Treating a yeast infection while pregnant | TAKE my PHARMACIST advice

Summary

In this video, a pharmacist discusses the treatment of vaginal yeast infections in pregnant women. Pregnancy increases estrogen levels, leading to higher glycogen production, which can trigger yeast overgrowth. The pharmacist recommends using Monistat 7 as the safest and most effective over-the-counter treatment, based on numerous studies and CDC guidelines. She emphasizes avoiding one- or three-day treatments, as they may not fully resolve the infection in pregnant women. Additionally, she advises against using Fluconazole due to its potential risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Generic versions of Monistat 7 are equally effective.

Takeaways

• 🤰 Pregnancy increases the risk of yeast infections due to changes in estrogen and glycogen levels.
• 🍞 Glycogen, a sugar, feeds yeast, leading to overgrowth and yeast infections during pregnancy.
• 🔬 There are over 150 types of candida, but around 20 can cause negative effects in the body under the right conditions.
• 💊 The recommended treatment for vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy is Monistat 7, an over-the-counter option.
• 🚫 One-day and three-day Monistat treatments are not effective for pregnant women; only the seven-day treatment clears the infection.
• 🛒 Generic versions of Monistat 7 are just as effective and typically cheaper than the brand name.
• 💵 Monistat 7 costs around $10 and is available without a prescription, making it a convenient option.
• ⚠️ Fluconazole, an oral antifungal often used for yeast infections, is not recommended during pregnancy due to risks of miscarriage and birth defects.
• ✅ Pregnant women should avoid oral antifungals and stick with the Monistat 7 treatment as it is proven safe and effective.
• 🔔 The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe and stay tuned for more pharmacist advice in upcoming videos.

Q & A

What is the main cause of yeast infections in pregnant women?

Yeast infections in pregnant women are primarily caused by an increase in estrogen, which leads to an increase in glycogen. This excess glycogen provides food for yeast, leading to overgrowth and infection.

How many types of Candida yeast exist, and how many can cause infections?

There are around 150 different types of Candida yeast, and approximately 20 of these can cause infections under the right conditions.

Why does pregnancy increase the risk of yeast infections?

Pregnancy increases estrogen levels, which in turn raises glycogen levels. Yeast feeds on glycogen, which promotes overgrowth and increases the risk of yeast infections.

What is the recommended treatment for vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy?

The recommended treatment for vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy is Monistat 7, an over-the-counter cream that needs to be used for a full seven days.

Why is Monistat 7 preferred over one-day or three-day treatments?

Monistat 7 is preferred because studies have shown that one-day and three-day treatments are not as effective in completely clearing up yeast infections in pregnant women.

Is there a significant difference between the generic and brand-name versions of Monistat?

No, the generic version of Monistat is just as effective as the brand-name version and is usually cheaper.

Why is fluconazole not recommended for pregnant women with yeast infections?

Fluconazole is not recommended for pregnant women because studies have shown an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects, even with a single dose.

Can you buy Monistat 7 without a prescription?

Yes, Monistat 7 is an over-the-counter product, so you do not need a prescription to purchase it.

What alternative do some people prefer instead of using a cream for yeast infections?

Some people prefer taking an oral tablet like fluconazole for treating yeast infections, but it is not recommended for pregnant women due to potential risks.

Why is it important to complete the full seven-day course of Monistat 7 during pregnancy?

It is important to complete the full seven-day course because shorter treatments (one or three days) may not fully clear the infection in pregnant women, leading to a potential recurrence.