Antibiotics are known for their efficacy in treating bacterial infections, but they can have unintended consequences, such as causing yeast infections in some cases. This happens because antibiotics target not only harmful bacteria but also the beneficial bacteria in the body. The reduction in beneficial bacteria can lead to an imbalance, allowing yeast to overgrow, leading to infections characterized by itching, burning, and irritation in the vaginal area. Dr. Sophia Haroon Dar, an internal medicine specialist, sheds light on this phenomenon.

The Well by Northwell explains the link between antibiotics and yeast infections. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand the diverse organisms that can cause vaginitis, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These organisms produce waste products that irritate tissues, causing symptoms like discharge changes, unpleasant odor, itching, burning, redness, painful sex or urination, spotting, and swelling. The Student Health Center provides a comprehensive overview of these symptoms and the need for a proper diagnosis.

False-positive results in urine drug screens can also be a concern with certain medications. The University of Illinois at Chicago discusses how prescription and non-prescription drugs, along with other substances, can cause these false positives.

Harvard Health’s article on Vaginal Yeast Infection further elaborates on how Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for most vaginal yeast infections, can overgrow under certain conditions, including stress and weakened immune systems. Similarly, University of Rochester Medical explains how yeast infections can occur when the skin is damaged or in warm, humid environments.

Interestingly, treating one infection can sometimes trigger another. For example, fighting a parasitic infection might reactivate a dormant virus, as discussed in a study by Washington University in St. Louis. This finding highlights the complexity of the body’s response to infections and treatments.

Finally, understanding the nuances of self-treating a yeast infection is important. Harvard Health advises consulting a doctor for a formal diagnosis, especially if the symptoms are unclear, as explained in their Ask the Doctor segment. Cold and canker sores, often confused with each other, are also important to differentiate, as noted by the University Health Service.