Why do you get a yeast infection after you get treated with antibiotics for a UTI?
The mainstay of treatment for an acute urinary tract infection is antibiotics plus lots and lots of fluid and anything with proanthocyanidins.
Like we have explained in other blogs, the most common cause of urinary tract infection is the little bugger, e. coli. Usually, patients are prescribed a course of Cipro, or another antibiotic to kill the bugs in your urinary tract.
Bacteria aren’t always bad. In your urinary tract, most bacteria are bad, but in the vagina, there are some good bacteria that battle yeast. When you take antibiotics to kill off the bacteria in your urinary tract, it also kills some of the good bacteria in your vagina, thereby disturbing the normal balance. According to Dr. Spock, “Anywhere from 25 to -70 percent of women will get a yeast infection after taking a course of antibiotics.” The good bacteria die and the yeast then have the opportunity to thrive.
Can you prevent a yeast infection when you are taking antibiotics?
Sometimes. Yeast thrive in wet, warm environments. Cotton undies help to absorb some of the moisture and make the environment less conducive to yeast growth. Better yet, when you go to sleep, go commando. Wearing no underwear keeps the vaginal area dry, which also helps. Lastly, keep the area clean. Practice good hygiene- shower and take baths, but do not douche. Douches can sometimes make things worse.
So, ladies, try not to get a UTI. Not only can you get the consequences of a UTI, you also get the side effects of antibiotics!