75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives (did you know that?).
These infections create itching, irritation, and discomfort—often just before or during a period. And many are left wondering: Can a yeast infection prevent a period?
Though a yeast infection won’t cause your period to stop, yeast infections can be associated with other factors that may delay a period.
So below we’ll explain the connection and what you can do to keep your cycle on track.
Can a Yeast Infection Prevent a Period?
A yeast infection (also known as vaginal candidiasis) occurs when there’s an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the vaginal area. Although it can be uncomfortable, it doesn’t prevent your period. Hormones regulate your menstrual cycle, and a yeast infection does not affect them.
However, some believe their period is late when they have a yeast infection. This may be because of:
- Stress and Discomfort: The irritation from a yeast infection can elevate your stress levels, which could have a slight impact on hormone balance—resulting in slight changes in your cycle.
- Medications: Other antibiotics that are prescribed for infections can change the nature of vaginal flora and rarely have minor effects on the timing of the menstrual period.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like PCOS, thyroid imbalances, or diabetes may lead to both frequent yeast infections and irregular periods.
Sometimes it’s a symptom like unusual discharge that can be mistaken for a change in the menstrual cycle. If your period is really late, you might want to check for other possible reasons such as pregnancy, hormonal changes, or changes in your body. If delays are frequent, consult a doctor.
How Can a Yeast Infection Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
While a yeast infection does not cause your period to stop, it does have indirect effects on your cycle and overall vaginal health. Here’s how:
1. Hormonal Changes and Cycle Irregularities
Many women find that yeast infections often occur right before or after their period. That’s because hormonal swings during the month set the stage for yeast. The itching and irritation from an infection can also be stressful, which may cause minor changes in your menstrual cycle.
2. Antibiotic Use and Vaginal Imbalance
If you have recently been prescribed antibiotics, your vaginal balance may be disturbed. Antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, which gives yeast a chance to grow. That imbalance can heighten your risk of infections at specific stages in your cycle.
3. Menstrual Blood and Yeast Growth
Another reason is menstrual blood, which chemically changes vaginal pH levels for a short period of time. When menstruation starts, vaginal pH levels change and become less suitable for yeast to grow.
That’s why many women find yeast infection symptoms go away when they start their period.
Why Do You Get a Yeast Infection Before Your Period?
A lot of women will have a yeast infection just before their period. This is because of hormonal changes that take place during the days before a period. Here’s why:
1. Blood Estrogen and Progesterone Levels
- Estrogen and progesterone levels cycle before your period.
- These changes can disrupt the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, sometimes creating an environment in which Candida can multiply.
2. Vaginal pH Imbalance
- A healthy vagina has an acidic pH, which helps protect it from infections.
- As hormone levels fluctuate before a period and vaginal pH might shift, setting up an environment for yeast to proliferate.
3. High Sugar Levels in Vaginal Fluids
- This is because estrogen levels tend to fluctuate with changes in vaginal tissues, which can lead to a greater amount of glycogen (a type of sugar) in these tissues.
- Yeast feeds on sugar; therefore, more glycogen equals increased yeast overgrowth.
- Stress and Immune System Response
- It is quite common for women with a premenstrual phase to have stress or stress-related symptoms before their period.
- Stress decreases the immune system, compromising the body’s ability to keep yeast levels under control.
Yeast Infection Symptoms vs. Period Symptoms
Symptoms of a yeast infection are often misdiagnosed as pre-period symptoms. But these two situations are not the same. Knowing the differences can help you get the right treatment.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
- Itching and irritation in the vaginal area
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse
- Thick, white, odorless discharge
- Redness and swelling around the vulva
Period (PMS) Symptoms
- Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches and fatigue
Can You Have a Yeast Infection and Your Period at the Same Time?
Yes, you can have both at the same time. Menstruation doesn’t cure a yeast infection, but some people notice their symptoms lessen as they get further into their period. That’s because period blood can briefly even out vaginal pH. But if symptoms continue or get worse, you might need treatment.
Why Do Yeast Infections Occur After a Period?
After a period, changes in hormone levels and pH in the vagina facilitate conditions for yeast. At the same time, menstrual blood changes the vaginal environment, and wearing pads or tampons can create a setting that traps moisture, allowing yeast to flourish.
During menstruation, the vaginal pH becomes more alkaline, which helps yeast thrive. Estrogen levels also fall after a period, throwing off the balance of bacteria and yeast. These factors all contribute towards one’s chances of developing a yeast infection
Additionally, some women wonder if taking a bath on your period is safe or if it affects vaginal health. Bathing can actually help soothe discomfort and maintain hygiene, but using the right practices is important. Learn more about it here.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections Before Your Period
If you regularly notice that you get yeast infections before your period, these tips may help:
- To help keep the area dry, wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Stay away from scented hygiene products, which can disturb vaginal flora.
- Ingest probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt to support good bacteria.
- The less sugar you have in the body, the more difficult it will be for yeast to thrive.
- Relieve stress with exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
How Is a Yeast Infection Diagnosed?
If you think you have a yeast infection, an accurate diagnosis is the first step. Vaginal infections (such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)) have similar symptoms as well. A healthcare provider can confirm your discomfort is due to Candida yeast.
Steps in Diagnosis:
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, past infections, and any medications you’re taking.
- Physical Exam: A pelvic exam helps check for redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.
- Laboratory Tests: Microscopic examination of a sample of vaginal discharge or culture test to confirm yeast infection.
Proper diagnosis also ensures you get appropriate treatment. Taking the wrong medicine may make symptoms worse or delay healing.
What Are the Best Treatments for a Yeast Infection?
Early treatment for a yeast infection stops it from getting worse. The appropriate treatment depends on how severe the infection is.
Here are the best and most effective treatments for a yeast infection:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antifungals:
Vaginal creams, suppositories, or ointments that contain clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), or tioconazole are effective for mild yeast infections. These are nonprescription and generally effective within 3 to 7 days.
Prescription Medications
Moderate to severe yeast infections may need to move to the oral antiseptic fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a single-dose antifungal pill. Certain cases could require another dose within 72 hours.
Long-term treatment of recurrent infection
For women with four or more infections a year, your doctor may suggest a weekly regimen of fluconazole for six months or longer of vaginal antifungal treatment.
Home remedies
You can try yogurt, probiotics, or coconut oil to balance out vaginal bacteria. While these might support vaginal health, they shouldn’t take the place of established medical treatments.
Most yeast infections resolve in a few days of being treated. If symptoms continue or get worse after 7 days, see a doctor to rule out underlying conditions, as yeast infections can sometimes be confused with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Understanding the symptoms and best treatments for UTIs can help differentiate between the two.
Last Words
A yeast infection does not prevent or delay your period, but it can make your cycle feel more uncomfortable. If you often get yeast infections before or after your period, tracking symptoms and maintaining good vaginal health can help. If irregular periods and yeast infections happen frequently, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
FAQs
Can my period flush out a yeast infection?
Your period will not cure a yeast infection. Menstrual blood may increase vaginal pH and inhibit yeast growth, but it won’t cure the infection. You still need antifungal treatment to eradicate it completely.
Can I use a tampon with a yeast infection?
During a yeast infection, it’s better not to use tampons, particularly if you’re using vaginal treatments. Tampons absorb the medication and make it ineffective. They can also trap moisture and increase irritation, making symptoms worse. Use unscented pads instead.
Can a yeast infection delay ovulation?
A yeast infection by itself won’t affect ovulation directly. But stress or hormonal shifts related to recurring infections might affect your cycle.
What if my yeast infections keep coming back?
If you have four or more yeast infections in a year, you might need a longer course of treatment. Your healthcare provider can determine the cause and suggest the best way to manage it.
