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Does Antibiotics Cause Vaginal Dryness?

Posted on Tue, 19 Aug 2014

Question: I've been in bactrim for bladder infection for 7 days plus 3 days of cipro and took a diflucan due to getting a yeast infection from the meds...... I'm on my last day of cipro and feel good with the exception of vaginal dryness, I don't hAve my normal moisture or healthy everyday discharge back? Will the antibiotics cause this? I just started a probiotic to help replenish the good bacteria are there any other suggestions? ..... I'm 29. Have also avoided sex with my husband til this all clears up...... I assume it's justy balance off from the antibiotics..... And need to give it a few days to rebalance.

Thanks!!!!

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Antibiotics rarely cause vaginal dryness

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms. XXXXXXX

Thanks for choosing health care magic.

I have gone through your query and I understand your concern as vaginal dryness can be very uncomfortable and may lead to itching, burning sensation and painful intercourse.

The most common cause of vaginal dryness is decreased estrogen.

The other causes of vaginal dryness are listed below:

1. Allergy and cold medications and certain antidepressants
2. Repeated douching
3. Lack of enough foreplay before sexual intercourse

Antibiotics rarely cause vaginal dryness.

I suggest you complete the full course of medications prescribed to you.

You can get in touch with a gynecologist and get a prescription for topical estrogen creams which will help relieve the dryness.

Avoid using douches, bubble baths, scented soaps, and lotions around the sensitive vaginal area.

These products can worsen dryness.

I hope I have helped you with this answer.

Please get back if any more clarifications.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (4 minutes later)

You dont think since all the antibiotics have killed my good bacteria as well that could be the cause?? My vaginal ph is off maybe?? Due to the medications? No other symptoms...... I dont know why my estrogen would be off all of a sudden....this only started since the antibiotics.

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Decreased estrogen most common cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms. XXXXXXX

Welcome back.

I understand that you are wondering why you should have decreased estrogen when you are only 29 years old.

I mentioned that decreased estrogen is the most common cause of vaginal dryness and antibiotics can cause hormonal imbalance causing decreased release of estrogen and increased cortisol levels which may cause vaginal dryness.

You are right that antibiotics do affect the vaginal flora and pH but that mainly predisposes you for yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis more than causing dryness.

Topical estrogen will only provide local relief of symptoms till you complete the course of antibiotics.

I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Please get back if any more clarifications.

Thanks.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj