Can Estradiol cream cause a yeast infection? 

Can Estradiol cream cause a yeast infection? 

Estradiol cream may or may not cause a yeast infection. This side effect is not that common, but it is still reported by a number of women being treated with Estradiol cream. 

This is probably because Estradiol is a hormonal medication and facilitates hormonal change in your body. In some women, these changes may end up making the vagina sensitive to getting a yeast infection by either changing the pH or reducing overall vaginal immunity (1). 

How to treat vaginal yeast infection caused by Estradiol? 

The basic approach to treating yeast infections is the use of oral or topical antifungal medications. Antifungal creams and ointments are preferred when the infection is mild with minimal symptoms. 

The topical medication is applied to the inside of the vagina to help eradicate the growth of infectious yeast. In case of a stronger bacterial infection, you will need to take Diflucan (Fluconazole) (2). 

There are other antifungals that can also be used. Make sure you reach out to your doctor for an appropriate treatment strategy to recover from the yeast infection.

How to prevent getting a yeast infection on Estradiol? 

You can prevent getting a yeast infection on Estradiol in some ways. For starters, it’s best to load up on Probiotics, which are good bacteria. These bacteria manage the pH of your vagina and can prevent the growth of yeast. 

If you are generally sensitive to getting a yeast infection, ask your healthcare provider if you can take Diflucan for prophylaxis with your Estradiol. 

It is also important to make sure you don’t wear tight underwear as it traps moisture and the damp environment is favourable for fungal growth. 

How to know that you have a yeast infection? 

You can know you have a yeast infection if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Vaginal itching and irritation
  • Vulvar redness 
  • Burning sensation
  • Painful urination
  • Soreness in vagina
  • Thick white or water-like vaginal discharge 

If you do experience some or all of the above-mentioned symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for a confirmed diagnosis. 

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References

1.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5757, Estradiol; [cited 2023 Feb. 20]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Estradiol

2.-

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital / Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; [updated 2022 Jan 5; 2023 Feb. 20]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html