Antibiotics have been a game changer in medicine since they were first discovered as a potential treatment for syphilis in 1909. [1] Now, these “wonder drugs,” as they’re often called, are widely used to treat a broad range of conditions.
As valuable as antibiotics may be, they’re also associated with a host of side effects—namely, digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea. [2] But do antibiotics cause yeast infections as well?
In short: They can. [2] Let’s have a look at the link between antibiotics and yeast infections, and the steps you can take to maintain your health.
Put simply, antibiotics are powerful medications that work to either destroy bacteria or keep bacterial cells from multiplying (and worsening a health condition). [3] While they don’t treat viral infections like hepatitis or measles, they can be a boon for destroying or suppressing the bacteria behind:
Yeast infections are common health conditions, and are often caused by candida overgrowth. [4] Candida is a type of yeast cell that exists naturally in and on the body, primarily the:
Normally, yeast remains in balance with the rest of the body’s microflora and exists without notice; it also plays a pivotal role in digestion and nutrient absorption. [6] However, certain triggers—including humid conditions, skin damage, pregnancy, or a compromised immune system—can cause yeast cells to multiply. [4, 8] This translates to candida overgrowth that may lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
Antibiotics can cause yeast infections, with an emphasis on “can.” [2,4] In other words, you may come down with one after a course of antibiotics but it’s certainly not a guarantee. Plus, there are a handful of ways you can decrease the risks of developing yeast infections—a topic we’ll dive into below.
First, though: Why are you more vulnerable to yeast infections after antibiotics?
While antibiotics target illness-causing bacteria, they also diminish the healthy bacteria in your body, which are key to maintaining an ideal ratio of good bacteria and candida. [7]
Whether you’re presently on antibiotics or have just finished a course of them, it’s vital to keep an eye out for the symptoms of a yeast infection: It may cause more serious health complications if left untreated.
While many yeast infections can occur without noticeable symptoms, the primary signs of a vaginal yeast infection include [7]:
For many, vaginal yeast infections, like vaginal candidiasis, announce themselves predominately through the thick, white, chunky (though odorless) discharge it causes. Others may also experience a vaginal rash. [7]
Yeast infections may disproportionately affect women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) are susceptible to yeast infections as well. [8] Their symptoms are similar to vaginal yeast infections and include [5]:
Can a man spread a yeast infection to a woman? Yes, yeast infections can be transmitted between sexual partners. For this reason, sex is also generally recommended against while someone has a genital yeast infection, as well as during treatment. [9]
Yeast infections can also occur in the mouth (oral thrush), on the corners of the mouth, in the navel, and even in the nail beds. [4]
It’s important to book an appointment with your healthcare professional if you suspect you may have a yeast infection, even if you haven’t taken antibiotics in years. Why? Some of the symptoms of a yeast infection overlap with signs of an STI. In other words, diagnosing and treating a yeast infection on your own may leave another medical issue untreated.
That aside, a healthcare provider typically prescribes one or more of the following after a yeast infection diagnosis [4]:
Certain health conditions require antibiotics. This means you may not be able to forgo taking a round (or multiple) rounds of them. However, you can take steps toward preventing yeast infections in general:
Lastly, everyone may benefit tremendously from following a diverse diet that brims with micronutrients: Research indicates that doing so may promote intestinal health and decrease candida. [10] Meanwhile, bear in mind that healthy practices as a whole may save you from having to take antibiotics in the first place and leave you primed for the joys of life.
Whether they’re caused by antibiotics or another factor, yeast infections can cause symptoms that range from mildly bothersome to downright painful.
Rest assured that you don’t have to suffer alone. Everlywell offers a suite of discreet at-home lab tests you can take from the comfort of your home, as well as an online platform where you can receive consultations for yeast infection prescriptions online, STI care, and more.