Does Spermicide Cause Yeast Infections?

More Sexual Health Articles

Does Spermicide Cause Yeast Infections?

By Your Health Magazine Health Information Team

You use a spermicide and soon notice itching, burning, or unusual discharge. It is understandable to wonder: Does spermicide cause yeast infections? The short answer is that spermicide is not considered a direct, common cause of vaginal yeast infections. However, it can irritate vaginal and vulvar tissues and may affect the vagina’s normal balance, producing symptoms that resemble an infection or possibly contributing to vaginitis in susceptible people.

How Spermicide Can Affect Vaginal Health

Spermicide is a form of birth control that reduces sperm movement. It is available in products such as gels, creams, foams, films, suppositories, contraceptive sponges, and products used with diaphragms or cervical caps. Most spermicides sold in the United States contain nonoxynol-9.

Nonoxynol-9 can cause vaginal or vulvar burning, redness, soreness, and irritation. These effects are more likely when spermicide is used frequently, although sensitivity varies from person to person. An allergic or irritant reaction can occur without any infection being present.

Medical research has not established that spermicide by itself routinely causes Candida, the fungus responsible for most vaginal yeast infections, to overgrow. Some research has found no meaningful increase in vaginal Candida among spermicide users. Still, spermicides are among the products that can disturb or irritate the vaginal environment, so symptoms appearing after use should not be ignored.

Is It a Yeast Infection or Spermicide Irritation?

Spermicide irritation and a yeast infection can feel remarkably similar. Both may cause itching, burning, redness, swelling, or discomfort during sex. This overlap makes it difficult to determine the cause from symptoms alone.

Possible signs of spermicide irritation include:

• Burning or stinging that begins during or shortly after spermicide use
• Redness or tenderness around the vaginal opening
• Symptoms that repeatedly occur after using the same product
• Discomfort without the typical discharge associated with a yeast infection
• Similar irritation experienced by a sexual partner after contact with the product

Possible signs of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Intense vulvar or vaginal itching
• Redness, swelling, soreness, or small skin cracks
• Thick, white discharge that is often described as curd-like
• Burning during urination when urine touches irritated tissue
• Pain or discomfort during vaginal sex

Not everyone with a yeast infection has thick discharge, and these symptoms can also occur with bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, skin conditions, or reactions to soaps and personal-care products. A strong vaginal odor is not typical of a yeast infection and may suggest another cause of vaginitis.

What Actually Raises Yeast Infection Risk?

A vaginal yeast infection develops when Candida that normally lives in the body grows excessively. Well-established risk factors include current or recent antibiotic use, pregnancy, hormonal changes, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and certain medications that suppress immune function. Many otherwise healthy people develop yeast infections without an obvious trigger.

When spermicide is used with a diaphragm or cervical cap, it can be difficult to identify which part of the method is contributing to symptoms. Irritation may come from the spermicide, friction, sensitivity to the device’s material, leaving the device in place longer than directed, or inadequate cleaning of a reusable applicator or barrier device.

What to Do If Symptoms Appear After Using Spermicide

Stop using the suspected spermicide until you understand what is causing the symptoms. Do not douche or insert cleansing products in an attempt to remove it. Douching can further disturb the vaginal environment and may worsen irritation.

Wash only the external vulvar area gently with lukewarm water, and avoid scented soaps, sprays, wipes, deodorants, and fragranced menstrual products while the area is irritated. If symptoms improve when the spermicide is avoided and return when it is used again, discuss that pattern with a healthcare professional.

Do not assume every episode of itching is yeast, especially if it is your first episode or the symptoms began directly after using a new product. Unnecessary antifungal treatment will not resolve an irritant or allergic reaction and may delay the correct diagnosis. During treatment with certain vaginal antifungal products, patients may also be instructed to avoid spermicides and other vaginal products; follow the medication label or a clinician’s directions.

For more information about the usual course of symptoms and treatment, read how long yeast infections last and what you need to know.

Can You Prevent the Problem?

If spermicide repeatedly causes burning or irritation, continued exposure is unlikely to be comfortable. A gynecologist, primary care clinician, or family-planning professional can discuss other contraceptive options based on your preferences and health history.

If you continue using a spermicide, follow the product instructions exactly. Use a clean applicator, clean reusable diaphragms or cervical caps as directed, and do not exceed recommended use. Frequent exposure to nonoxynol-9 can damage or irritate genital tissue. Spermicide also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and frequent nonoxynol-9 use can increase tissue irritation that may make HIV transmission easier if exposure occurs.

Reliable background information about vaginal conditions, contraception, and other health concerns is also available through the MedlinePlus health topics library.

When to Seek Care

Contact an OB-GYN, primary care clinician, or qualified sexual health professional if this is your first suspected yeast infection, you are unsure what is causing the symptoms, or the irritation is severe. Evaluation is also appropriate for symptoms that persist after stopping spermicide, return frequently, worsen after treatment, or occur during pregnancy.

Seek prompt care for fever, pelvic or lower abdominal pain, sores, blisters, bleeding unrelated to a menstrual period, foul-smelling or green discharge, significant swelling, difficulty urinating, or possible exposure to a sexually transmitted infection. Trouble breathing, widespread hives, facial swelling, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction require emergency attention.

The Bottom Line

Spermicide does not appear to be a routine direct cause of yeast infections, but it can cause irritation and changes that feel like one. Because several vaginal conditions produce similar symptoms, testing may be needed before treatment. If discomfort repeatedly follows spermicide use, stop using the product and ask a healthcare professional about both the symptoms and alternative birth control methods.