She Strengthens

The Surprising Link Between Hormonal Birth Control and Yeast Infections

If you’re taking hormonal birth control, you might be unaware of a potential side effect: yeast infections. The pill, patch, and ring can disrupt your body’s natural balance, leading to an overgrowth of yeast. But don’t worry – we’ve got the lowdown on how to prevent and treat these pesky infections.

The Hormonal Connection

Hormonal birth control contains a mix of estrogen and progestin, which can throw off your body’s natural balance. This can cause yeast overgrowth, as Candida attaches itself to estrogen and decreases estrogen levels while increasing progesterone levels.

Other Risk Factors

While birth control alone can’t cause a yeast infection, other habits and conditions can increase your risk. These include:

• Eating too much sugar
• Not getting enough sleep
• Wearing tight, synthetic, or wet clothing
• Using a contraceptive sponge
• Not changing your pad or tampon frequently
• Using harsh or irritating products
• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Antibiotics
• Weak immune system
• High blood sugar levels
• Hormonal changes

Treating Yeast Infections at Home

Over-the-counter antifungal creams can treat yeast infection symptoms. You can choose from a variety of creams, including miconazole, terconazole, tioconazole, butoconazole, and clotrimazole. Remember to take the full course of medication, even if you’re feeling better before it’s done.

Important Reminders

• Avoid sexual activity during treatment, as it can aggravate symptoms and increase the risk of pregnancy or STIs.
• Steer clear of tampons until the infection is completely gone.
• If you have a weakened immune system, the infection may take longer to clear up.

When to See a Doctor

Call your doctor if symptoms last longer than 7 days or if you experience:

• HIV
• Fever
• Diabetes
• Abdominal pain
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant smell

Switching Up Your Birth Control

If you experience chronic yeast infections, your doctor may recommend alternative birth control options, such as the vaginal ring or low-dose oral contraceptives.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Risk

You can reduce your risk of yeast infections by:

• Changing pads and tampons frequently
• Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing and undies
• Keeping blood sugar levels under control
• Opting for natural soaps and detergents
• Eating probiotic-rich foods
• Changing underwear regularly
• Keeping your pelvic region dry
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Avoiding douching

By making these simple changes and being aware of the potential link between hormonal birth control and yeast infections, you can take control of your health and say goodbye to yeast!