Can Emergency Contraception Cause Yeast Infection?

Sep 25, 2017 Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is also known as, ‘The Morning After Pill’.

EllaOne and Levonelle are the most commonly used brands.  You can purchase emergency contraception from local chemists without a prescription.  

There is a 72-hour window in which the treatment can be taken so buying it online is also a very safe option.  If you have had unprotected sex and don’t have a regular form of contraception EllaOne and Levonelle can prevent a pregnancy from occurring.

Although very effective long-term use of emergency contraception is not ideal.  It is advisable that you visit your family planning clinic or doctor to discuss suitable long term contraception.  Often people worry about the long term effects of using emergency contraception and its impact on overall health.

 

BROWSE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

 

How Emergency Contraception Works

The morning after pill works very much in the same way as the conventional contraceptive pill.  The only major difference is that it contains a much higher dose of hormones.  It delays ovulation long enough for any sperm present to die thus preventing an egg from being fertilised.  

Sperm can live up to five days on the cervix so it is imperative that no eggs are released.  Common side effects of emergency contraception include;

• Stomach pain,
• headache,
• irregular periods,
• nausea and tiredness.  
• Less common side effects are; tender breasts, dizziness, headache and vomiting. (Source: NHS Choices).  

 

Causes Of Yeast Infections

A woman’s vagina is a carefully balanced environment where moisture and bacteria keep it clean and healthy.  Yeast infections are caused when the balance changes for some reason.  

Antibiotics easily tip the balance because all of the bacteria is destroyed allowing conditions like thrush to develop. A fungus called Candida albicans is the main cause of yeast infections.

Symptoms include an itching burning sensation, unusual discharge and pain during sexual intercourse.   Three out of four women will suffer a yeast infection at sometime in their lives.  

Causes include;

• antibiotics,
• pregnancy,
• uncontrolled diabetes,
• weakened immune system,
• eating too much sugar,
• hormonal imbalance,
• stress and lack of sleep. (Source: Healthline).  

 

As hormonal imbalance is one cause of yeast infections it is possible that there could be a connection with emergency contraception. Treating a yeast infection is relatively straightforward and can clear up within a few days.  

It is important to prevent another infection occurring by avoiding; tight clothes, vaginal deodorants, douching and hot baths.  Your vagina is one part of the body that shouldn’t be squeaky clean otherwise you will be burdened with yeast infections.

 

Hormonal Imbalance

If you find that every time you take emergency contraception you also get a yeast infection you may have to change your lifestyle a little.  

First of all, consider using a barrier method of contraception such as condoms so you are not exposed to hormones or risking an infection. 

EllaOne and Levonelle should only be used in emergency and not relied upon as a regular way to prevent pregnancy.  A consultation with your doctor or family planning clinic will help you to choose the right contraception for you and hopefully, yeast infections will be a thing of the past.

If you would like to review and purchase emergency contraception please click here.

By Parv Sagoo (Sept 2017)