The Link Between Antibiotics and Yeast Infections: What You Need to Know
Antibiotics can cause yeast infections by disrupting the balance of healthy bacteria in the body, especially in the gut and vaginal area.
This may allows Candida, a type of yeast, to overgrow, leading to infections like oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections.
While Antibiotic medicines are essential for fighting bacterial infections, they can sometimes lead to unintended side effects, such as yeast infections.
This detailed blog will discuss why and how to recognise the symptoms.
Also, learn how to prevent and manage yeast infections during antibiotic treatment.
How do Antibiotics cause a yeast infection?
The most common yeast infection is a vaginal yeast infection, also known as a fungal infection of the Vagina.
The Vagina maintains its balance of yeast and bacteria to keep it healthy. And the bacteria that keeps your Vagina healthy is Lactobacillus.
These bacteria keep the Vagina slightly acidic, which prevents yeast from growing.
However, using broad-spectrum antibiotics during an illness can wipe out both good and bad bacteria.
Along with these harmful bacteria, Antibiotics wipe out good and beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus.
And, without enough bacteria like Lactobacillus, Vagina becomes less acidic, creating a suitable environment for yeast to grow.
Find out: Are bacterial infections dangerous? Know about their impact on your health.
What are the Symptoms of a yeast infection?
Symptoms of Vaginal yeast infection are more noticeable just before menstruation.
Please consult a doctor if you suspect the following symptoms:
- Itching and irritation in the Vagina and vulva
- Swelling and redness of the vulva
- Odro-free Vaginal discharge that is thick, and white with a cottage cheese appearance
- Vaginal rash
- Burning sensation during sexual intercourse or while urinating
- Pain and discomfort during urination and sex
- Increase in vaginal discharge
In most cases, symptoms of a yeast infection are mild.
In a severe yeast infection, swelling, redness, or cracks may form in the walls of the Vagina may appear.
It can become difficult to distinguish between a yeast infection and a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Therefore, consult a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
What are the Antibiotics That Can Cause Yeast Infections?
Not all antibiotics cause yeast infections, but broad-spectrum antibiotics carry a higher risk.
These drugs kill a wide range of bacteria, including the beneficial bacteria that help maintain yeast balance.
When this balance is disrupted, yeast can overgrow, leading to infection.
Broad-spectrum penicillins
Broad-spectrum penicillins, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin, can cause yeast infections.
Tetracyclines
Tetracycline antibiotics help treat acne, urinary tract infections (UTIS), intestinal infections, eye infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIS), and gum disease.
Some examples of tetracycline antibiotics are:
- Tetracycline (Sumycin)
- Eravacycline (Xerava)
- Omadacycline (Nuzyra)
- Demeclocycline (Detravis)
- Doxycycline (Adoxa)
- Minocycline (Minocin)
Quinolones
A doctor prescribes quinolones during a urinary tract infection(UTI) when it is difficult to treat with other antibiotics.
These antibiotics are also prescribed to treat hospital-acquired pneumonia and bacterial prostatitis.
Some common examples of Oenolones antibiotics are:
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Also, learn about bacterial vs fungal infections
Who is at higher risk of having a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are common, but several factors can increase your susceptibility to developing them.
These circumstances include:
- Pregnancy
- Use of hormone contraceptives, such as birth control pills
- Having a weakened immune system due to illness or factors such as chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- HIV infection
Individuals with risk factors should consult a doctor before taking antibiotics, as this may increase the risk of yeast infections.
Yeast infections are more common in sexually active individuals, but are not sexually transmitted.
Not sure if it’s bacterial or viral? Learn the key differences to get the right treatment faster. Check out our blog: Bacterial vs viral infections
What are the treatments for Yeast Infection?
To confirm a yeast infection, a doctor may examine a sample of vaginal discharge under a microscope.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.
Most cases are treated with topical antifungal creams or ointments, applied directly to the affected area.
In some cases, oral antifungal medications, such as fluconazole or miconazole, are prescribed.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams are also available.
For chronic or recurring infections, stronger treatments may be necessary; these can include oral fluconazole or topical medications containing boric acid, flucytosine, or nystatin.
Tips:
Antibiotics do not treat yeast infections. Instead, antifungal medications like fluconazole (oral), clotrimazole, miconazole (topical), and terconazole (cream or suppository) are used. You can consult a healthcare provider for proper treatment.
Final Lines:
Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good bacteria, allowing Candida fungus to grow and cause vaginal yeast infections.
The symptoms of a yeast infection may include itching, burning, or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can be helpful, but consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Preventive steps may also reduce the risk of yeast infection; however, using antibiotics as prescribed may also help with the condition.
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Antibiotics like amoxicillin, doxycycline, and azithromycin can disrupt your natural bacterial balance. In response, antibiotics may make yeast infections more likely to grow. Also, factors like tight clothing or a weakened immune system can increase the chances.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories can help prevent yeast infections during antibiotic use. These medicines can help by controlling yeast levels when good bacteria are reduced.
The main cause of yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a natural fungus in the body. It happens when something disrupts the normal balance of vaginal microorganisms.
Yeast infections aren't treated with antibiotics, while antifungals are medicines that may help in these conditions. IV echinocandins (like caspofungin) are used for serious cases, while fluconazole or amphotericin B may be used for others.
Healing begins with reduced itching and discomfort, and decreased redness and irritation. Eventually, skin and tissue return to normal as the yeast infection clears.
Symptoms of yeast vary but may include skin rashes, oral thrush, vaginal infections, digestive issues,. In severe cases, the infection becomes a systemic disease affecting your health.