Why do yeast infections occur after taking antibiotics. How can you prevent yeast overgrowth during antibiotic treatment. What are the most effective ways to treat antibiotic-induced yeast infections.

The Link Between Antibiotics and Vaginal Yeast Infections

Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to combat harmful bacteria in the body. However, they can inadvertently disrupt the delicate balance of microorganisms in the vagina, potentially leading to yeast infections. Understanding this connection is crucial for women’s health.

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are fungal infections caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast naturally present in the vagina. While Candida typically exists in harmony with other microorganisms, certain factors can trigger its excessive growth, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.

How Do Antibiotics Contribute to Yeast Overgrowth?

The vaginal environment maintains a delicate balance of beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus species, which help keep yeast growth in check. These bacteria produce lactic acid, creating a slightly acidic environment that inhibits yeast proliferation. When broad-spectrum antibiotics are introduced, they can eliminate not only the targeted harmful bacteria but also these beneficial Lactobacillus strains.

With the protective Lactobacillus population diminished, the vaginal pH becomes less acidic, creating an ideal environment for Candida to thrive. This shift in the microbial ecosystem can lead to rapid yeast overgrowth and subsequent infection.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Antibiotic-Induced Yeast Infections

Identifying the signs of a yeast infection early on is crucial for prompt treatment and relief. Common symptoms include:

• Intense itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva
• Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Thick, white, odorless discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency
• Vaginal soreness and pain

If you experience these symptoms during or after a course of antibiotics, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventive Measures to Reduce the Risk of Yeast Infections

While taking antibiotics, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize your risk of developing a yeast infection:

Probiotics: Your Ally Against Yeast Overgrowth

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your body. How can probiotics help prevent yeast infections during antibiotic treatment? By replenishing the beneficial bacteria that antibiotics may deplete, probiotics can help maintain the vaginal ecosystem’s balance and prevent Candida overgrowth.

Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet, such as:

• Yogurt with live active cultures
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha

Alternatively, you may opt for a high-quality probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus strains. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate probiotic regimen for your needs.

Antifungal Prophylaxis: A Proactive Approach

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend antifungal prophylaxis for individuals prone to yeast infections or those taking long-term antibiotic therapy. This approach involves using antifungal medications preemptively to prevent yeast overgrowth.

What are the common antifungal agents used for prophylaxis? Over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories containing miconazole or clotrimazole are often recommended. In some instances, your doctor may prescribe oral fluconazole (Diflucan) to be taken concurrently with your antibiotic regimen.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Vaginal Health

In addition to probiotics and antifungal prophylaxis, certain lifestyle changes can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment and reduce the risk of yeast infections:

1. Wear breathable, cotton underwear to reduce moisture retention
2. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can create a warm, moist environment
3. Practice good hygiene, but avoid using scented products in the genital area
4. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacterial spread
5. Avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural vaginal flora
6. Limit sugar intake, as yeast thrives on sugar
7. Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques or exercise

Treatment Options for Antibiotic-Induced Yeast Infections

If you develop a yeast infection despite preventive measures, prompt treatment is essential for relief and to prevent complications. What are the most effective treatment options for antibiotic-induced yeast infections?

Over-the-Counter Antifungal Medications

Many women find relief with OTC antifungal treatments, available in various forms:

• Creams (e.g., miconazole, clotrimazole)
• Suppositories
• Oral tablets (e.g., fluconazole)

These medications typically require 1-7 days of treatment, depending on the formulation and severity of the infection. It’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

Prescription Treatments

For recurrent or severe infections, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications or a longer course of treatment. These may include:

• Oral fluconazole (multiple doses)
• Terconazole vaginal cream or suppositories
• Boric acid suppositories (for resistant infections)

The Importance of Proper Antibiotic Use

While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, their overuse or misuse can contribute to various health issues, including yeast infections and antibiotic resistance. How can you ensure you’re using antibiotics responsibly?

• Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed, even if you start feeling better
• Never share antibiotics or use leftover antibiotics from previous prescriptions
• Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor for minor infections that may resolve on their own

By using antibiotics judiciously, you can help preserve their effectiveness and reduce your risk of antibiotic-related complications, including yeast infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many yeast infections can be effectively treated with OTC medications, certain situations warrant a visit to your healthcare provider. When should you consult a doctor for a yeast infection?

• If it’s your first suspected yeast infection
• If symptoms persist after completing OTC treatment
• If you experience recurrent yeast infections (4 or more per year)
• If you’re pregnant
• If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• If you develop fever, chills, or pelvic pain

A healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.

Long-Term Strategies for Vaginal Health

Maintaining vaginal health extends beyond the period of antibiotic use. What are some long-term strategies to promote a healthy vaginal environment and reduce the risk of future infections?

Dietary Considerations

A balanced diet can play a significant role in supporting your body’s natural defenses against yeast overgrowth. Consider incorporating the following into your diet:

• Probiotic-rich foods (as mentioned earlier)
• Prebiotic foods that support beneficial bacteria growth (e.g., garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus)
• Foods high in vitamin C to boost immune function
• Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory properties

Conversely, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can help prevent yeast overgrowth, as Candida thrives on these substances.

Regular Exercise and Stress Management

Physical activity and stress reduction techniques can contribute to overall health and a robust immune system, which in turn supports vaginal health. How does exercise impact vaginal health? Regular exercise can help:

• Boost immune function
• Reduce stress levels
• Improve circulation
• Maintain a healthy weight

Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to support your body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Regular Check-ups and Open Communication

Maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about your vaginal health concerns is crucial. Regular check-ups and honest discussions about your medical history, including any tendency towards yeast infections, can help your provider tailor preventive strategies and treatments to your individual needs.

Understanding the Broader Impact of Antibiotics on Gut Health

While we’ve focused primarily on vaginal yeast infections, it’s important to recognize that antibiotics can affect the microbiome throughout your body, particularly in your gut. How does gut health relate to vaginal health and overall well-being?

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in:

• Supporting immune function
• Aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption
• Producing vitamins and other beneficial compounds
• Maintaining a barrier against harmful pathogens

When antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome, it can have far-reaching effects on your health, potentially impacting your susceptibility to various infections, including vaginal yeast infections. This underscores the importance of supporting your gut health during and after antibiotic treatment.

Strategies for Supporting Gut Health During Antibiotic Treatment

To mitigate the impact of antibiotics on your gut microbiome, consider the following strategies:

• Take a high-quality, multi-strain probiotic supplement
• Consume fermented foods rich in beneficial bacteria
• Eat a diverse range of fiber-rich foods to support beneficial gut bacteria
• Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins and support digestive health
• Consider discussing the use of prebiotics with your healthcare provider

By taking a holistic approach to your health during antibiotic treatment, you can help minimize the risk of yeast infections and other potential complications.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of microbiome research is rapidly evolving, offering new insights into the complex relationships between antibiotics, the human microbiome, and various health outcomes, including yeast infections. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

Personalized Probiotic Therapies

Researchers are exploring the potential of personalized probiotic therapies tailored to an individual’s unique microbiome composition. This approach could offer more targeted and effective ways to prevent and treat antibiotic-induced disruptions to the vaginal and gut microbiomes.

Novel Antibiotic Formulations

Scientists are working on developing new antibiotic formulations that may be less disruptive to beneficial bacteria while still effectively targeting pathogenic microorganisms. These advancements could potentially reduce the risk of antibiotic-induced yeast infections and other complications.

Microbiome Restoration Techniques

Emerging techniques for rapidly restoring a healthy microbiome after antibiotic treatment are being investigated. These may include more advanced probiotic formulations, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for severe cases, or other innovative approaches to rebalancing the body’s microbial communities.

As research in these areas progresses, we may see new and improved strategies for preventing and managing antibiotic-induced yeast infections and other microbiome-related health issues.

In conclusion, while antibiotics are essential tools in fighting bacterial infections, they can sometimes lead to unintended consequences like yeast infections. By understanding the relationship between antibiotics and yeast overgrowth, implementing preventive measures, and seeking prompt treatment when necessary, you can maintain your vaginal health and overall well-being. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your individual needs.

Yeast Infection from Antibiotics: Why It Happens

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You may get a yeast infection during or after a course of antibiotics if the drugs affect beneficial bacteria in your vagina. Some practices and products may reduce the risk.

Antibiotics are used to kill off harmful bacteria in the body. But they can also destroy beneficial bacteria in the process, which may lead to a yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections of the vagina. They happen when a type of fungus called Candida, which occurs naturally in the vagina, begins to grow out of control. Yeast infections can cause intense itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva — the outer part of the female genital area.

Read on to learn more about why this happens and how you can reduce your risk while taking antibiotics.

Vaginas maintain their own balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. A type of bacteria called Lactobacillus keeps the vagina slightly acidic, which isn’t welcoming to yeast. This slightly acidic environment keeps the yeast growing in the vagina under control.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which you might take for bronchitis or a sinus infection, are like a bomb to your body’s natural balance of bacteria. They wipe out the bad bacteria causing your illness.

Antibiotics also wipe out beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus. Without enough Lactobacillus, your vagina becomes less acidic, making it an ideal environment for yeast.

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection after you take antibiotics.

Talk to your doctor

If you experience chronic yeast infections or tend to get a yeast infection every time you take antibiotics, tell your doctor. They may prescribe an oral antifungal pill called fluconazole (Diflucan) for you to take during your course of antibiotics.

You might be instructed to take one pill on the first day and another pill every seven days until you finish the antibiotics. This should help to prevent an overgrowth of yeast while taking antibiotics.

Use an over-the-counter antifungal

Using an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream or suppository can help prevent yeast infections caused by antibiotics. Antifungal agents can take the place of your good bacteria, working to keep yeast in check.

Following the directions on the box, begin using your antifungal at the same time you start your antibiotics to prevent a yeast infection. You can also start using an antifungal at any point during your course of antibiotics.

Find OTC yeast infection treatments here.

Replenish your good bacteria

Antibiotics attack good bacteria all over your body. You may be able to undo some of this damage by increasing the number of good bacteria in your body.

Consider taking a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus, like this one. You can also try adding some yogurt containing live active cultures to your diet. Here’s a guide to brands containing Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Use yogurt

While eating yogurt can help to replenish good bacteria, applying it near your vagina may also offer a little help. Just make sure you choose one that’s unflavored, that doesn’t contain sweeteners, and that contains live active cultures.

Apply it to your vulva for itch relief. You can also use a tampon applicator whose tampon has been removed and the applicator filled with yogurt to put the yogurt inside your vagina.

Learn more about how to use yogurt for a yeast infection.

Don’t use antibiotics unnecessarily

Try to avoid using antibiotics for minor infections, such as an ear infection. In these cases, antibiotics will only shorten your healing time by a day or two.

Ask your doctor if there’s anything else that might help before starting antibiotics.

But if your doctor does recommend taking them, make sure to finish the entire course. Not doing so can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes antibiotics ineffective against harmful bacteria.

Other tips for prevention

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection, regardless of whether you’re taking antibiotics:

• Change out of wet bathing suits and underwear as soon as possible. Yeast thrives in moist environments.
• Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths. The only thing yeast loves more than a moist environment is a warm one.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. While there’s no clear link between tight clothing and yeast infections, tight pants can increase heat and moisture around your vulva.
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear. Cotton underwear can help keep things cool and dry down there.
• Never douche. Douching removes healthy bacteria.
• Avoid vaginal deodorant products. This includes sprays, powders, and scented pads and tampons.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. High blood sugar levels encourage yeast growth.

If your yeast infection doesn’t improve after treatment, you should consult your doctor. OTC antifungal creams can take up to 10 days to treat a yeast infection.

You should make an appointment if you get recurrent yeast infections, which refers to having four or more yeast infections a year. These usually require prescription treatment because yogurt and other home remedies aren’t effective for this type of yeast infection.

If you’re still having symptoms after this point, you could have a different condition, such as bacterial vaginosis. This is a bacterial infection with symptoms very similar to those of a yeast infection. But because it’s not caused by a fungus, it won’t respond to antifungal treatments.

Antibiotics can cause yeast infections in some people because they kill off beneficial bacteria that prevent the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. But there are several things you can do to offset the negative effects of antibiotics and reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection.

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.

Thrush in women after taking antibiotics: how to treat and why it can appear

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Antibiotics have long been a familiar way for us to treat many complex diseases. Angina, otitis, inflammation and much more can be easily treated with their help. However, the wrong dosage, a long course of treatment and self-medication can lead to unexpected consequences in the form of complications. From the point of view of women’s health, one of the most common complications is the development of vaginal candidiasis after taking antibiotics. It is important to know why this happens, whether it is possible to avoid the appearance of thrush after antibiotics and how to treat this disease.

Signs and causes of candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis, or, more simply, thrush, is a disease that many girls and women face sooner or later. Its unpleasant symptoms are familiar to many: itching, burning, redness and swelling of the genital organs, pain and discomfort, copious white discharge – few people want to relive these sensations. The appearance of the disease can occur in completely different situations, which raises many questions. The most common of them are what is the cause of thrush, what additional factors can worsen the situation, how to carry out competent treatment and what preventive measures to take in the future when taking antibiotics.

The reason for the appearance of thrush is considered to be the mass reproduction of the fungus of the genus Candida on the vaginal mucosa, huge colonies of the fungus violate the correct and natural microflora, as a result of which numerous symptoms of the disease appear. Oddly enough, but this fungus is not foreign to our mucosa. In the normal body of any woman, yeast-like fungi are present as one of the many representatives of the conditionally pathogenic microflora of the mucosa, but their reproduction is restrained by the fact that non-pathogenic bacteria are predominant.

Antibiotics and body flora

How is the use of antibiotics and the reproduction of conditionally pathogenic flora on the mucous membrane related? The mechanism of action of antibiotics is that they inhibit the growth and reproduction of all bacteria and fungi, without understanding whether they are useful for us or not. Do not forget that antibiotics do not have a local, but a complex effect on our body. As a result, a person’s immunity becomes depressed, as it loses its assistants in the face of healthy microflora and cannot give an adequate immune response to a new disease. This is complicated by the fact that opportunistic flora very quickly becomes resistant to drugs and treatment becomes much more complicated. After a course of antibiotics, a number of complications can occur: problems with the gastrointestinal tract, skin reactions and allergies.

Women’s problems and solutions

In women, against the background of reduced immunity and a long course of strong antibiotics, vaginal candidiasis can often appear. It is not difficult to recognize it, since the symptoms of candidiasis remain the same: constant itching and burning in the genital area, unpleasant pain during intimacy, abundant curdled vaginal discharge, often with a sour kefir smell. As soon as these signs appear, most likely, you have thrush and you need to start treatment right away.

How to treat thrush after antibiotics? Fundamentally, the methods of treating thrush of different origins (whether it is a consequence of taking antibiotics, suppression of immunity, or another reason) do not differ. It is important to consult a doctor who will prescribe the treatment that suits you: it can be either tablets or suppositories or a cream, including Lomexin, an effective drug based on fenticonazole. It is not worth self-medicating, as in the case of antibiotics, and getting carried away with various folk tips and remedies – you may not achieve the desired result, and the disease will turn into a deeper chronic form, which is more difficult and expensive to treat than the acute form of thrush.

Take care of your health

In addition to drug therapy, it is necessary to take measures to strengthen the immunity of the body as a whole and restore the normal microflora of the mucous membranes. First of all, it is the normalization of the daily routine and nutrition. Your sleep should be full, sufficient to restore strength. In food, stick to moderation, try to eliminate excess sugar – donuts, cakes and extra chocolate will bring more problems than pleasure. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables and take additional natural vitamins and supplements that support immunity.

It is also worth paying special attention to personal hygiene. Give up tight and fully synthetic underwear – this causes unnecessary discomfort and can provoke the occurrence of diseases of the lower female genital tract. Intimate hygiene helps to maintain the flora of the genital organs in a normal state, do not forget to take a shower regularly, preferably using products specially designed for intimate hygiene – their acid-base balance will not harm the mucous membranes.

Thrush caused by antibiotics responds well to treatment, as well as those caused by other causes. It is important to immediately recognize its symptoms and begin competent treatment under the supervision of a doctor, and in the future, pay maximum attention and care to your body – it will need your help to fully restore strength.

Symptoms of thrush after a course of antibiotics

“Three days – and thrush is gone!” – women gossip over a cup of coffee, considering the thrush absolutely harmless. Moreover, advertising of modern medicines seems to even relieve the need to go to the gynecologist: the ladies on the TV screen themselves diagnose themselves and prescribe a course of treatment. Thrush is really not a dangerous disease, if you do not treat it in the way described above.
About what is thrush and how to deal with it, Modus vivendi , said the gynecologist, Ph.D. Madina SAFINA, Deputy Chief Physician for the Medical Department of the City Gynecological Hospital.

– Where does she come from – this very thrush?

– Thrush (candidiasis) is an inflammation of the usually mucous membranes and skin caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus candida , capable of very rapid reproduction – they grow like yeast. These fungi are found in many parts of the human body in small concentrations (this is the norm), but they attach especially well to the vaginal mucosa. Under favorable conditions, they begin to multiply rapidly, so the symptoms in an acute course are very bright.

There is no need to hope for self-healing, that the immune system will cope. Each case of thrush must be treated or, as we say, sanitized. This will, if not completely destroy the pathogen, then at least bring the concentration of fungi to the minimum that will not cause signs of inflammation.

There are diseases or metabolic disorders in the body that contribute to the growth of the fungus. The greatest risk groups are patients with diabetes mellitus, intensive care patients, cancer patients or people with reduced immunity, as well as pregnant women and newborns.

– Active sex life – a factor provoking thrush?

– This infection is transmitted by contact, incl. during sexual contact. But since women have more favorable conditions for reproduction (a humid environment, many folds of the mucosa), the reproduction of fungi occurs faster. And in men, the disease can be asymptomatic, or it can simply be a carrier of the infection. When there is at least a second episode of thrush, we recommend that the partner of the patient also improve his health by taking one capsule of an antifungal drug.

– How is the disease related to taking antibiotics?

– Let me remind you once again: these fungi in small concentrations can be found on any mucous membranes, moreover, in competition with other microorganisms. Very strong antibiotics kill bacteria, but those microorganisms that are insensitive are bound to grow very rapidly – they no longer have competitors. In addition, there are antibiotics that predispose to the growth of fungi – for example, doxycycline. Therefore, after a course of antibiotics, many may develop symptoms of thrush.

“Super-infection” works here – we kicked out one infection with treatment, but the second one raises its head. This is by no means a consequence of the fact that the doctor underexamined the patient. Therefore, we select such drugs so that there are no such consequences, or we prescribe prophylactic antifungal agents. The simplest method is a single dose of an antifungal capsule.

– Can thrush during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

– Generally not. Rarely, there is one infection in the body – some other bacterial microorganism is sure to grow nearby. And now, if it already begins to act, then the bacteria, of course, penetrate through the cervix into the uterine cavity and can cause inflammation of the membranes and miscarriage. If there is at least one infection of the genital tract, we will definitely examine for all possible pathogens.

– Does the disappearance of acute symptoms mean recovery?

– Not always. When treating, it is necessary to take into account the risk of relapse: if you do not treat thrush with a full course, any stress factor, hypothermia, changes in hormonal levels will cause symptoms to reappear.

Usually, when treated with local preparations, the course of treatment is 7 days, with antibiotics up to 10 days. But if the symptoms have disappeared on the third day, then many women (if not most) stop drinking the drug. But the course is not completed: it is proved that 7 and 10 days – it is this duration of administration that reduces the concentration of fungi so much that they do not relapse later. Oral long-acting antifungal drugs are the most convenient and highly effective form of treatment.

Ignorance of hygiene rules also predisposes to the development of thrush. Increased humidity in the crotch area, synthetic underwear, types of underwear that cause chafing, thongs – all this contributes to the reproduction of fungi. Abroad they say that tights should also have a cotton gusset. In addition, it is not recommended to use colored toilet paper or any flavored hygiene products.

– Are relapses of untreated thrush harder to cure?

– Yes, when initially the course is not carried out correctly, then the treatment of relapses is a big problem, because thrush adapts very easily. If the course is not completed, then the resistance of fungi to antifungal drugs is developed. And then it is already difficult to achieve a cure even with highly effective drugs.

Forms of adaptability of thrush are unique. The latest study concerns the fact that fungi form a biofilm in the body, through which drugs simply do not penetrate to deep-lying, dividing fungi: even if treated in good faith for 10 days, the effect may not come.