Vaginitis

Can antibiotics cause a yeast infection? Gynecologist in Seoul, Korea

The short answer

Yes. Antibiotics kill protective vaginal bacteria along with the germs they target, which allows Candida yeast to overgrow. Long antibiotic courses are a common trigger, as are fatigue, stress and lowered immunity. If itching and thick white discharge start during or after antibiotics, a short antifungal treatment usually clears it.

The vagina's lactobacilli keep yeast under control. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, taken for a sinus, skin or urinary infection, reduce these bacteria, and Candida can take over.

What to do

  • Finish the antibiotic course you were prescribed
  • Tell us if you tend to get yeast infections with antibiotics; we may prescribe an antifungal at the same time
  • Come in if symptoms appear, so we can confirm it is yeast and not BV

Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center