Chic & Health

There is no doubt that birth control pills have given women a level of freedom and choice that was unavailable in the past. For all the good things that the pill has to offer, however, it is not without side effects. For one thing, many women report getting yeast infections shortly after starting the pill. Is there a link between the two? Can birth control pills cause yeast infections? Let’s take a closer look.

Birth control pills work by altering the hormone levels in a woman’s body. Each month during the menstrual cycle the altered hormone levels prevent an egg from being fertilized which in turn prevents pregnancy. However, introducing synthetic hormones that alter the natural hormone balance of the body can lead to a host of problems and to many unwanted symptoms or side effects.

For some women this means that when they go on the pill they develop yeast infections. Other women have the exact opposite problem. They’ll stop taking birth control after many years on it and will suddenly find themselves with a yeast overgrowth. Either way the infections seem to be brought on by the changing hormone levels in a woman’s body.

If you find yourself experience problems with yeast after starting the pill there are a few things you can do. First, you can talk to your doctor about trying a different type of pill or different form of contraception. Some people react differently to different brands of birth control and each one may have a slightly different effect on your hormones so it is worth experimenting with a few to try to find one that works.

If you decide to stay on the pill but still struggle with yeast infections you can try to treat the yeast using natural remedies in combination with changes in your diet. By paying attention to the foods you eat and taking care to nourish your body you may be able to eliminate the problem all together.

Try to avoid over the counter topical creams or ointments since these may only make the problem worse and could lead to chronic or recurring infections. Instead, opt for natural treatments and look for ways to get to the root of the problem instead of just masking the symptoms.