Can antibiotics trigger yeast infections. How do antibiotics increase the risk of developing a yeast infection. What factors influence the likelihood of getting a yeast infection after antibiotic use. Are there ways to prevent antibiotic-induced yeast infections. What treatment options are available for yeast infections caused by antibiotics.

The Link Between Antibiotics and Yeast Infections

Antibiotics are a double-edged sword when it comes to treating infections. While they effectively combat bacterial infections, they can also disrupt the delicate balance of microorganisms in the body, particularly in the vaginal area. This disruption can lead to an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally exists in small amounts in the vagina, resulting in a yeast infection.

Studies have shown that the risk of developing a yeast infection after taking antibiotics ranges from 10% to 30%. This significant percentage highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between antibiotic use and yeast infections.

Factors Influencing Yeast Infection Risk After Antibiotic Use

• Pre-existing presence of Candida in the vaginal microbiome
• History of bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Type of antibiotic prescribed
• Route of antibiotic administration
• Duration of antibiotic treatment
• Individual susceptibility to yeast infections
• Existing vulvar conditions (e.g., lichen sclerosus)
• Use of estrogen therapy or steroids

Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about antibiotic use and potential preventive measures against yeast infections.

The Mechanism Behind Antibiotic-Induced Yeast Infections

The exact mechanism by which antibiotics trigger yeast infections is not fully understood. However, the prevailing theory suggests that antibiotics disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome by eliminating both harmful and beneficial bacteria. This disruption creates an environment conducive to Candida overgrowth.

Despite this widely accepted theory, recent research has challenged some long-held beliefs. A 2019 review on the link between antibiotics and yeast infections revealed that:

• Vulvovaginal candidiasis is not necessarily more common in women with lower levels of lactobacilli in their vaginal flora.
• Women with recurrent yeast infections do not always have lactobacilli-deficient microbiomes.

These findings suggest that the relationship between antibiotics and yeast infections may be more complex than initially thought. Researchers now propose that antibiotics might affect the vaginal microbiome by:

1. Triggering the release of heat shock proteins
2. Hindering the release of protective cytokines

These changes could potentially create an environment that allows Candida fungi to thrive and colonize. However, more research is needed to confirm this theory and fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

High-Risk Antibiotics for Yeast Infections

While all antibiotics have the potential to cause yeast infections, some carry a higher risk than others. Understanding which antibiotics are more likely to trigger yeast infections can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options.

Antibiotics with the Highest Risk of Causing Yeast Infections

• Clindamycin
• Metronidazole
• Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Clindamycin and metronidazole are often prescribed to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV), but their vaginal application seems to carry the highest risk of yeast infections. Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, which are commonly used for long-term acne treatment, have also been identified as a specific risk factor for Candida overgrowth.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which target a wide range of bacteria, are more likely to disrupt the vaginal microbiome and increase the risk of yeast infections compared to narrow-spectrum antibiotics that target specific bacterial strains.

Preventing Yeast Infections During Antibiotic Treatment

Currently, there are no official guidelines for preventing yeast infections caused by antibiotics. However, healthcare providers may recommend several strategies to reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection during or after antibiotic treatment.

Potential Preventive Measures

• Prophylactic antifungal treatment
• Probiotic supplementation
• Dietary modifications
• Maintaining good hygiene practices

Some doctors may suggest starting antifungal treatment, such as fluconazole, alongside antibiotic therapy, especially for patients with a history of yeast infections. This approach aims to prevent Candida overgrowth before it occurs.

Probiotic supplements, taken orally or vaginally, are believed by some healthcare providers to help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome during antibiotic treatment. However, the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing antibiotic-induced yeast infections is still a subject of debate and ongoing research.

Dietary modifications, such as reducing sugar intake and consuming fermented foods, may also support a healthy vaginal microbiome. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as avoiding douching and wearing breathable underwear, can help create an environment less conducive to yeast overgrowth.

Recognizing Symptoms of Antibiotic-Induced Yeast Infections

Early detection of yeast infection symptoms during or after antibiotic treatment is crucial for prompt intervention and effective management. Being aware of the common signs can help individuals seek timely medical attention and prevent the infection from worsening.

Common Symptoms of Yeast Infections

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain or soreness
• Thick, white, odorless discharge with a cottage cheese-like appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking antibiotics or shortly after completing a course of antibiotics, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Treatment Options for Antibiotic-Induced Yeast Infections

When a yeast infection develops during or after antibiotic treatment, prompt and effective management is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Healthcare providers may recommend various treatment options depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s medical history.

Common Treatment Approaches

• Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications
• Prescription antifungal medications
• Combination therapy
• Lifestyle modifications

OTC antifungal medications, such as miconazole, clotrimazole, and tioconazole, are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate yeast infections. These medications are available in various forms, including creams, suppositories, and ointments, and typically require a 1-3 day course of treatment.

For more severe or recurrent infections, healthcare providers may prescribe oral antifungal medications like fluconazole. These prescription medications often provide faster relief and may be more effective in treating stubborn infections.

In some cases, a combination of oral and topical antifungal treatments may be recommended for comprehensive management of the infection. This approach can help address both internal and external symptoms more effectively.

Alongside medication, healthcare providers may suggest lifestyle modifications to support treatment and prevent future infections. These may include wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and maintaining good hygiene practices.

The Importance of Completing Antibiotic Treatment

Despite the potential risk of developing a yeast infection, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics. Prematurely stopping antibiotic treatment can lead to incomplete eradication of the bacterial infection, potentially resulting in antibiotic resistance and recurrence of the original infection.

Balancing Antibiotic Use and Yeast Infection Prevention

• Follow prescribed antibiotic regimen as directed
• Communicate concerns about yeast infections with healthcare provider
• Discuss preventive measures before starting antibiotic treatment
• Monitor for signs of yeast infection during and after antibiotic use
• Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop

By maintaining open communication with healthcare providers and being proactive about prevention and early detection, individuals can better manage the risk of yeast infections while ensuring effective treatment of bacterial infections.

Future Research and Developments

The relationship between antibiotics and yeast infections remains an area of active research, with many questions still unanswered. As our understanding of the vaginal microbiome and its interactions with antibiotics and Candida species continues to evolve, new prevention and treatment strategies may emerge.

Promising Areas of Research

• Microbiome-targeted therapies
• Novel antifungal agents
• Personalized medicine approaches
• Improved diagnostic tools

Microbiome-targeted therapies aim to preserve or restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the vaginal microbiome during antibiotic treatment. This approach could potentially reduce the risk of Candida overgrowth and subsequent yeast infections.

Researchers are also exploring novel antifungal agents that may be more effective in preventing and treating antibiotic-induced yeast infections. These new treatments could offer alternatives for individuals who experience frequent or resistant infections.

Personalized medicine approaches, which take into account an individual’s unique microbiome composition and genetic factors, may help identify those at higher risk of developing yeast infections after antibiotic use. This knowledge could inform tailored prevention strategies and treatment plans.

Improved diagnostic tools, such as rapid microbiome testing, could enable healthcare providers to monitor changes in the vaginal microbiome during antibiotic treatment. This real-time information could guide interventions to prevent yeast infections before they occur.

As research in these areas progresses, it is hoped that more effective strategies for preventing and managing antibiotic-induced yeast infections will become available, improving the quality of life for individuals undergoing antibiotic treatment.

What to Know About Antibiotics and Yeast Infections

Highlights from this article

• Antibiotics are one of the most common triggers for yeast infections, but researchers don’t know why. 
• The main theory is that antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your vaginal microbiome, but no studies prove this. 
• The type of antibiotic, length of treatment, route of administration, and a pre-existing presence of Candida all influence the risk of developing a yeast infection after a course of antibiotics. 
• There’s no proven way to prevent a yeast infection after taking antibiotics. Current options include antifungals or probiotics in conjunction with antibiotics. 

If you’ve ever had a yeast infection after taking antibiotics, you’ll know firsthand that the last thing you need after getting rid of one infection is for another one to show up soon after. 

Taking antibiotics is actually one of the most frequent — and predictable — triggers for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), aka a yeast infection. Nevertheless, researchers haven’t figured out why that happens, nor how to prevent it. Yet another thing we can blame on the gender health gap!

Antibiotics are a type of medication prescribed to treat many common bacterial infections, from UTIs to bacterial vaginosis (BV), so why are they putting people with vaginas at risk of yeast infections? 

Let’s look at the available research (spoiler alert: there isn’t much) and explore how antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, what kind of antibiotics carry the highest risks, and what you can do about it. 

Can antibiotics trigger a yeast infection? 

Sadly, yes. The risk of getting a yeast infection after taking antibiotics is between 10-30%. All antibiotics can cause yeast infections, but there are a few factors that can determine your likelihood of getting a yeast infection after a course of antibiotics.

Having Candida already present in your vaginal microbiome can put you at a higher risk (33%) of developing a yeast infection after antibiotic treatment. Some research shows that having BV can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection after taking antibiotics, as well. 

Moreover, vaginal application of antibiotics seems to carry the highest risk of yeast infections, especially with clindamycin and metronidazole, which are often prescribed to treat BV.  Interestingly, tetracyclines (such as doxycycline) prescribed for long-term acne are also identified as a specific risk factor for Candida overgrowth. Because apparently wanting clear skin and no yeast infections is too much to ask! ‍

​Other variables that influence the risk of post-antibiotic VVC include: 

• Whether or not you’ve had antibiotic-induced yeast infections in the past
• Having a susceptibility to yeast infections
• Existing vulvar diseases, like lichen sclerosus  
• The type of antibiotic (broad-spectrum antibiotics carry the highest risk)
• Taking estrogen therapy or steroids

Why do antibiotics cause yeast infections?

Vaginal infections happen when something upsets the natural balance in your vaginal microbiome, allowing pathogens to colonize and cause dysbiosis. This then leads to the onset of symptoms, like itching and unusual discharge.  

The main theory explaining why antibiotics trigger yeast infections is that antibiotics wipe out protective bacteria like lactobacilli as well as the bad, leaving your vaginal microbiome more vulnerable to Candida overgrowth, the cause of yeast infections. 

However, no study has proven this theory. A 2019 review on the link between antibiotics and yeast infections concluded that vulvovaginal candidiasis isn’t more common in women with lower levels of lactobacilli in their vaginal flora, nor that women with recurrent yeast infections have lactobacilli-deficient microbiomes.

The review suggests that rather than affecting lactobacilli, antibiotics may impact the vaginal microbiome by triggering the release of heat shock proteins and hindering the release of cytokines (protective chemicals), allowing Candida fungi to colonize. More research is needed to confirm this theory, though.  

Can you prevent yeast infections caused by antibiotics?

There aren’t any official guidelines for preventing yeast infections caused by antibiotics.

Your doctor may suggest that you start treatment for yeast infection — usually an oral antifungal, like fluconazole — along with your antibiotic treatment — either if you start to experience symptoms, or prophylactically if you have a history of yeast infections. If you start experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection while taking antibiotics, check with your doctor before trying an OTC antifungal, because some antibiotics can react with other medications. 

Similarly, some doctors believe that lactobacilli probiotic supplements — taken either orally or vaginally — can prevent yeast infections by replenishing the vaginal microbiome after a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, there is minimal data to support this theory (but wouldn’t it be neat if it did?).

If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics by your doctor, it’s really important that you complete the full course. Yes, the looming threat of a yeast infection is a bummer, but stopping antibiotics means the infection you were treating could return. At the end of the day, having one infection is better than having two. 

Recurrent symptoms? Meet Evvy’s at-home vaginal microbiome test, approved by leading OB-GYNs.

Learn more

Yeast infection from antibiotics: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Taking certain antibiotics may lead to a yeast infection in the vagina, also known as a fungal infection or vaginal candidiasis.

A yeast infection is a form of vaginitis, which means inflammation in the vagina. Vaginitis is the most common vaginal condition in people aged 15–44.

Vaginal candidiasis, caused by Candida fungus, is the second most common type of vaginal infection in the United States, after bacterial infections.

This article examines how taking antibiotics can sometimes lead to yeast infections. It also describes which antibiotics can cause these infections and how to treat them.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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A yeast infection occurs when something upsets the delicate balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.

A small amount of Candida fungus is usually present in the vagina, and beneficial bacteria help keep this fungus under control.

Antibiotics work by killing bacteria that cause infection, but they can also kill beneficial bacteria in other parts of the body, including the vagina.

Without enough beneficial bacteria to keep the yeast at bay, Candida yeast can multiply, causing the symptoms of a yeast infection.

Some people are more prone to yeast infections than others. According to current estimates, 8% of females have recurring Candida infections, and around 70% of females report dealing with this condition at least once in their lifetime.

Yeast infections can develop at any age, but these infections are more common during reproductive years.

The common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection tend to be more noticeable just before menstruation. A person may experience:

• an itchy sensation on and around the vulva, which is the area outside the vagina
• a burning sensation on or around the vulva
• white, lumpy, odorless vaginal discharge
• pain during sex
• pain or discomfort while urinating
• an increase in vaginal discharge

These symptoms are mild in most cases. In severe infections, redness, swelling, or cracks form in the walls of the vagina.

It can be difficult to distinguish between a yeast infection and a urinary tract infection (UTI). Learn to tell the difference here.

Not all antibiotics are likely to cause yeast infections — only broad-spectrum antibiotics tend to have this effect. These drugs can kill several different types of bacteria.

The following three types of broad-spectrum antibiotic, in particular, may increase the risk of a yeast infection:

Tetracyclines

Doctors prescribe tetracyclines for acne, UTIs, intestinal tract infections, eye infections, sexually transmitted infections, and gum disease.

Examples of tetracyclines and common brand names include:

• demeclocycline (Detravis)
• doxycycline (Adoxa)
• eravacycline (Xerava)
• minocycline (Minocin)
• omadacycline (Nuzyra)
• tetracycline (Sumycin)

Quinolones

Doctors prescribe quinolones for difficult-to-treat UTIs, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and bacterial prostatitis. Common examples include:

• ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• moxifloxacin (Avelox)

Broad-spectrum penicillins

Broad-spectrum penicillins, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin, may also lead to yeast infections.

Yeast infections are common, but a few circumstances may make it more likely a person will develop one. These circumstances include:

• pregnancy
• hormone contraceptive use, such as birth control pills
• diabetes
• a weakened immune system due to factors such as chemotherapy treatment or HIV infection

If a person is living with one of these risk factors, they should talk with their doctor if they have been prescribed antibiotics, as there can be an increased risk of yeast infection.

While yeast infections are more common among sexually active people, there is no evidence that they are sexually transmitted.

Treating a yeast infection is usually a straightforward process. In most cases, a person will either apply a cream or ointment to the inside of the vagina or take a pill containing an antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole or miconazole.

A doctor can prescribe antifungal creams or tablets. People can also find over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal vaginal creams at drugstores, or online.

Some infections, such as recurring chronic infections, may require stronger treatment. In this case, a doctor may recommend additional doses of fluconazole or creams that contain boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that anyone who suspects they have vaginal candidiasis speak with a healthcare professional. This is because the symptoms are similar to those of other vaginal infections, which require different treatments.

A healthcare professional can ensure that a person gets the right medication for the infection. To identify vaginal candidiasis, they usually take a small sample of vaginal discharge for examination under a microscope.

Pregnancy and fluconazole

Pregnant people may want to avoid treating yeast infections with fluconazole due to the risk of birth abnormalities. According to an older safety announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a single 150-microgram dose of fluconazole may not cause this effect, but taking it for longer periods or at a higher dosage carries this risk.

While a 2013 study did not find a significantly increased risk of birth abnormalities when pregnant people took fluconazole, a more recent cohort study from 2020 did find an association with fluconazole use during the first trimester and musculoskeletal malformations.

Pregnant individuals managing a yeast infection should discuss with their doctor about the risks of fluconazole, and other alternative treatments.

People can help prevent vaginal candidiasis by taking antibiotics only when they are necessary. It is worth remembering that antibiotics do not work on viral infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Antibiotics also do not work on some common bacterial infections, such as many types of bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. A person should always speak with a healthcare professional before starting a course of antibiotics.

A few other ways to help prevent yeast infections include:

• wearing cotton undergarments
• avoiding feminine hygiene sprays
• avoiding scented tampons
• avoiding harsh soaps when cleaning the vagina
• using condoms during sex

In addition, there is some evidence that eating yogurt that contains live cultures every day or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules may help prevent these infections.

While little high quality research has investigated this use of probiotics, many healthcare professionals recommend taking a probiotic supplement either during or immediately after completing a course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of a yeast infection.

Some types of antibiotics can lead to a vaginal yeast infection, which is a form of vaginitis known as vaginal candidiasis.

Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can upset the delicate balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This allows the Candida fungus to multiply, leading to symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain during sex.

It is usually straightforward to treat yeast infections with OTC antifungal medications. However, anyone who suspects that they have this type of infection should consult a doctor to rule out other issues with similar symptoms.

How to cure thrush once and for all: a gynecologist named 10 simple rules

• Health

Most women are familiar with thrush. At least once in a lifetime, almost 85% of the fair sex faces it. And often women themselves can provoke relapses of infection.

September 20, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

Burning, itching, cheesy discharge, physical discomfort during intimacy, sour smell – these are not all signs of vaginal candidiasis. Although the disease today is not considered contagious and does not apply to diseases that are transmitted through intimacy, candidiasis cannot be called absolutely safe and harmless. Those women who have encountered thrush at least once in their lives are unlikely to want to feel unpleasant symptoms again.

Gynecologists do not get tired of repeating – if an infection develops, you should not self-medicate, you need to see a doctor. The gynecologist will clarify the diagnosis, select the correct treatment and help get rid of the symptoms of candidiasis, at the same time finding out why it arose at all. But in matters of prevention, it is the role of the woman herself that comes to the fore. “Dr. Peter” talked about how to prevent a yeast infection with gynecologist Daria Dyachenko.

Warm, humid and full of food

Thrush loves warm and humid conditions for growth and reproduction. The fungus needs a lot of light carbohydrates in order for the colonies to actively grow. Similar conditions are created in the vagina – the mucous membranes are always moistened, the body temperature is relatively constant, but there is one “but”.

Under normal conditions, when a woman is healthy, her vagina is protected by colonies of beneficial bacteria – lacto- and bifidoflora. They inhibit the growth and development of opportunistic pathogens that enter from the skin and from the external environment.

But if metabolism is disturbed, immune defense is reduced, powerful antibiotics are used uncontrollably, diabetes develops – control over the reproduction of fungi decreases, thrush is possible.

Read also

Not everything is thrush that itches and burns

The first thing women think when burning, itching and skin irritation occurs is the volume of secretions increases – “well, thrush again”. But this cannot be confirmed without analysis. Approximately two dozen different gynecological diseases, to one degree or another, are accompanied by an increase in the volume of secretions, a change in their smell, color and accompanying itching, discomfort, burning and other unpleasant sensations.

And even if it is a fungal infection, there are several types of them too. For example, a person may be infected with several types of Candida fungi: Candida albicans is the most common, but in addition to it, there may be krusei, glabrata, parapsilosis, tropicalis. They need to be treated by selecting drugs according to sensitivity in order to completely suppress the activity of the fungal flora.

After taking the pills, the fight does not end

Since the fungal infection is insidious and can recur at any time, if the immune defense of the mucous membranes suddenly decreases or the balance of the microbial flora of the vagina is disturbed, it is always worth remembering about preventive measures. They are simple and accessible to all women, do not require much effort, and work effectively.

To prevent a fungal infection, doctors advise you to remember the following:

1. You should not be zealous with antibiotics: do not drink them thoughtlessly, on the advice of friends or acquaintances – only as directed by a doctor when they are really needed.

2. Do not use antifungals whenever you suspect thrush, especially on your own. Very often, completely different diseases are hidden under the “mask” of thrush. A doctor’s examination and additional tests can accurately determine whether it is a fungus or another infection. It is important to remember that if antifungal drugs are used indiscriminately over time, then when it is really needed, they may not work (as the fungus develops resistance to the drug).

3. You can eat sweets, but if your diet consists only of fast carbohydrates, reconsider your diet. This is not only a problem of excess weight, but also of metabolic disorders, including diabetes.

4. Try to remember why you had an episode of “candidiasis”, this will help to conduct better treatment and understand the cause. Perhaps you have had a severe respiratory or intestinal infection, are constantly under stress, have changed hygiene products – all this is important for the diagnosis and subsequent prevention of relapses.

Read also

If thrush is a frequent visitor

Some women have thrush again and again. In this case, doctors talk about recurrent candidiasis. The situation is unpleasant, in each case it is necessary to understand the reasons in detail, sometimes with the involvement of gastroenterologists, endocrinologists or additional tests.

6 ways to avoid recurrence:

1. Avoid panty liners.

2. It is worth giving up douching.

3. Minimize the use of wet wipes, including baby wipes and medical wipes, or better yet, completely eliminate them.

4. Avoid using medications for candidiasis (and other gynecological problems) other than prescribed by your doctor, including home remedies and self-purchased medications.

5. You should stop using intimate deodorants and lubricants.

6. Wear undyed cotton or silk, and use hypoallergenic laundry detergents.

Text author:Alena Paretskaya

How to prevent a yeast infection with antibiotics | SingleCare – Health Education

Home >> Health Education >> Antibiotic Prevention of Yeast Infection

Health Education

If you have a sore throat, sinus infection, or other bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Antibiotics are very useful medicines that kill the bad bacteria that cause disease. Unfortunately, they can also destroy the so-called good bacteria in your body.

Because of this, antibiotics often have unpleasant side effects, including nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and, yes, yeast infections. If you’ve come across them, you’ve probably wondered: is there a way to prevent a yeast infection with antibiotics? Read on to find out how.

What is a fungal infection?

Vaginal yeast infections, or yeast infections, are fungal infections of the vagina. They are caused by a fungus called Candida . This fungus is always present in the vagina, and it usually thrives among the many good bacteria that balance it out. However, when a woman takes antibiotics that kill this entire natural biome, Candida can begin to grow out of control. When this happens, you will get a yeast infection.

If you’re not familiar with the symptoms of a yeast infection, you’re in luck. They are very uncomfortable and may include:

• Severe itching in and around the vagina, including the vulva
• Irritation
• Burning
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Pain during intercourse
• White, lumpy discharge with odor bread

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

Why can antibiotics cause a yeast infection?

A woman’s vagina contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. “Antibiotics can destroy the bacteria that protect the vagina, or they can change the balance of bacteria present,” says Dr. Janelle Luke, medical director and co-founder of The Next Generation of Fertility in New York.

She explains that a bacterium called Lactobacillus keeps the vagina slightly acidic, which keeps yeast in check. But broad-spectrum antibiotics change everything. They destroy the harmful bacteria that cause your disease. But they also destroy beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacilli . When there is less Lactobacillus in the vagina it becomes less acidic and therefore an ideal environment for yeast.

Which antibiotics cause yeast infections?

Do all antibiotics cause yeast infections? This is a good question, especially if there are multiple treatment options for your condition. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are most likely to upset your body’s natural bacterial balance, such as:

• Amoxicillin
• Carbapenems (eg, imipenem)
• Tetracyclines
• Quinolones (eg, ciproflo xacin)

Certain inhaled steroids for the treatment asthma may increase the risk of oral yeast infection.

RELATED: Amoxicillin Coupons | Coupons for imipenem | Coupons for tetracycline | Coupons for Ciprofloxacin

Antibiotic Prevention of Yeast Infection

First of all, you should know that the benefits of antibiotics far outweigh the risk of side effects. Even though antibiotics can cause a yeast infection, it is still important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor to completely cure a bacterial infection. Failure to follow an antibiotic prescription can cause something called: antibiotic resistance. This means that your bacterial infection can become resistant to the drug and be much more difficult to treat.

RELATED: What happens if you don’t take antibiotics?

However, some side effects can be prevented, including a yeast infection. To prevent yeast infections, Dr. Luk says avoid wet swimwear or underwear, as moisture promotes yeast growth. Also, avoid hot baths or hot baths as yeast also forms in warm environments. Be sure to wear loose clothing and avoid vaginal deodorants such as sprays, powders or scented pads and tampons.

Rebecca Behrens, MD, associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, says your doctor may also prescribe an antifungal pill called Diflucan to take along with your antibiotic.

Dr. Luke says that if you have frequent yeast infections, it’s best to talk to your doctor about a Diflucan prescription beforehand. And she says if Diflucan isn’t working, another solution might be to use an over-the-counter antifungal cream like Monistat. You can also try eating yogurt, as this will replenish the good bacteria in your vagina, says Dr. Luk.

6 tips to prevent yeast infection from antibiotics

Antibiotics have many uses. They treat dangerous bacterial infections, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. But some side effects, including yeast infection, can be prevented by:

1. Avoid hot baths or hot baths
2. Wear loose clothing
3. Change wet swimwear or underwear
4. Skip feminine hygiene products such as douching.
5. Avoid vaginal deodorants such as sprays, powders or scented pads and tampons.
6. Wear breathable underwear and fabrics such as cotton.

And if your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, be sure to ask about prevention and treatment options such as diflucan and monistat.