Antibiotics can cause yeast infections

Do you have itching, irritation, and redness around the outside of the vaginal area? Do you have a cottage cheese, white looking vaginal discharge? Do you have burning or pain when you urinate or have sexual intercourse? If you answered yes to any of the following questions you could have a vaginal yeast infection.

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal infections. Other names referred to a vaginal yeast infection are Monilia, Candida, or fungus infection. Vaginal yeast infections are an irritation around the vagina and the area around the vagina called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast candida. Yeast normally live in the vagina in small numbers, but when the bacteria in the vagina become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection. Vaginal yeast infections are the most common vaginal infection in women. Around 75% of women will have a vaginal yeast infection once in their lifetime. Half will have at least two or more in their lifetime.

Antibiotics and other causes of vaginal yeast infections

There are many things that can cause vaginal yeast infections. Tight clothing, poor hygiene, scented soaps and oils, a persons diet, etc. Furthermore, many researchers believe that antibiotics are by far the leading cause of vaginal yeast infections in American women. Certain types of antibiotics or prolonged usage can cause the infections. Some women get vaginal infections no matter how long or what type of antibiotic they take. Most antibiotics wipe out the protective bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina. There is an estimated 25 to 70% of women will get a vaginal yeast infection after taking a course of an antibiotic. Moreover, the strong action of certain antibiotics can cause an imbalance in the acidic environment that allows the yeast to take over.

Treatments for vaginal yeast infections

Unfortunately, there is no way of preventing an antibiotic-induced vaginal yeast infection. However, there are a number of treatments to take once it starts. -If you have to get a prescription, ask for an anti-yeast prescription. -Try vaginal creams or suppositories that get rid of the Candida overgrowth. These can be over the counter ones. (Examples: Monistat, Dyne-Lotrimin, etc.) Or ones prescribed by your doctor such as Terezol or Vagistat, etc. -Oral medicines, which include Diflucan (a pill taken once per episode of infection), Sporoanox, and Nizoral. -Gentian violet, a purple-colored solution applied to the vaginal area. Make sure that you have the right problem diagnosed. Many of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection could indicate another problem. You should check with your doctor if: -This is the first time you have had symptoms of a yeast infection. -You are not sure that your problem is a yeast infection. -The infection does not respond to treatment or the infection you treat comes back within two months. Chronic vaginal infections can be one of the first signs of diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, or HIV/AIDS in women. Remember to always get a diagnosis as soon as possible if you suspect you could have a vaginal yeast infection.