{"id":6358,"date":"2019-10-29T09:00:59","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T13:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=6358"},"modified":"2024-12-06T15:47:06","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T20:47:06","slug":"yeast-infection-from-antibiotics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/yeast-infection-from-antibiotics\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prevent a yeast infection from antibiotics"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have strep throat, a sinus infection, or another bacterial infection, your healthcare provider might prescribe antibiotics to cure it. Antibiotics are very useful drugs that kill off the harmful bacteria that cause illness. Unfortunately, they can also destroy your body\u2019s so-called \u201cgood\u201d bacteria in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of this, antibiotics often come with some unpleasant side effects, including nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and yes, vaginal yeast infections. If you\u2019ve experienced them, you\u2019ve probably wondered, \u201cIs there any way to prevent a yeast infection from antibiotics?\u201d Luckily, there are tips that help. Read on to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: See our best drug prices<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Can you get a yeast infection from antibiotics?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, it is possible to get a yeast infection, or vulvovaginal candidiasis, while taking a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics have the potential to disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, which includes the healthy bacteria responsible for keeping yeast growth in check.<\/span><\/p>\n

That can cause an overgrowth of yeast (candida fungus), potentially leading to the <\/span>hallmark symptoms<\/span><\/a> of a yeast infection: white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese, burning during urination, swelling and redness around the vaginal area and vulva, and pain and soreness during sexual intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most women will develop a yeast infection at some point in their lives. According to <\/span>research<\/span><\/a>, 10% to 30% of women experience yeast infections due to antibiotics<\/span>.<\/span> Ninety percent<\/span><\/a> of yeast infections are caused by a type of fungal infection called candida albicans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do you get a yeast infection from antibiotics?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A woman\u2019s vagina maintains its own balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. \u201cAntibiotics can destroy bacteria that protect the vagina or may alter the balance of bacteria present,\u201d says Janelle Luk, MD, medical director and co-founder of <\/span>Generation Next Fertility<\/span><\/a> in New York, New York.<\/span><\/p>\n

She explains that a type of bacteria called <\/span>Lactobacillus<\/span><\/i> keeps the vagina slightly acidic, which keeps vaginal infections at bay. But broad-spectrum antibiotics change all that. As they destroy the bad bacteria causing your illness, they also wipe out beneficial bacteria, including <\/span>Lactobacillus<\/span><\/i>. When there is less <\/span>Lactobacillus<\/span><\/i> in your vagina, it becomes less acidic and, therefore, a perfect environment for yeast.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which antibiotics cause yeast infections?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Do all antibiotics cause yeast infections? It\u2019s a good question\u2014especially if there are multiple options available to treat your condition. <\/span>Broad-spectrum antibiotics<\/span><\/a> are most likely to throw off your body\u2019s natural bacterial balance, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n