I'm afraid of vaginal yeast infections caused by oral antibiotics. Should I just refuse to take them?

I just went to a dermatologist for acne treatment. I said I was interested in Accutane because it's the only thing that might "almost cure" acne by shrinking the oil glands. I knew that Retin-A and other toipical gels/creams may cause serious irritation, or they just might not work. Even if they do work and cause no irritation, I don't want the hassle and financial burden of having to use it every day for years.

Aware of the risks associated with Accutane, I wasn't surprised when she suggested that I try oral antibiotics and Retin-A first. I voiced my concern about antibiotic resistance, but she said it would only be 2 months before I next see her. She said some people even took antibiotics for years. Not having enough information at hand, I agreed to her prescriptions: Retin-A & antibiotics.

Now I'm at home reading and discovered that antibiotic resistance can develop after 2 months and may cause yeast infections. I hate doing this to myself. Should I call her and refuse the pills?

Note: I do NOT have yeast infections! I'm mainly concerned that

1. oral antibiotics may cause yeast infections in the future.
2. oral antibiotics may cause antibiotic resistance in as little as two months.

I'm thinking of just using the Retin-A or other topical gels now for my acne. And if that doesn't work, I'll just ask for Accutane again.

call your doctor and see what he recommends maybe there is another medication that you can take that will not cause you to get a infection

Wow. Thank you, everyone, for the helpful and supportive answers! I've resolved the issue by telling my doctor about this. She understood my concern and prescribed a topical antibiotic in place of the oral antibiotic. I can live with that! Report It

Go for the yeast infection and make some homemade bread.

Sure, if you wanna keep the zits then go for it

The best thing I have been told by my Dr. is to........eat plain yogurt.
It is not very good but it does the trick. It is suppose to replace some of the good bacteria your body requires.

Thats a tough one! Your right about antibiotic resistance. Is there an alternative medicine you may me able to use? Diet is another factor...you should up the protein and downsize the carbs in order to prevent inflammation. Eat non-dairy or low-dairy products as well. There are some great sites out there for helpful information on natural supplements you should check them out.

I would seriously reconsider taking the anitbiotics if I were you, simply because of the resistance issues. If your main concern are the yeast infections, then all yopu need to do to prevent them is eat one serving of yogurt everyday (make sure the package says "live and active yogurt cultures") and you won't get an infection. But the resistance thing is very real and very scary.... think twice about that.

think about it,, i much rather get rid of a infection in my body. then to worry about a simple infection that can be cured with over the counter treatment, women get infection all the time. It one of those things women goes through . the joys of being a WOMEN...

Not sure if this helps, but try changing derm doc's and get a second opinion.
I did this for a skin rash that kept reoccurring.
The second doc took one look and gave me a precrip for a topical cream...within three weeks, all gone.
Not to say your case will be as simple as mine, but consider it your right to see another doctor.

zits or yeast infection...hmmmm... speaking from experience i'll take a few zits... but it's up to you!

You got to ask yourself, what would you rather have, the condition you are being treated for by the antibiotics or the inconvenience of the yeast infection.
My wife gets a yeast infection EVERY time she takes an antibiotic. She expects it and prepares for it.
When she goes to get her antibiotic prescription filled, she also gets her favorite yeast infection treatment.

yeast infections will not happen for sure. I was on that stuff for several months a few years ago and never had a problem. It's more like "this could possibly happen" instead of a "this will most likely happen"

damn that vagina is nasty then

Please do not refuse to stop the medication i know how you feel that happened to me and i got better. keep on trying not to give up. you can do it!

no win situation if ur acne is difficult to treat. what's the difference anyway between taking accutane daily and retin-a daily? i would use topical items as much as possible first. if u don't want oral antibiotics, there are also topical antibiotics (which would provide minimal absorption, thus ur body is not likely to get the yeast infections). antibiotic resistance is always a possiblity with each antibiotic used...but certain antibiotics will be harder for the bacteria to become resistant to even with everyday use. don't be so willing to try accutane first, because it's very strong and can make u feel depressed. try also a better cleansing method. some people need to wash their face twice a day...using facial soaps/toner/facial lotion each time. maybe u need masks.

Oral antibiotics may cause a yeast infection in women because antibiotics eliminate good and bad bacteria. When there is a shift of the natural bacterial flora, yeast or fungus can rule the roost. Yogurt can help, but only if it is live culture yogurt. The best way to prevent a yeast infection while being compliant with antibiotic therapy is to take Acidophillus supplements. These are vitamin supplements that replace the good bacteria. Try Trader Joes or a Helath Food store.

It's true that antibiotics can cause yeast infections. When I'm given antibiotics, I always get diflucan as well, which is a one dose yeast infection medication taken orally.

Antibiotic resistance is a side effect. By nature, side effects only actually occur is a miniscule number of those who take the medication. It's like the disclaimer that those with heart problems shouldn't ride the rollercoasters at theme parks. A side effect could happen ... it won't mean that it WILL happen.

No one can MAKE you take a medication, so you don't have to ever refuse. If you decide not to take the drug, you accept the consequences...

antibiotics dont always cause a yeast infection, I have taken them many many times and have never had one. I eat yogurt in large quantities when I am on antibiotics. I read somewhere that the cultures in the yogurt counteract the bacteria that cause yeast infections. maybe try that, but never refuse antibiotics-they help you!