how can I handle this from taking the doxycycline
Doxycycline - slight vaginal itching/irritation?
Question posted by mzzasp on 28 March 2012
Last updated on 28 November 2023 by Lucille29
3 Answers
Lucille29
28 Nov 2023
I am not totally sure but I have the same issue. I take my first dose and within 30 minutes I have the slight itchiness.
Normally when I get yeast infections from antibiotics, it’s near the middle or end of my course of antibiotics.
I wonder if this may be happening to us because the doxycycline is expired somehow, we may be allergic and the sensitive skin in the vagina reacts more, or more unlikely perhaps there is an STD or other infection of the genitals might have that we just don’t know about that the doxycycline is taking care of.
nekprem
29 March 2012
as my point of view you have to first of all concern with the gynaecologist after that you have to take any medication
DzooBaby
30 March 2012
I agree, thats what I said in my third sentence! :)
DzooBaby
28 March 2012
Sounds like you might be developing a Candida or "yeast" infection. This is quite common in women on antibiotic therapy and is characterized by a thick cottage cheese like discharge with intense itching. If this is the first time you have ever had this you should talk to your primary care doctor or your GYN and let them know your symptoms and that you have been on antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria. We women have good bacterias in our vagina to keep bad organisms in check, like Candida, but antibiotics cannot distinguish between the "good" organism and the "bad" ones. It just kills them all which allows organisms unaffected by antibiotics overgrow.
There are many treatments for Candida, some available OTC but if this is your first infection you need to get a confirmed diagnosis from your Dr prior to treatment because there are other infections with similar symptoms and they wont respond to treatment for Candida so you want to be sure to get a definite diagnosis. He/She may suggest an OTC treatment but might also give you a prescription form. Diflucan is popular because it is a pill form and less messy than the OTC creams and suppositories. What ever you do, do not douche unless your Dr tells you to. Most standard OTC douches will just make things worse. Try to keep the perineal area clean and dry and wear cotton panties or at least cotton crotch. You can buy an OTC product for exterior itching and use as directed until you can see your Dr. He might go ahead and treat you right away or he may have you wait until you finish antibiotic therapy or he might treat you now then treat you again after you finish antibiotics. Another thing that can help to keep up good bacteria flora is to eat live culture yogurts or take probiotics (Culturelle is a good one). Probiotics can be found in the pharmacy oe in health food stores. Be sure you get one with live cultures. Using probiotics during antibiotic therapy can replenish the "good" bacterias that are killed off by antibiotics and prevent the "bad" ones from taking over causing unpleasant symptoms. Probiotics taken internally can also help with antibiotic induced diarrhea for the same reason.
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Further information
- Doxycycline uses and safety info
- Doxycycline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Doxycycline (detailed)
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