Many people don’t realize that the medications they take can affect their vaginal health. If you’ve noticed changes down there like dryness, itching or irritation, your medications might be to blame.
Vaginal health can be delicate and certain drugs can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and moisture. Here’s what you should know about how some common medications affect your vaginal health and what you can do about it.
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are often prescribed to fight infections. While they’re great at killing harmful bacteria, they can also wipe out the good bacteria in your vagina. These beneficial bacteria, called lactobacilli, help maintain the proper vaginal pH balance and protect against infections.
“With the healthy bacteria of the vagina depleted or eradicated, opportunistic infections that cause vaginitis can occur,” said Shaida Molloy, MD, an OBGYN and menopause and sexual medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine.
This means that while antibiotics help you recover from infections elsewhere in your body, they may cause an imbalance in your vaginal flora. This can increase your risk for changes in vaginal discharge, itching or irritation, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
What you can do: If you’re taking antibiotics, you can take steps to restore the balance.
“Consider eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or taking vaginal health probiotic supplements rather than probiotics specifically formulated for GI health,” Dr. Molloy said. “These can be helpful to reestablish the normal healthy vaginal microbiome.”
2. Hormonal birth control
Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, patch or ring can also affect vaginal health by altering hormone levels. Hormones play a role in maintaining the health and moisture of vaginal tissues.
“The health of vaginal tissue is very reliant on estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen in women’s bodies,” says Dr. Molloy. “Hormonal medications that change estradiol levels, like birth control, can impact tissue health and lubrication.”
This can lead to dryness or changes in discharge, which can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. You might notice vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex.
What you can do: Use a water-based lubricant during sexual activity to help with dryness. Dr. Molloy also suggests over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments or prescription medications that support vaginal tissue health.
3. Chemotherapy
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can significantly affect vaginal health. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which can lead to changes in vaginal tissue and moisture levels. You might notice vaginal dryness, irritation or soreness and changes with your menstrual cycle.
What you can do: It’s important to talk to your health care provider about any vaginal health concerns during cancer treatment. They might recommend topical treatments, like vaginal moisturizers or hormone therapy, to manage symptoms.
4. Antidepressants and antianxiety medications
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are widely used to treat mood disorders. However, they can sometimes lead to sexual side effects, including vaginal dryness and reduced libido.
“Up to 80% of patients on these medications report some change in sexual function, including libido and sexual response,” Dr. Molloy said. The specifics of how these medications affect sexual function aren’t well understood, but genetic factors may play a role.
What you can do: If these side effects continue after a few weeks, Dr. Molloy recommends discussing them with your provider. Adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication might help your symptoms.
5. Antihistamines
If you take antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms, you might notice that they also dry out other areas of your body, including your vagina.
“Antihistamines and decongestants can narrow blood vessels, which can result in dehydration and affect normal lubrication,” Dr. Molloy said.
What you can do: Drinking plenty of water can help your body maintain moisture, including in your vaginal tissues. Vaginal moisturizers are another option if dryness continues to be an issue.
6. Steroids
Steroids, often prescribed for conditions like asthma or autoimmune disorders, can impact vaginal health. Long-term steroid use weakens the immune system, making infections (like yeast infections) more likely.
What you can do: If recurrent infections are an issue, talk to your health care provider. They might adjust your steroid treatment or suggest ways to prevent infections, such as using probiotics or switching medications.
7. Diuretics
Diuretics (water pills) treat high blood pressure and other conditions. These medications increase urine production, which can lead to dehydration and, in turn, vaginal dryness and irritation.
What you can do: Stay well hydrated while taking diuretics. Drink plenty of water to keep your vaginal tissues moist and reduce the risk of dryness.
What you can do to protect your vaginal health
If you’ve noticed changes in your vaginal health, consider reviewing the medications you are taking. It’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider if you think your medications are causing problems. They may be able to adjust your treatment or alternative treatments.
Here are some general tips to keep your vaginal health in balance:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Eat a balanced diet with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt.
- Wear loose, breathable underwear to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use water-based lubricants and vaginal moisturizers if needed.
- Avoid douching or using scented products in the vaginal area, as these can disrupt your natural balance.
Takeaway
Medications can play an important role in keeping you healthy, but they can also affect your vaginal health in unexpected ways. If you notice changes like dryness, itching or frequent vaginal infections, talk to your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. They can help you find solutions that work for your body.
