Why can antibiotics cause yeast infections?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, antibiotics can cause yeast infections. Antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body. When helpful bacteria—like Lactobacillus—are eliminated, the natural microbial balance is disrupted. This allows Candida yeast to overgrow, leading to infections in areas such as the vagina, mouth, or skin.

Common symptoms include itching, burning, unusual discharge, or white patches. Risk is higher with broad-spectrum antibiotics, prolonged use, or in people with weakened immune systems or diabetes.

If you've recently taken antibiotics and suspect a yeast infection, don't guess—get clarity fast. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what your symptoms may mean and guide your next steps, whether that's home care, seeing a doctor, or ruling out something more serious. It takes just a few minutes, is backed by medical experts, and gives you personalized insights—so you can act with confidence instead of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if antibiotics caused your yeast infection Discover likely causes of yeast infection symptoms See if symptoms need urgent care today Find OTC relief for yeast infection symptoms Find a doctor for yeast infections Discover home remedies for yeast infection relief Understand if it could be a yeast infection

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Explanation

Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria causing infections. However, they can also kill good bacteria in the body. This can upset the balance of microorganisms in places like the mouth, intestines, and vagina.

When the good bacteria are reduced, yeast, which is a type of fungus, can grow too much. This is because the good bacteria usually help keep yeast growth in check. Without enough good bacteria, yeast can grow and cause an infection.

Key Points:

Antibiotics and Bacteria: Antibiotics are important for fighting infections, but they don't only target bad bacteria.
Balance Disruption: Killing good bacteria can lead to an imbalance, allowing yeast to grow.
Yeast Infections: When yeast grows too much, it can cause symptoms like itching and discomfort.

It's important to use antibiotics only when needed and as directed by a healthcare provider. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms after taking antibiotics, you can use a free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and whether you should seek medical attention. This helps reduce the risk of yeast infections and other side effects.

(References)

Spinillo A, Capuzzo E, Acciano S, De Santolo A, & Zara F. (1999). Effect of antibiotic use on the prevalence of symptomatic .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 9914570.
Drummond RA, Desai JV, Ricotta EE, Swamydas M, Deming C, Conlan S, et al. (2022). Long-term antibiotic exposure promotes mortality after .... Cell host & microbe, 35568028.
Samonis G, Gikas A, Anaissie EJ, Vrenzos G, Maraki S, Tselentis Y, & Bodey GP. (1993). Prospective evaluation of effects of broad-spectrum .... Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 8431017.

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