Yeast infections often occur after undergoing antibiotic drug treatment, because in addition to killing disease-causing bacteria, bacteria that maintain vaginal health are also killed. The good news is that many of the practices that help prevent yeast infections under normal circumstances can also help prevent yeast infections while on antibiotic medication. Changing your diet, maintaining good hygiene, and wearing the right clothes can help prevent conditions that cause yeast infections.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Changing Your Diet
Step 1. Try eating yogurt
Consuming yogurt is known to be so helpful in preventing yeast infections, that many doctors recommend that patients stop by the department store after buying antibiotics. That's because yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, the bacteria in the vagina that maintains the chemical balance there. These bacteria can be reduced due to antibiotics. Consuming yogurt helps restore the number of Lactobacillus acidophilus and prevents the growth of the fungus Candida albicans.
- When buying yogurt, check the label on the package to make sure Lactobacillus acidophilus is listed in the ingredients list. Although not all, most brands of factory-made commercial yogurt contain the bacteria. Flavored or unsalted yogurt can be used.
- For best results, eat one or two servings of yogurt daily while taking your antibiotic medication. There's also nothing wrong with continuing to eat lots of yogurt when the antibiotics are gone, because antibiotics aren't the only cause of yeast infections.
Step 2. Eat fermented foods
Yogurt may be the most popular choice when it comes to improving the number of good bacteria, but it's not the only one. Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, fermented tea, etc. also contain probiotics, living organisms that the body needs to stay healthy and balanced so that mold does not thrive.
- Because probiotics also help regulate the digestive system, many manufacturers add probiotics to products that do not naturally contain probiotics. Cheese, juice, cereal, and granola bars with added probiotics can be purchased at convenience stores.
- Take probiotic supplements as an alternative. If you don't like yogurt or sauerkraut, opt for a probiotic supplement. This supplement contains good bacteria that are also present in yogurt, only in pill form. Take this supplement at the recommended dose while taking antibiotics.
Step 3. Try garlic
Garlic has antifungal properties that can help kill the fungus that causes infection. Consuming lots of garlic while taking antibiotics can help prevent yeast infections. Taking garlic supplements is another alternative, and it prevents your breath from smelling like garlic for days on end.
Some women apply garlic directly to the vagina when they feel the infection is starting to appear. To try this method, wrap a peeled garlic clove in a small piece of cheesecloth. Tie, and leave the rope hanging. Insert it into the vagina with the remaining string hanging outside the vagina for easy removal. Leave it for a few hours or all night, then take it out and throw it away
Step 4. Take goldenseal supplements
Goldenseal is a natural remedy that has been used by many to help prevent yeast infections. Before taking this supplement, or any herbal supplement, check with your doctor to make sure the supplement can be taken with your other medications.
Step 5. Limit sugar intake
Elevated sugar levels can lead to mold overgrowth. Avoid foods or soft drinks that have a high sugar content. Choose raw fruits and honey if you want to eat something sweet.
Step 6. Don't eat foods that are fermented with yeast
There is little evidence to support the notion that alcoholic beverages, bread, and other foods made with yeast can cause yeast infections, but there's no harm in limiting your intake of these foods even if they may not have much effect.
Part 2 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Wear underwear made of cotton
Cotton is a material that allows air to circulate, thereby preventing excess moisture from building up. If you like satin and lace underpants, consider wearing cotton underwear while taking your antibiotics. If you have to wear pretty underwear, be sure to choose panties that have a cotton lining.
Step 2. Don't wear tight clothes
Tight pants, stretchy underwear or pantyhose, or materials that don't allow air circulation, can keep the vaginal area moist, which is the perfect condition for yeast growth.
- Wear loose-fitting jeans rather than tight/skinny jeans.
- Wear a dress or skirt if you can.
- Wear loose workout clothes rather than tight ones.
Step 3. Use a condom during sexual intercourse
Semen fluid has a different pH than the inside of the vagina, so having unprotected sex can upset the balance. If you are willing to take precautions while taking antibiotics, consider using condoms for a while.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Clean
Step 1. Do not douching
Even if you're not taking antibiotics, douching can create a vaginal environment that supports yeast growth. Douching solutions usually contain chemicals that kill the good bacteria and leave room for the bad ones to occupy. Douching can also change the pH level of the vagina.
- Instead of douching, wash with warm water only.
- Do not use harsh chemical soaps or liquid soaps.
Step 2. Don't use feminine perfumes or sprays
Additional scented products may cause irritation. Do not use perfume or vaginal spray. If you must scent your vagina, use a spray made of water and a light essential oil, such as a few drops of lavender.
Step 3. Use unscented pads instead of tampons
Tampons can support fungal overgrowth. If you have your period while you are taking antibiotics, use pads. Just make sure the pads aren't scented, because chemical-based perfumes can irritate the vagina.
Step 4. Wipe the body thoroughly after urinating
Wipe from front to back so that bacteria from the anal area don't transfer to the vagina, which can encourage infection. Make sure the vaginal area is kept clean and dry.
Step 5. Use unscented white toilet paper
Dyes and scents that touch the vagina can cause yeast growth.
Warning
- If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, check with your doctor to make sure it's a yeast infection. Other vaginal diseases can display similar symptoms.
- If you are taking certain medications to treat blood pressure or diabetes, talk to your doctor about preventive measures for yeast infections. There are many types of these drugs that can increase the risk of yeast infection.
