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I have had recurring yeast infections since taking antibiotics (7 days) 5 months ago. I do not have AIDS nor am I diabetic. I have been taking birth control pills for 6 years. 4 years I took levlite (0.1mg levonorgestrel, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol). Then I switched to Mircette in year 5 (0.15 mg desogestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol). In June I switched back to levlite and have been taking it since. Since the recurring yeast infections began around the same time as switching birth control pills, should I start taking mircette again or should I stop BC pills altogether? I have been treated for the last 2 months by my doctor who has prescribed diflucan and tetraconozole. These medications alleviate the symptoms for about a day and then they come back. I am currently beginning a heavier diflucan regimen. Just wasn't sure if I should stop taking the birthcontrol pills.

Optional Information:
Female, Age: 24, Florida

Already Tried:
over the counter medications. acidolophillus supplements. i eat lots of yogurt. eating a lot of garlic. only cotton full bottomed underwear. do not use soap in/around vaginal area.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $9

Hi,
It is uncommon for birth control pills to cause recurrent yeast infections, since nowadays most pills have low etrogen content.
You could try switching back, or asking your Gyn for an OCP that has even lower estrogen or is without estrogen.
If you can practice other birth control options then stopping the OCP maybe a good idea too,
regards
Dr. Gupta

Reply to Gaurav Gupta's Post: When I switched from Mircette to Levlite, there was no change in the amount of estrogen. Based upon your answer, it sounds like switching birth control pills should not have made a difference. Is this what you are saying? I would prefer not to start/stop taking birth control pills and I believe 0.02mg is the lowest dosage available for BC pills.

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