Yeast Infections after Antibiotic Therapy

Yeast infections which are caused by an overgrowth of fungal organisms normally found in the vaginal area are very widespread. There are several reasons leading to the occurrence of overgrowth of yeast. And one of these is a common side effect of antibiotic treatment.

Why does antibiotic treatment cause yeast infection

Taking antibiotics can have several adverse effects including the development of yeast infections. When you take an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, the drug may not only kill the target disease-causing bacteria but also the useful normal flora in your vagina. The decreased number of this normally thriving bacterial population can lead to an increase in the yeast population. Thus, yeast infection occurs.

The prevalent use of antibiotics nowadays has greatly contributed to the spread of yeast infections. Whereas any antibiotic may lead to vaginal yeast overgrowth, potent broad-spectrum antibiotics (like tetracycline) that kill both gram positive and gram negative bacteria are considered the worst adversary of normal bacterial population. Also, the longer you are on an antibiotic medication, the higher your risk is of contracting a yeast infection.

How do bacteria protect you from developing a yeast infection?

Studies have suggested that the normal bacterial flora in your vaginal area help protect you from yeast infections. How is that possible? These bacteria, most particularly the lactobacilli group, serve to provide an efficient blockage against the potential of yeast to overgrow and invade the walls of your vaginal canal. Once the yeast population overgrows and assumes the infectious hyphal form which attaches to the vaginal walls, the outcome is yeast infection.

Determining the cause of your recurrent yeast infections

Many women these days are expected to suffer from a yeast infection at least once in their lifetimes. And most of these women are also estimated to contract this infection repeatedly throughout their lives.

So if you’re a woman who has suffered from recurrent yeast infections, it is quite important that you trace the history of your condition to find a possible link to its cause. If possible, look back to the times you suffered from yeast infection and try to recall if you had been taking antibiotics previously.

If you can establish a link in at least two yeast infection incidents, then try to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment whenever possible. If you have colds, don’t take antibiotics since it is viral in origin. Only take antibiotics when you’re diagnosed to have a secondary bacterial infection.

You should also discuss with your doctor other possible causes of your recurrent yeast infection so you can find means of preventing it.
Susan Driscal is dedicated to helping people find solutions for all health related problems. To learn more about her solutions for yeast infections, thrush and candida visit::
Remedy For A Yeast Infection