Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It works by delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Plan B is a safe and effective method of contraception, but it can have some side effects, including yeast infections.
Yeast infections are common vaginal infections that are caused by the fungus Candida. Candida is normally present in the vagina in small amounts, but it can overgrow and cause an infection if the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disrupted.
There is some evidence that Plan B can increase the risk of yeast infections. This is because Plan B contains hormones that can change the pH of the vagina, making it more acidic. An acidic environment is more conducive to the growth of yeast.
However, it is important to note that Plan B does not directly cause yeast infections. The vast majority of women who take Plan B will not experience a yeast infection.
If you are concerned about the risk of developing a yeast infection after taking Plan B, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Avoid using scented soaps or douches in the vaginal area. These products can disrupt the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
- Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Cotton underwear allows air to circulate, which can help to prevent yeast growth.
- Avoid taking long baths or showers. Hot water can dry out the vagina and make it more susceptible to yeast infection.
- If you develop a yeast infection, see a doctor for treatment. Yeast infections can be easily treated with antifungal medication.
- Drink CRANEL as a preventative method
Cranberries have been used for centuries to prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are common in women, and they can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Candida albicans, which is also the yeast responsible for vaginal yeast infections.
Cranberries may also be helpful in preventing and treating vaginal yeast infections. A study published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that cranberry juice was effective in preventing recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women. The study participants who drank cranberry juice for 6 months were less likely to have a recurrence of their yeast infection than those who did not drink cranberry juice.
Another study, published in the journal Mycopathologia, found that cranberry extracts were effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. The study found that cranberry extracts were able to kill Candida albicans cells and prevent them from forming biofilms, which are colonies of yeast cells that are difficult to treat with antifungals.
Overall, the evidence suggests that cranberries may be helpful in preventing and treating both UTIs and vaginal yeast infections. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
In conclusion, Plan B does not directly cause yeast infections, but it can create an environment that is more conducive to yeast growth. If you are concerned about the risk of developing a yeast infection after taking Plan B, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.
Citation:
Marion Girardot, Amandine Guerineau, Leslie Boudesocque, Damien Costa, Laurent Bazinet, Cécile Enguehard-Gueiffier, Christine Imbert, Promising results of cranberry in the prevention of oral Candida biofilms, Pathogens and Disease, Volume 70, Issue 3, April 2014, Pages 432–439, https://doi.org/10.1111/2049-632X.12168
