Can You Get a Yeast Infection from Antibiotics? Yes, Here’s 6 Things to Know

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You've just finished an antibiotic for a recent sinus infection when you notice it: an itchy, irritated sensation down below. It's an all too familiar feeling for up to 30% of women who experience a vaginal yeast infection during or after taking an antibiotic.

But why do yeast infections happen after taking an antibiotic? And is there anything you can do to prevent them? Here we'll discuss six things to know about yeast infections from antibiotics.

1. Some antibiotics are more likely to cause a yeast infection than others

Why do antibiotics cause yeast infections? Antibiotics work by killing the "bad" bacteria that are making you sick. But they can also kill "good" bacteria in your body. These good bacteria help keep your vaginal area healthy. If they're gone, Candida (a type of yeast) can overgrow and cause an infection. And while they're more common in women, yeast infections can happen in men, too.

Yeast infections are more likely after taking broad-spectrum antibiotics. These are antibiotics that can kill a wide range of bacteria. Here's a list of common antibiotics that can cause yeast infections:

• Penicillin-based antibiotics, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil) and amoxicillin / clavulanate (Augmentin)

• Cephalosporin antibiotics such as cephalexin and cefuroxime

• Tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx) and minocycline (Minocin)

• Macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin ("Z-Pak") and clarithromycin (Biaxin XL)

• Fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

These antibiotics won't always cause a yeast infection after you take them. And other antibiotics not listed can also have this side effect. If you're taking an antibiotic, your pharmacist or prescriber can let you know if yeast infections are a common side effect. So don't hesitate to ask if this is a concern for you.

2. Certain risk factors may make a yeast infection more likely

Some antibiotics raise the risk of yeast infections. But there are other risk factors, too. These include:

• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or due to hormonal birth control

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Douching

• Wearing tight-fitting pants or tights

• A weakened immune system from medication or a medical condition

• Medications that raise glucose (sugar) levels in your urine, such as empagliflozin (Jardiance) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga)

These risks either make it easier for yeast to grow or lower your body's ability to fight it off. If you have any of these risks and also take an antibiotic, the chance of developing a yeast infection could be even higher.

3. You can help prevent a yeast infection if you're taking an antibiotic

You may have heard that taking a probiotic while you're taking an antibiotic can help prevent yeast infections. But there's not much evidence this is true.

That being said, probiotics may help prevent other antibiotic side effects, such as diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficileovergrowth. They may also help treat yeast infections when they're combined with other medications. So it's fine to take a probiotic with your antibiotic if your prescriber OK's it. Just be aware that you may still get a yeast infection.

Here's how to help prevent a yeast infection while taking antibiotics:

• Wear cotton underwear to help absorb excess moisture.

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants or tights for long periods of time.

• Change out of sweaty or wet clothes as soon as possible.

• Don't douche.

• Avoid vaginal sprays or deodorants.

• Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap to wash your pubic area.

• Avoid hot tubs.

Talk with your prescriber if you regularly get yeast infections during or shortly after taking an antibiotic. They may consider prescribing a medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan) at the beginning or end of your antibiotic course to help prevent a yeast infection.

4. Keep taking your antibiotic, even if a yeast infection develops

You should finish your entire course of antibiotics - even if a yeast infection appears. If you stop taking an antibiotic early, your original infection may return. It could also lead to antimicrobial resistance, which means the antibiotic won't work as well against the bacteria the next time you get sick. This makes future infections harder to treat.

If you develop a yeast infection, keep taking your antibiotic and contact your prescriber. They'll advise you on a safe way to treat it while you finish your antibiotic. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Itching

• Burning

• Pain and swelling of the labia

• Pain when peeing or during sexual intercourse

• Thick white or yellow vaginal discharge

5. Both OTC and prescription options are available to treat a yeast infection caused by antibiotics

When it comes to treating yeast infections, there are both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options available.

OTC medications are readily available as vaginal creams and suppositories. These medications are applied in your vagina from 1 to 7 days, depending on the medication. Common OTC options for treating yeast infections include:

• Clotrimazole (Trivagizole 3)

• Miconazole (Monistat, Vagistat)

• Tioconazole (Monistat 1 ointment, Vagistat 1)

Oral tablets for yeast infections are only available by prescription. The two most common options are fluconazole (Diflucan) and ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme). Prescription vaginal creams are also available, such as terconazole and butoconazole (Gynazole-1).

OTC and prescription options are similarly effective. Fluconazole is a one-dose tablet that's easy for most people to take. But it can interact with certain medications and requires a prescription. Vaginal treatments don't have the same interaction concerns, since they aren't absorbed into the bloodstream. OTC vaginal creams are also easy to access on your own. But they can be messy and uncomfortable for some people to use. Your pharmacist or prescriber can help you choose the best treatment option for your needs.

Can you treat a yeast infection while you're still taking antibiotics?

Yes, you can treat your yeast infection while you're still taking an antibiotic.

There's a chance that even with proper treatment, your yeast infection may come back once the antibiotic is finished. But you don't want to delay treating your yeast infection, especially if you have moderate to severe symptoms.

If yeast infection symptoms return after treatment, reach out to your healthcare team for further advice on next steps.

6. Most home remedies for yeast infections aren't recommended

There are many home remedies that you may see online to treat a yeast infection naturally. These include things like inserting a garlic clove into your vagina or soaking tampons in tea tree oil and inserting them. These remedies don't have much evidence behind them and aren't likely to be effective. But they are likely to cause more vaginal irritation and pain. So they're not recommended over the traditional treatments described above.

Good to know:Boric acid is sometimes prescribed when other treatment options aren't effective for yeast infections. It's available OTC as a vaginal capsule or suppository. Your prescriber may also write a prescription for a compounded version the pharmacist can make for you. But it isn't considered a first-choice treatment. So talk to your healthcare team first before trying this treatment option.

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