What To Do To Prevent Yeast Infection While On Antibiotics

Causes Of A Yeast Infection

Many things can cause a yeast infection. Some of the common causes of vaginal yeast infections include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes. High amounts of sugar in your body can feed yeast in your vagina. Once you get your diabetes under control, the bacteria in your body should follow suit.
• Antibiotics. Because antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, youre more likely to get a yeast infection while taking them. If you get recurrent yeast infections, let your doctor know if theyre considering prescribing an antibiotic. They may be able to help.
• Sex. You can pass a yeast infection to your partner during sex, so communicate clearly with your partner before engaging in intercourse.
• Hormones during pregnancy, menopause, or breastfeeding can change the bacterial balance in your vagina.
• Immune system disorders may let yeast grow uncontrolled in your body.
• Products like vaginal sprays or douches can change the balance of bacteria in your vagina.

Being aware of the causes of a yeast infection can often help to head them off before symptoms begin. For example, if you know youll be taking antibiotics, also take probiotics. This can help keep the bacteria in your vagina balanced.

What Are Vaginal Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are common infections caused by Candida albicans yeast, which is a type of fungus. Yeast infections usually happen in warm, moist parts of the body, such as the mouth, and moist areas of skin.

A yeast infection in the vagina is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis . Vaginal yeast infections are common in young women, and many will have one at some point. Theyre not an STD .

by Eric Bakker ND

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, meaning that it is made from the same type of mold as penicillin. It fights bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall formation. This type of antibiotic is most effective against actively growing bacteria. We did numerous case studies which you can watch on our youtube channel or below.Before I continue with this article, you should know Ive recently compiled a list of science-backed ways to get rid of candida yeast infections. You can if you havent yet.Case Study #1

Case Study #2

Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed to treat many types of bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, gonorrhea, ear infections, as well as urinary tract infections. Dentists commonly prescribe it to prevent complications after dental or gum surgery for people with heart valve abnormalities.

Related articles:

• Recurring Ringworm: Can It Be Candida?

Standard dosing of Amoxicllin for adults is 250 to 500 mg orally three times a day for 7 to 10 days or 500 to 875 mg orally twice a day.

How does Amoxicillin cause yeast infections?

Learn Why Some Women Are More Likely Than Others To Contract Yeast Infections

Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are infections caused by a yeast called Candida. Yeast infections are more common than you might think. About 75 percent of women have had a yeast infection, and about 45 percent will have them more than once. About 1.4 million outpatients of candidiasis are seen annually in the United States.

Why do Women Get Yeast Infections?

All healthy vaginas have yeast. Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that causes infection. Any woman at any age can get a yeast infection, although it is rare before puberty and after menopause.

Learn more about yeast infections here, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, were going to dive deeper into why some women are at greater risk.

Also Check: Antibiotics For Abscess On Arm

The Link Between Yeast Infections And Antibiotics

Antibiotics that are prescribed to kill bacteria and fight infection can also kill healthy bacteria in the process.

This creates an imbalance in your body, which can sometimes make you more susceptible to an overgrowth of candida albicans fungus.

The predominant group of bacteria that naturally occurs in a healthy vagina is Lactobacillus.

These bacteria help protect against infection- and disease-causing agents .

These bacteria can be killedor have their growth stalledwhen certain antibiotics are taken.

When your body does not have enough Lactobacillus, your vagina becomes less acidic.

This creates a more favorable environment for yeast to grow.

What Is A Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infections, or candidiasis, are fungal infections of the vagina. They are caused by a fungus called Candida. This fungus is always present in the vagina, and usually it exists happily among the many good bacteria that balance it out. However, when a woman takes antibiotics that kill off all that natural biome, the Candida might start to grow out of control. When that happens, you get a yeast infection.

If you are not already familiar with the symptoms of yeast infection, consider yourself lucky. They are very uncomfortable and can include:

• Intense itching in and around the vagina, including the vulva
• Irritation
• White, clumpy discharge that smells like bread

In extreme cases, yeast infections can cause redness, swelling, and cracks in the vaginal wall.

Also Check: Can You Cure A Yeast Infection With Antibiotics

Do Probiotic Bacteria Really Repopulate The Gut

You have probably read somewhere that probiotics require a supporting cast of other probiotics so they can attach to the intestinal wall to re-colonize and proliferate, which is true to a point. You may have also read that the probiotic should have FOS to feed these bacteria so they survive.

Well, I have news for you, all conventionally manufactured probiotics for yeast do not have the ability to re-colonize the human intestine. It is lost during the manufacturing process. So when you stop taking them, the benefits are lost after 2 to 3 weeks because they all die. If someone tells you different, they are lying to you! Below is a chart that shows this phenomenon.

With all that said, some might repopulate, we just donât know for sure but this study points out that they usually donât.

I always look at conventional probiotics as a defensive decoy. They do a job while you take them but they also act like a decoy of sorts so the bacteria you do have can repopulate on their own. In some cases, as pointed out in studies of people that have taken broad spectrum antibiotics for two weeks, it can take a year for your bacteria levels to recover.

Now if your missing entire species, you would be surprised how common this is, you should take a probiotic forever or do a fecal matter transplant.

Also, some probiotics donât work for some people but do work for others, it is an individual thing just like doses. You have to find what works the best for you.

Who Is At Higher Risk Of Developing A Yeast Infection

Any woman at any age can get a yeast infection and most will experience at least one in their lifetime, but it is more than likely to occur in women after puberty and before menopause.

Another risk factor is having higher estrogen levels.

You may have higher estrogen levels if you are pregnant, taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills, or undergoing estrogen hormone therapy.

Diabetes or a weakened immune system can also put you at an increased risk for yeast infections.

Recommended Reading: Natural Antibiotics For Yeast Infection

How Do I Treat A Vaginal Yeast Infection

When thinking about treatment for a vaginal yeast infection, it is important to know that there are many different types of yeast. Your healthcare provider may discuss different types of treatment depending on the type of yeast infection.

Your doctor will typically treat a vaginal yeast infection with an antifungal medication. This type of medication is specifically used to combat overgrowths of yeast in the body.

There are two forms of medication: oral or topical. Oral medications are taken by the mouth, while topical medications are applied to the affected area. Topical medications may include boric acid, nystatin, miconazole or clotrimazole. Your healthcare provider will give you information about each form of medication and directions on how to properly use each one. It is important to always follow your providers instructions when using these medications to make sure that the infection is fully resolved and doesnt return.

How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Treated

If your daughter does have a yeast infection, her doctor can prescribe a medicine to take by mouth or a vaginal cream, tablet, or suppository that will quickly clear up the symptoms in a few days and get rid of the infection within a week. It’s important that your daughter takes the medicine for the whole time that her doctor prescribes. If she stops taking it too soon, the infection could come back.

Anyone using a vaginal treatment should not have sex until the infection is completely cleared these medicines can weaken condoms and diaphragms.

If your daughter is not feeling better within a few days of finishing treatment, call the doctor.

Recommended Reading: 10 Day Antibiotic For Sinus Infection

How To Treat A Yeast Infection Caused By Antibiotics

To treat a yeast infection, whether or not it was caused by antibiotics, Diflucan is recommended. Dr. Garcia noted that sometimes people prefer creams in the vagina that tend to give symptomatic relief as well. One is called Terconazole or Terazol, and you can do a three-day course or a four-day course.

For people with recurrent yeast infections, one of the maintenance regimens is weekly Diflucan that you can use for up to six months at a time, Dr. Powell said. And, remember, if you are prone to yeast infections and are prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, you should consider requesting an antifungal medication that you could take at the same time because, Dr. Powell said, thats probably the most effective. Then, if you develop a yeast infection while youre on antibiotics, you should contact your provider to be treated for that.

Another thing to remember, per Dr. Powell: try to avoid self-diagnosis. Studies show that patients are not very good at self-diagnosing vaginitis infections because the symptoms are pretty vague, she said. The top three causes of vaginitis are yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis, and a lot of the symptoms cross over for all three, she said. Not to say that somebody would get a trich infection after being on , but it could also be just an irritation, or theres a lot of reasons why women are seeing abnormal discharge. When in doubt, though, contact your doctor.

Dont Miss: How Did I Get A Uti Infection

How Can I Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections

You often can prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:

• Not douchingdouching can kill bacteria that actually controls fungus.
• Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
• Not using deodorant tampons or pads.
• Changing out of wet clothing, especially bathing suits, as soon as you can.
• Using water-based sexual lubricants.

If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Controlling your diabetes can help prevent vaginal yeast infections.

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.

Don’t Miss: How To Stop A Yeast Infection When Taking Antibiotics

Remedies And Treatments For Yeast Infections

The most effective treatment for yeast infections is a dedicated course of antifungal medication. However, you can also try several home remedies if you are waiting to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription. Here are six treatments for yeast infections.

Take Probiotics

Many yeast infections occur when your immune system is busy or damaged. Itâs common to experience yeast infections while on antibiotics because your bodyâs normal bacteria die off.

Eat Yogurt

Yogurt is another healthy source of probiotics. Just make sure that you eat the yogurt. It doesnât offer any benefits when applied topically, and the sugar thatâs present in all yogurt may cause other infections as well.

Apply Saltwater Rinses

Yeast infections can sometimes be reduced and soothed by rinsing the area gently with saltwater. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. For oral thrush, you can gently swish the mixture around in your mouth. For other areas of your body, you can soak the infected area for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Apply Coconut Oil

Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people.

You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal.

Use Tea Tree Oil

Take Antifungal Medications

Risk Factors For Developing Yeast Infections While On Antibiotics

If you are someone whos prone to yeast infections, then youre more likely to get one while on antibiotics, both doctors agreed. Both also mentioned diabetes as another risk factor. When a woman is diabetic, she has issues with her metabolism and her blood sugar can go up. Yeast feeds off of that sugar, Dr. Garcia said.

Dr. Powell noted that if youve had a yeast infection from antibiotics before, youre more prone to it happening again. And, when someone is being treated for bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection characterized by the overgrowth of bacteria, topical clindamycin can also cause symptoms of a yeast infection, she said.

Recommended Reading: Antibiotics Used To Treat Sibo

How Can You Help Prevent A Vaginal Yeast Infection

Practicing good genital hygiene can help prevent yeast infections. For example, keep your vaginal area clean. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Wear cotton underwear. Change out of a wet swimsuit right away. Change pads or tampons often. Don’t douche or use feminine deodorants.

Which Kind Of Antibiotics Cure A Yeast Infection

A treatment regimen of azole medications for seven to 2 weeks can efficiently clear a yeast infection. Medication is usually vaginal cream, ointment, tablet or suppository. Multidose orally administered medication. Your doctor might prescribe several doses of fluconazole to be studied by mouth instead of vaginal therapy.

Read Also: How Can I Treat A Uti While Pregnant Without Antibiotics

How To Treat A Yeast Infection: Can Natural Remedies Help

This article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 311,167 times.

A yeast infection is a common but very annoying condition that millions of women experience every year. These infections happen when too much yeast grows inside the vagina, causing pain, itching, burning, and discharge. Fortunately, these are routine infections and proper treatment heals them within a week. However, there are no known home remedies for a yeast infection and doctors dont recommend any. Some of these treatments could do more harm than good, so stick with conventional and medically-approved treatments instead.XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the worlds leading hospitalsGo to source See your doctor, take the recommended medication, and follow some home care tips to get back to your old self fast.

How Is A Yeast Infection Diagnosed

Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to look for swelling and discharge. Your doctor may also use a cotton swab to take a sample of the discharge from your vagina. A lab technician will look at the sample under a microscope to see whether there is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida that causes a yeast infection.

Recommended Reading: Probiotics To Prevent Yeast Infection While On Antibiotics

Antibiotics May Cause Yeast Infections Heres Why And How To Prevent It

About one-quarter to one-third of women will get a yeast infection after taking antibiotics. The vagina always has low levels of yeast, but its suggested that broad-spectrum antibiotics those that target a variety of different bacteria because doctors arent positive about which might be causing an infection will kill the good bacteria in the vagina. This good bacteria is called lactobacilli, and it prevents the overgrowth of yeast by keeping the vagina slightly acidic. Start targeting that bacteria, and yeast will overgrow.

The longer you take antibiotics, the more likely you are to develop a yeast infection because of how it affects the balance of the vaginal flora, Anna Maya Powell, MD, MS, assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine, told POPSUGAR. Examples of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may cause yeast buildup include, Dr. Powell said, tetracyclines, typically used to treat acne, UTIs, STIs, etc., and cephalosporins, used to treat some UTIs, infections of the ears, skin, sinuses, and others. That being said, Meera Garcia, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told POPSUGAR that though the antibiotics with a wider spectrum of kill will usually have increased potential for causing yeast buildup, it all depends on the interaction between the antibiotics and the person.

Preventing Genital Yeast Infections

For the prevention of genital yeast infections, consider the following:

• Avoid sexual activity while a partner has a yeast infection, even if they dont have active symptoms. Yeast infections can be passed back and forth. They can also be transferred from one area of the body to another, like genitals to mouth.
• Wipe front to back to help prevent additional microorganisms from being pushed up in the vagina or introduced into the urinary tract.
• Wear cotton underwear and change it regularly. Also wear loose, cotton clothing. Tight clothing might trap in moisture and cause friction on your skin, making areas more susceptible to yeast overgrowth.
• Wash certain garments like underwear in hot water. Add bleach if necessary. Also, be sure to use gentle detergents that are free of fragrances and colors. These will be less irritating to your skin should an infection develop.
• Let your bathing suit dry fully. Avoid constantly re-wearing the same wet bathing suit.
• Eat foods that help balance out microflora in the body. These can include yogurts containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of natural probiotic.
• Take a probiotic supplement. Always let your doctor know what supplements you take.
• Take antifungal medications whenever youre prescribed an antibiotic. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if youre prone to yeast infections.

Christina Wedberg

Christina Wedberg

A yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a vaginal infection.

You May Like: What Antibiotic Treat Uti And Sinus Infection