Can birth control cause yeast infections?

A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina characterized by itching, burning, and discharge. The vagina maintains a natural balance between yeast and bacteria, but that balance can be disrupted by several factors, such as:

• pregnancy
• diabetes
• an impaired immune system
• certain medications

Yeast infections affect around 75% of women at some point in their lifetime. Some people believe that it can be caused by birth control, which is not true. But it can increase your risk of developing one. 

We use the term “women” in this article to reflect the term assigned at birth. However, gender is solely about how you identify yourself, independent of your physical body. 

What birth control methods can increase the chance of getting a yeast infection?

Some birth control methods containing hormones can lead to more frequent yeast infections. This is because they create a hormonal imbalance in the body which can lead to yeast overgrowth.

Birth control types such as pills, a patch, and the vaginal ring can also make yeast infections more likely, though some have more side effects.

Here are some of the most common side effects of birth control:

Spermicides

Spermicides include chemicals that stop sperm from reaching an egg. They come in many forms that can be inserted into the vagina. 

Using spermicides can create a moist environment and may increase the chance of a bacterial imbalance resulting in a yeast infection.

Other side effects of spermicides can include:

• pain in the lower abdomen
• cloudy urine
• vaginal discharge

Birth control pills 

Birth control pills alter the hormones in your body so that you don’t release an egg each month. This can be beneficial for preventing pregnancy but could potentially disrupt the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. 

The same study at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that oral contraceptives could double your risk of yeast infections.

Examples of birth control pills include:

• progestin-only pills (also known as the mini pill), such as:
  • Camila
  • Heather
  • Jencycla
• combined oral contraceptives, such as norethindrone (Aygestin)
• tyblume (Levora)

Some of the common side effects of birth control pills include:

• breast tenderness
• nausea
• headache

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Birth control patch

The birth control patch works like the pill but releases the hormones into the bloodstream via the skin. It can still make women prone to changes in the natural balance of their vaginal ecosystem.

Side effects can include an increased risk of:

• blood clotting
• skin irritation
• spotting

Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is considered the birth control option with one of the lowest risks of yeast infection due to its smaller hormone levels.

Side effects can include:

• headache
• breast tenderness
• increase in vaginal discharge

Treatment

Treatment options for vaginal yeast infections include over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.

OTC antifungal creams are a common treatment method. You should start to see improvement in around 7 days.

Some commonly available OTC antifungals include miconazole (Monistat) and tioconazole (Vagistat-1).

If OTC antifungal creams are not enough to heal a yeast infection, you may be prescribed an oral dose of an antifungal, such as fluconazole (Diflucan).

Prevention

Yeast infections can be prevented while taking birth control. One option is switching to a low dose oral contraceptive such as tyblume (Levora) or ocella (Yasmin).

Lifestyle measures can also help to decrease the risk of developing a yeast infection. This includes:

• wearing loose-fitting clothing
• using natural soaps and detergents when washing clothes
• avoiding douching
• eating foods low in sugar
• eating food and drink high in probiotics

A 2020 study review suggests that two probiotics in particular, Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli, could provide new strategies for counteracting fungal vaginal infections.

Since stress and lack of sleep are also linked with a higher risk of yeast infections, it’s important to incorporate stress management and sleep hygiene into your daily routine.

When to speak with a doctor?

Consider speaking with a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

• fever
• abdominal pain
• yeast infections that do not clear within a week
• yeast infections that keep reoccurring

Summary

While hormonal birth control can increase the risk of developing yeast infections, finding a birth control option that works for you is possible. Consider speaking to a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist, to understand your options better.

Lifestyle measures such as wearing looser clothing, using natural detergent, and eating foods high in probiotics can also help.

If you have a yeast infection that has not cleared within a week or keeps reoccurring, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to identify a suitable treatment plan.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.