Through antibiotics/after antibiotics?

Many illnesses are caused by bacteria – and nowadays they are usually easily treatable with antibiotics. Antibiotics are directed specifically against bacteria and destroy them – but there is often “collateral damage”. Our body works in close cooperation with many bacteria, which help us to fight off harmful germs or to break down our food.

There is even the assumption that some intestinal germs support our immune system. Unfortunately, many antibiotics not only act on the pathogenic bacteria but also on those that work with our body.The vagina is also colonized with helpful bacteria, which among other things provide protection against false colonization by other germs. This is a very sensitive balance of different pathogens and can be brought out of balance by taking antibiotics.

If one type of bacteria is significantly reduced in the vaginal flora as a result of taking medication, the other germs can now grow more or even take hold of foreign germs. This can then lead to a vaginal infection. It must be stressed, however, that not every antibiotic intake must result in a vaginal infection. Besides the type and dosage of the antibiotic, the length of time it is taken is also decisive. If you notice one of the above mentioned symptoms after taking an antibiotic, do not hesitate to consult your gynecologist.

Which home remedies can help?

If you are suffering from vaginal inflammation, home remedies can support the healing process. It should be noted that if the symptoms persist without improvement, a doctor should be consulted in any case! A frequently used household remedy for vaginal inflammation is vaginal lavage.

There are various remedies available for this: Lavender or tea tree oil is often used because it has a disinfecting effect. However, before a large-area application, the compatibility should be checked on a smaller area of skin, as many people react hypersensitively and can develop skin rashes. It is also often recommended to rinse with vinegar water or lemon solutions, but this should be avoided as these can further damage the already irritated mucous membrane – in the worst case, the pathogens can penetrate even further.

Many patients also swear by the healing effect of aloe vera creams and gels, which should be applied to the inflamed mucous membrane several times a day. It is also recommended to use a tampon soaked in yoghurt to support the natural vaginal flora with the lactic acid bacteria contained in yoghurt. It should be noted that in the case of a pronounced vaginal inflammation, the above-mentioned home remedies will often fail, as neither lactic acid bacteria nor tea tree oil can assert themselves against the pathogens present. In any case, a visit to the doctor is recommended. So the conservative drug therapy can be supported with household remedies if necessary.