Can birth control cause yeast infections?

What is the link between birth control and yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infection, otherwise known as Vaginal Candidiasis is a fungal infection of the vulva and vagina caused by fungus Candida albicans [2]. You can get a vaginal yeast infection at any age. However, before puberty and after menopause, they're much rarer. About three out of four women will have a yeast infection at least once in their life [3].

There are many different things that contribute to yeast infection development. One of the most significant factors is hormonal changes. Hormones might change due to pregnancy, perimenopause, or medication, such as hormonal birth control. When the balance of estrogen and progesterone in our bodies changes, it might alter the natural microflora of the vagina, increasing the chances of developing a yeast infection [4]. 

Hormonal birth control and yeast infections

Not all forms of hormonal birth control increase the risk of a yeast infection. Let's look at the most popular forms of hormonal control available on the market and how each might influence your chances of developing a yeast infection.

• The combined pill: The combined pill uses estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone) to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus so the sperm can't reach the egg [5]. Research shows that people with vulvas who experience recurrent yeast infections were more likely to use low-dose oral contraceptives than those with nonrecurrent yeast infections [6]. 
• The mini pill: A mini pill is a progestin-only pill that works to prevent ovulation and thickens cervical mucus so the sperm can't reach the egg [7]. Excess progestin in your body can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection, amongst other infections.
• NuvaRing: NuvaRing] contains estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone) to prevent pregnancy. Vaginal infections may be one of the most commonly reported side effects of NuvaRing because estrogen and progestin can disturb natural vaginal microflora [8].
• Hormonal IUD: Levonogestrel-releasing intrauterine system or hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy by thinning the lining of the womb and thickening cervical mucus so sperm can't travel freely [9]. Hormonal IUD might also disturb natural vaginal microflora and make it more susceptible to yeast infections.

Generally, the oral combined pill and hormonal IUDs are the hormonal birth control methods that can contribute to the development of yeast infection and other conditions like bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, however more research is still needed to fully understand the relationship between hormonal birth control and yeast infections [10].

Non-hormonal birth control and yeast infections 

It's clear that hormonal contraception might increase the chances of developing a yeast infection. But how about other forms of birth control that don't contain hormones? Well, while non-hormonal birth control methods don't contain hormones that might disturb the vaginal microflora, some of the methods still might disturb the microflora directly because of how they work. Non-hormonal birth control methods include:

• Barrier birth control: Barrier methods include things like external and internal condoms or dental dams. They're effective in preventing STIs and pregnancy. Some condoms are pre-lubricated and might contain ingredients like glycerin which can cause vaginal irritation, but not yeast infections. In fact, a systematic review found that condoms might actually help prevent vaginal infections [11].
• Spermicidal gels: Spermicidal and contraceptive gels li have chemicals that work to prevent the sperm from meeting the egg [12]. Spermicidal gels don't influence hormone levels, but they can influence the vagina's balance of bacteria and yeast in a negative way. When the healthy vaginal bacteria is killed by chemicals in spermicidal gels, it can't help keep the Candida yeast population under control which increases the risk of developing yeast infections.
• Copper IUD: A copper IUD or coil is a non-hormonal contraception method that uses a copper device to prevent pregnancy by creating a toxic environment inside the uterus so the sperm and the egg can't survive. One small study found that people with copper IUDs have a higher risk of developing yeast infections than even those who use hormonal IUDs, though further research is needed in this area [13].
• Natural Cycles: Natural Cycles is a non-hormonal birth control and planning method that uses an app and your body temperature to help you identify your fertile window when you might want to refrain from sexual intercourse. It's completely safe and has no side effects or influence on your vaginal microflora.

What else can cause yeast infections?

Birth control is not the only thing that can increase your chances of getting a yeast infection. In fact, there are quite a few different factors that might directly cause yeast infection or put you at a higher risk of getting one.

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women have a higher risk of getting a yeast infection [3] due to the significant hormonal changes in the body which might disturb the vagina’s natural microflora.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics might throw the vaginal microflora off balance, which can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection [3].
• Blood sugar levels: People with diabetes or high blood glucose levels are at a higher risk [3].
• Compromised immune system: Having a weak immune system or conditions such as HIV puts you at a higher risk of getting a yeast infection [3].
• Douching/washing the vagina: Did you know your vagina is self-cleaning? Using soap in the vagina can wash away the microflora and alter vaginal pH, leading to increased risk of yeast infections [14]. 

Common symptoms of a yeast infection

The most common yeast infection symptom is itchiness inside and outside the vagina. However, you might experience other symptoms, such as [3]:

• Discomfort while urinating
• A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like a cottage cheese
• Soreness, burning sensation
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Pain during sex

How to treat yeast infections

To find the right treatment for your yeast infection, you might want to see a doctor right away. Two out of three women who self-diagnose and buy over-the-counter medicine for treating yeast infections don't have a yeast infection but a different condition [15]. However, if you do choose to self-treat, most over-the-counter medicines are safe to use to treat yeast infections. Speak with the pharmacist to find the best one for you.

If you're pregnant, however, and experience a yeast infection, consider speaking with your doctor about which medication is best for you, as some medications at high dose may not be appropriate during pregnancy. [16].

Also, you might want to avoid having sex with your partner while you're receiving treatment for your yeast infection. While a yeast infection is not an STI, your partner might still get it [3]. If your partner is a woman, she might want to get tested herself to ensure she hasn't gotten it from you. If you have a male partner who isn't circumcised or has a condition such as diabetes, they might also want to get checked out because they're at a higher risk of getting it.

When to see a doctor 

It's always best to see your doctor if you suspect that you might have a yeast infection [3]. They can conduct proper exams to ensure you have a yeast infection and not something else like an STI, so they can prescribe you the right medicine and treatment.

How to prevent future yeast infections

Even if you're using a birth control method that increases your chances of getting a yeast infection, the good news is that there are things you can do to minimize your chances and protect yourself from yeast infections. If you want to prevent yeast infections, here are some things to keep in mind [3]:

• Avoid using scented soaps or washes in your vagina
• Avoid douching the vagina, as it can disturb the natural microflora
• Change panty liners, pads, and tampons often
• Wear breathable cotton underwear
• Change out of wet bathing suits and workout clothes as soon as you can
• Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom
• Avoid using hot tubs
• Manage your blood sugar levels

Another thing that might help is switching your birth control to a different method. If you struggle with frequent yeast infections, or they’re particularly bothersome and you’re on hormonal birth control, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about finding an alternative birth control method that would be more suitable for you. 

Skip the side effects with Natural Cycles

We hope you’ve learned lots on the topic of birth control and yeast infections! If you’re considering switching to a non-hormonal method to banish side effects and take control of your fertility, why not try Natural Cycles? The first FDA Cleared birth control app is based on the science of body temperature and is 93% effective with typical use. Natural Cycles have helped over 3 million women plan or prevent pregnancy with no side effects.