Do Antibiotics Cause Yeast Infections?
Antibiotics are used as a treatment because they destroy or damage bacteria. This is probably the most common treatment prescribed by doctors for yeast infections. This condition of course is characterized by an overgrowth of bad bacteria, known as Candida albicans, so taking antibiotics should take care of it, right? According to medicinenet.com, antibiotics are one of the causes for yeast infections because they destroy the protective bacteria that prevents this type of bacteria from growing too much.
The vagina contains all different kinds of bacteria, both good and bad. Antibiotics kill all bacteria; so while Candida is destroyed, so is the protective bacteria that keeps it at bay. Once it all begins to regrow, Candida comes back faster and is not able to be contained. This is why recurring conditions take place.
Antibiotics are one of the leading causes of yeast infections, and a lot of times it’s because they were used to treat something else. The vaginal environment can get disrupted by taking antibiotics, and this allows yeast to grow and take control. However, most women are only affected by certain types of antibiotics, or if they take on a long-term basis.
Antibiotics in general are a flawed treatment. While they cure one condition, they cause another. They weaken the immune system, the body’s natural defense against disease. And once your body gets used to the antibiotics, it really begins to lose it’s fight against infections.
So to answer the question of “do antibiotics cause yeast infections?” The answer is a resounding yes.
Keep in mind that diet can play a role in the development of yeast infections. If you are consuming an unhealthy diet that contains high amounts of sugar, then it could be making the infection worse.
Probiotics, the opposite of antibiotics, promote the growth of healthy bacteria that fight against infections. These are recommended by some doctors to take not only to treat yeast infections, but prevent them if you are taking antibiotics for another condition. Organic yogurt that contains lactobacillus is a good probiotic to take. Check the labels to see how much probiotics are included in the yogurt, as this varies considerably.
If antibiotics aren’t absolutely necessary, then it’s best to avoid them. They are over-used nowadays, and they are one of the top causes for yeast infections.
