Can I use yeast infection cream if I’m also using NuvaRing?

By Amy @ Planned Parenthood | Oct. 14, 2010, 11:13 a.m.

Category: Ask the Experts, Birth Control

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I’m currently taking the NUVA RING as my birthcontrol. I just recently developed a yeast infection and was wondering if it was bad to take yeast infection cream and instert it up into my vagina if i am on the ring. Help!!

Some women cannot use oil-based creams to treat yeast infections with the ring in place. The ring (brand name NuvaRing) is a combined-hormone method of birth control. It’s inserted into the vagina and left there for three weeks at a time.

Oil-based vaginal medicines can increase the levels of hormones released by the ring when it’s in place. This may not be good for some women. That’s why it’s important to talk to your health care provider about how to treat a yeast infection if you’re using the ring.

A woman who thinks she has a yeast infection should visit a clinician for an accurate diagnosis. There are vaginal infections besides yeast that share similar symptoms of itchiness, painfulness, and discharge. Treatments may include either prescription or over-the-counter medication.

If you’d like to make an appointment with a health care provider, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center.

Tags: nuvaring, the ring, yeast infection