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Can Certain Medications Cause Yeast Infections?

Many women are discovering that when using antibiotics to treat a urinary track infections or some other type of illness, they can cause a yeast infection. Another source of a potential yeast infections seem to be found in contraceptives.

Yeast thrive in the acidic pH that is seen in the presence of the female hormone estrogen. The high levels of hormones in pregnancy and in oral contraceptive pills predispose expectant mothers and women on the Pill to yeast vaginitis.  Some women find that switching to a nonhormonal contraceptive,  if practical, helps to eliminate recurrent yeast infections.

Taking excessive antibiotics can also cause yeast infections.  Antibiotics eliminate friendly bacteria, thereby encouraging an environment for overgrowth of the Candida Albicans yeast. We rely on our friendly bacteria to keep our immune system in check and once we began using antibiotics, our immune system become vulnerable.  Every instance of using an antibiotic increases our chance of a reoccurrence of both diseases.  Over the counter drugs used for a urinary track infection and yeast infections only mask the symptoms giving us a false sense of treatment.  Anywhere from 25 to -70 percent of women will get a yeast infection after taking a course of antibiotics.

Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, for instance, not seeking out antibiotic treatment for a viral condition like a cold, and taking the mildest antibiotic possible to treat your particular illness are good principles to live by.  Many physicians think that their patients want, or expect, antibiotics if they complain of symptoms, even if the condition will normally run its course and doesn't need medical treatment. Because of this belief, a doctor may automatically prescribe antibiotics rather than risk disappointing his patient. Let your doctor know that you don't want antibiotics unless he thinks it is really necessary.

Using alternative treatments and a holistic approach to cure yeast infections and urinary tract infections are beneficial to your overall health by eliminating reoccurrences and quicker healing times.

Alternative Natural Treatments to Try: 

    - Cranberry juice helps to eliminate a urinary tract infection by balancing the acidic urine

    - Diluted tea tree oil may be used externally to soothe irritations

    - Healthy helpings of garlic used in recipes or, if you can stand it, eaten raw.  Garlic helps to kill the yeast and bring balance to your system.  It’s known to be an effective antifungal agent

    - Lactoferrin found in milk products can help to bind bad bacteria

    - Probiotic products help to re-establish a friendly bacterial environment

    - Consuming yogurt helps to balance the genital environment.  It is recommended to eat sugarless yogurt since yeast infections thrive on sugar.  Yogurt can be ingested or used externally

    - Clothing, especially constricted apparel in the crotch area must be well ventilated.  Yeast thrives in damp dark areas so do not provide a beneficial environment for them. 

Tags: antibiotics, bacterial infections, non hormonal contraceptives, vaginal discharge, vaginitis, yeast infection treatment, yeast infections

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