OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) Questions Respiratory infection

Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?

I had to take a course of antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection, and since then I've had recurrent yeast infections. Can antibiotics be the cause of yeast infections?

6 Answers

Antibiotics could cause yeast infection as they alter vaginal flora which cause yeast to proliferate
Yes
Yes
Yes, antibiotics may be a cause for vaginal yeast infections.

This is because the vaginal wall has yeast and bacteria co-existing together, but if there are external factors that effect their existence, then this can lead to an overgrowth of one of these organisms leading to undesired symptoms. An antibiotic is a medication against bacteria and so there is a potential outcome of also decreasing normal bacteria in the vagina allowing yeast to overgrow and cause a yeast vaginitis.
Absolutely they can in a number of people.

Doug Young, MD
Definitely, yes. Ask your MD to give you medication while you are taking the antibiotics.