Can I use antibiotics to cure a vaginal infection?

The vagina is one of the few organs of the body that has a self cleansing system, and is host to several micro organisms. It is home to a variety of friendly or beneficial bacteria, which work to make the environment acidic. This acidic vaginal environment causes the harmful bacteria to not be able to survive there for long. However, there may be times, when the vaginal environment loses its pH. This change in pH could be because of many various reasons. When there is growth of harmful bacteria, various infections can be caused.

These infections are known as vaginitis and cause an inflammation of the vagina. When the vagina is infected, it produces a foul fishy odor and also creates differently colored discharges that have various different textures.

Along with the chemical changes in the vaginal composition, there is also itching and irritation in the vaginal area. This inflammation and irritation causes the skin to grow red in color. A lot of over the counter medicines are available to treat vaginitis. A doctor may also prescribe you some antibiotics. However it is not advised to take antibiotics because that can cause the friendly bacteria to die along with the harmful bacteria.

The pH of the vagina can change because of certain medicines. Taking certain medications like antibiotics can also cause vaginitis. Apart from this, a change in the secretion of the hormones or ingestion of contraceptive pills can have an affect on the vaginal environment. There are also several infections that are sexually transmitted and can cause vaginitis. Cleansing your vagina with a douche also alters the vaginal environment.

To treat vaginitis at home, you can increase your intake of yogurt. Yogurt is probiotic and encourages the growth of friendly bacteria in the vaginal area. You may even use a fresh tampon after soaking it in yogurt.

Alternatively, you can crush a couple of garlic cloves and apply the paste on the vagina. Garlic has bactericidal properties and is effective against the bacteria that cause vaginitis. If there is inflammation in your vagina, you may use the herb calendula to treat it. Brew a tea using the calendula herb and use the tea to rinse your vagina. Repeat this until you are relieved of the symptoms of vaginitis.

A lot of women have successfully used boric acid to acidify the vaginal environment and treat vaginitis. Apart from this, take care of your diet and maintain proper vaginal hygiene.

answered by G M

Role antibiotics in treating vaginal infection

No, antibiotics can never be used to treat vaginal infection because an antibiotic is a key factor or cause of vaginal infection. Many people have a misconception that if antibiotics can treat other bacterial and fungal infection, then it may be useful for treating vaginal infection as well.

Antibiotics often kill the normal bacteria in the vagina along with the bacteria that helps in fighting body's infection. Once these beneficial bacteria are killed by antibiotics, yeast can easily enter the human system, grow rapidly and accumulate in the internal body. Yeast cells then start attacking the cells and tissues. This eventually results in burning, itching, vaginal discharge, swelling, pain and discomfort in the vaginal area.

Antibiotics also weaken the immune system. A weak immune system is a major cause of all body infections. Weakening of the immune system is reducing the ability of your body to fight or ward off diseases and infections. It is therefore stated that antibiotics can never be used to treat vaginal infection.

You can visit a good gynecologist for having the right treatment or go for some over the counter medications for relieving the symptoms of vaginal infections.

answered by J