be treated with an oral medication like diflucan or a vaginal cream like monistat.  bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, but the specific medicine depends on what type of infection you have.  good luck!