Can A Yeast Infection Affect A Pregnancy Test?

Yeast infections are quite common in every woman`s life, even right before a pregnancy. You might notice an increased amount of thin and weird smelling discharge.

If you consider you might be having a yeast infection, you should gather as much knowledge as possible and definitely talk to a doctor. Though many yeast infections are treatable and have no big impact on a possible pregnancy, they`re generally a lot more difficult to manage if you are pregnant, as they may lead to a lot of discomfort.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections appear when the normal acid and bacteria levels in the woman`s vagina lose their balance, allowing bacteria to grow too much up to a point when it becomes uncomfortable for the woman, but not too severe.

If you haven`t yet been diagnosed by a doctor for such an infection and experience some signs, you should first talk to your doctor about a precise diagnosis and possible treatment. There are many infections with similar signs, so you`ll want to be certain that you`re treating your infection properly. There`re are many treatments that aren`t appropriate if you may be expecting as well.

Why Are Yeast Infections More Common while Pregnant?

The body of a pregnant woman goes through many changes at this point, and obviously it`s pretty hard for the body to keep up with the vaginal chemical changes. There`s much more sugar in the vagina`s discharges on which the bacteria may feed, leading to imbalances which eventually lead to even more bacteria.

Can A Yeast Infection Affect a Pregnancy Test?

Shortly speaking, no – a pregnancy test shouldn`t be affected by the presence of such an infection. They way a pregnancy test measures the level of hCG hormone in the woman`s urine has no relation to any bacteria that may be present in her vagina.

The yeast infection doesn`t affect the hCG levels in the urine, meaning the results of the test won`t be compromised due to the presence on such an infection.

Yeast Infection: Sign of Pregnancy?

Now that you know you have no reason to concern yourself about the presence of a yeast infection affecting a pregnancy test, you may want to start changing the way you see things. You might be wondering if your pregnancy has any relation with the yeast infection.

There`s no right or wrong answer here; these infections occur most frequently in the case of obese or pregnant women. So, if you aren`t obese, you are in your right to think whether or not you may be pregnant. Still, this type of infection do happen in women who aren`t either obese or pregnant.

There may be a chance for you to be pregnant if you don`t or haven`t experience such an infection in the near past. Still, the presence of such an infection doesn`t consist sufficient evidence to determine a pregnancy properly.

When you`re expecting a baby, the body suffer drastic changes. The lower vaginal acid levels and the higher output of hormones present during pregnancy are normally to blame for the common outbreaks of yeast infection in lots of women.

Still, you have to also take into consideration that too much use of lots of distinct antibiotics might have the very same effect on the body as the presence of this type of infection during pregnancy. This is also the reason for which it can`t be said with 100% certainty if you may be pregnant based on this type of infection`s presence.

You`ll have to be quite familiar with your own body as well as your health in order to make a determination whether you think the yeast infection has any meaning or not. The only way to be sure is to make an appointment with a doctor.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections generally appear when new bacteria occur into the vagina, or when there`s a growth of the yeast amount already present in the vaginal area relative to the normal amount of bacteria. For instance, when the normal bacteria that protect the vagina are completely destroyed by antibiotics or by immunosuppressive medications, the yeast might increase in number, lead to irritation to the vaginal lining, and invade tissues.

Yeast infections might also appear due to vaginal injuries, like after chemotherapy. Women with suppressed immunity may also develop such infections more commonly than women with normal immune systems.

Other medical conditions which might make women more likely to yeast infections include:

• Birth control pills.
• Diabetes.
• Pregnancy.

Using perfumed hygiene sprays or douches in the vaginal area might increase the risk of developing yeast infections as well. A yeast infection isn`t seen as a STD, since Candida might normally be present in the vagina anyway.

Risk Factors

Risk factors which may increase your chances of getting yeast infection include:

Sexual Activity

Although this type of infections isn`t really seen as an STD, sexual intercourse might spread the infection.

Increased Levels of Estrogen

Such infections are more frequently experienced by women with a high level of estrogen. This might include pregnant women or those who are used to taking increased doses of birth control pills based on estrogen or therapy based on the estrogen hormone.

Antibiotic Use

This type of infections is a lot more frequent when women who take antibiotics are concerned. A large range of antibiotics that are used to kill specific bacteria also destroy “good” bacteria in the vaginal cavity, which leads to an overgrowth of yeasts.

Impaired Immunity

Women who may experience a HIV infection or undergo a corticosteroid therapy, and therefore have a lower immune system, are more prone to experience yeast infections.

Uncontrolled Diabetes

Women who experience diabetes and have poor levels of blood sugar are at higher risk of getting such infections than women who experience controlled diabetes. – Read this!

How Is Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

The doctor will perform the following in his attempt to put diagnostic on your case:

• Vaginal mucus test.
• Details related to your medical history.
• Vaginal swab test.
• Pelvic exam.

Complicated Yeast Infection

You may experience a yeast infection if:

• You have serious signs, like excessive redness, itching or swelling which leads to cracks, sores or tears.
• You experience 4+ yeast infections during a year.
• You are expecting a baby.
• Your immunity is weakened due to particular drugs or medical conditions, like HIV.
• You experience uncontrolled diabetes.
• Your yeast infection is the result of a Candida type that is different than Candida albicans.

How to Prevent Yeast Infection

• You should avoid wearing tight clothing (e.g. intimate underwear).
• Make use of clean tampons that should be changed frequently.
• Don`t take hot baths and don`t sit in wet clothes for too long.
• Cotton inner wear can get dry very easily, so avoid it to not let moisture stay there.
• Use protection when having sex (e.g. condom).
• Avoid contraceptives based only on estrogen. Instead, you should use progestin pills.

When to Visit the Doctor?

Reach out to your doctor if:

• You start developing other signs.
• This is your first experience when having yeast infection signs.
• Your signs don`t go away after applying treatment with suppositories or OTC antifungal vaginal creams.
• You aren`t really sure if you experience a yeast infection or not.

Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

• Garlic paste can prove to be a good home remedy for yeast infection as it can alter the pH.
• Consume yogurt to aid increase the level of good bacteria and, therefore, treat yeast infection.
• Tea tree oil is known for its soothing properties on irritations and rashes caused by yeast infection.
• Suppositories based on boric acid can be bought as over-the-counter medications.