Normally, the vagina has a lot of bacteria that do not allow other organisms to grow. If they are killed by a course of antibiotics, fungi can easily grow in such an environment.

Symptoms Intense itching of the labia (major and minor folds around the opening to the vagina and urethra), the vagina, and surrounding skin occurs. The itching often gets worse at night. White vaginal discharge, described as 'crusty', 'clumpy' or like 'cottage cheese', is also present. Inflammation and pain in the genitalia are other symptoms of the infection. Treatment Antifungal medicines in the form of creams or pessaries are usually enough to treat mild vaginal thrush. Some of these are ketoconazole, miconazole, and butoconazole. It takes about a week to clear up the infection. For severe infections, fluconazole tablets are administered. It is important that you do not ignore symptoms that could hint at a serious health problem. A visit to the doctor should not be postponed upon noticing abnormal changes in one's body, because early detection is vital for treatment. Yeast infection is one of the most common types of fungal infections. It has been reported that about 75% of women experience yeast infection at some point of time in their lives. Yeast infection affects men, women and babies alike. However, incidences of yeast infections are more in women due to certain anatomical and hormonal causes. While there are many factors which contribute to yeast infections, infections following an antibiotic treatment are most common. As penicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatment, we are going to find out how it can cause yeast infections. 

How Can Penicillin Cause Yeast Infections Yeast infection is a V-Tight Gel result of overgrowth of a fungus named Candida albicans. Under normal circumstances, the growth of yeast is kept under check by some beneficial cultures of bacteria, residing in the body. Yeast is commonly found in mouth, intestinal tract and genitals. Yeast infection in mouth is termed as thrush, whereas the one affecting babies is identified as diaper rash. Beneficial bacteria in gut and vagina are a natural predator of yeast. However, an antibiotic course such as that of penicillin causes mass killing of all kinds of bacteria, including gut flora and vaginal bacteria. In the absence of its predator, yeast thrives and flourishes, causing annoying yeast infection. How can penicillin be the cause of thrush and yeast infection can only be understood when you look at the composition of penicillin. Penicillin is essentially derived from mycotoxin, a chemical byproduct of fungal origin. It can effectively kill all bacteria and other microbes. Penicillin can be a very useful drug for treating diseases and infections caused by bacteria. However, one drawback of using penicillin for antibiotic treatment is that, it does not discriminate between good and harmful bacteria in the body. Along with the target bacteria, it also eradicates the beneficial ones, which are responsible for maintaining good intestinal health. These bacteria also prevent fungal infections by controlling the growth of harmful Candida albicans. As soon as penicillin treatment is initiated, the number of vaginal bacteria and gut flora starts depleting. 

This disrupts the bacteria to fungi ratio in the body. As a result, the fungus starts growing at an uncontrollable rate. Other causes such as hormonal imbalance, diabetes and certain foods may also contribute to disruption of bacteria to fungi ratio. Soon, you will develop painful symptoms of yeast infection such as itching, irritation of vaginal walls, swelling, etc. Women may get a white or yellowish discharge, which often gives out a foul odor. This should be your cue to seek medical intervention. How to Control Yeast Infection Due to Penicillin Now that you are aware of the link between antibiotics and yeast infections, you might want to know about the cures for same. While it may not be a wise idea to discontinue your penicillin course, you may take certain measures to keep the fungal growth under check. Over the counter yeast infection drugs with active ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole and tioconazole are often helpful in controlling the yeast growth. More often than not, your doctor will prescribe you diflucan along with the penicillin course, to prevent the occurrence of yeast infection. If he does not, you can always get a prescription for this drug or opt for any of the yeast infection prevention drugs found over the counter. Certain proactive measures may also help you to prevent the occurrence of yeast infection. Increase your consumption of plain yogurt and cheese, which naturally have beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus), before and while you are on penicillin treatment. Applying yogurt directly on the affected area may also help relieve irritation and itching. Some women also benefit a great deal from yogurt baths. 

However, the yogurt which you use for topical application must be unflavored and unsweetened. Drinking lots of probiotic drinks also helps to restore the balance of good bacteria in your body. Follow a special Candida diet, which is low in sugar and processed food (both of which serve as food to yeast). While yeast infection is not sexual in origin, it may certainly spread through sexual contact between partners. Hence, it is a must to abstain from sex when you have an active yeast infection. Also, follow extreme hygiene measures and keep the affected area clean and dry at all times. These measures should keep you yeast free even when you are on a penicillin course. A small amount of vaginal discharge or secretion is quite normal. A number of women experience slight vaginal discharge before, during, and after their 28-day menstrual cycle. This discharge is nothing but the fluid produced by the cervix and the glands present inside the vagina. Know that the fluid serves a very important purpose. Whenever the fluid is discharged from the vagina, it brings with itself the old cells, lining the vaginal wall. In this way, the fluid helps to keep the insides of the vagina clean and healthy. The normal vaginal discharge is usually transparent or milk-white in color. As for the texture, the discharge may be stretchy, or slightly thick. Normal vaginal discharge is odorless and is not accompanied by itching, or burning sensation. However, the color and consistency of normal discharge may undergo changes during the menstrual cycle. In fact, some women experience an increase in discharge before their periods. 

Causes ☛ As has been mentioned, the color of a normal vaginal discharge can be white, or it could be transparent. For some women, discharge during ovulation -- when one of the ovaries releases an egg -- can be a tad thicker. However, generally, women may observe an increase in clear and stretchy discharge, with occasional specks of white during this period. During ovulation, the level of estrogen increases in the body, which, in turn stimulates the glands of the cervix to secrete clear and water-like fluid. ☛ Thick and white discharge at the end of the cycle as well as in the beginning of the cycle may also be considered quite normal. Nevertheless, if white discharge is accompanied with itching, it may be an indicator of yeast infection. On the other hand, brown discharge can be a sign of several conditions. Often, a brown-colored discharge is due to the presence of old blood cells. Brown discharge before your menses, usually indicates that your monthly cycle is about to begin. However, brown discharge could mean several other things as well; for instance, a brownish discharge may be due to polyps. A polyp is a group of cells on the internal lining of the cervix, or vagina. Bleeding of these polyps can cause the discharge to become brown in color. Though they are like tumors, 90% of the polyps are benign or noncancerous. 

☛ At times, brownish discharge may be caused by implantation bleeding, i.e., the bleeding that occurs when the fetus gets implanted in the endometrium lining. If you get a brown discharge, or spotting at the time when your periods normally begins, it could be a sign of early pregnancy. One should also keep in mind that implantation bleeding can also cause brown discharge a week before periods. Women using contraceptive pills may also get brown discharge before menstruation. A lot of women can also observe a small amount of brown discharge when their periods culminates; this is normal. However, if you notice green, or yellow discharge, it may signal an infection, especially, if the discharge is thick, or clumpy and has a foul odor. ☛ Besides, if you notice a white-colored discharge that looks curdled, you must consult a certified gynecologist. The discharge is secreted to mark the onset of your menstrual cycle and has foul odor. You may also notice a frothy or curdled discharge after intercourse.