Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections Every Month?

Dealing with a yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) once is frustrating enough, but getting them repeatedly — every month, even — can be exhausting. Many women experience recurrent yeast infections for various reasons, from hormonal shifts to specific behaviors that unintentionally encourage yeast growth. If you’re finding yourself in this cycle, it’s helpful to understand the causes behind frequent yeast infections so you can break the pattern.

Let’s examine some of the most common reasons for recurrent yeast infections and explore ways to prevent them.

Why do I keep getting yeast infections every month?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, most commonly Candida albicans. As many as 75% of women will have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime, but for many people, it can be a regular occurrence. Below are some of the most likely reasons why a yeast infection may be rearing its ugly head month in, and month out.

Hormonal fluctuations

Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle can contribute to yeast infections. Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during different phases of your cycle, and these shifts can alter the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. 

Research shows that higher levels of estrogen cause Candida to grow more aggressively and change how it interacts with your immune system. These changes make it easier for the yeast to thrive and escape detection by your body’s defenses, making you more prone to vaginal yeast infections during times when estrogen is high, like during pregnancy or certain phases of your menstrual cycle.

Birth control pills can also play a role in this cycle, as they influence estrogen levels. Switching birth control methods can sometimes help, but it’s always best to discuss this with a healthcare provider first.

Your period

For some women, yeast infections often flare up just after their period. Your period can influence vaginal pH levels, making it easier for Candida to overgrow. 

Blood has a slightly alkaline pH, which can disrupt the natural acidity of the vaginal environment, weakening the protective balance that keeps yeast levels in check. Studies have also found that levels of Lactobacillus (healthy bacteria) decrease during your period, which can alter the vaginal pH even more, offering fewer defenses against yeast overgrowth. In this altered environment, yeast can flourish, especially if other risk factors are present.

Sex 

Sex can sometimes play a role in recurring yeast infections, as it can change the vaginal environment in ways that make it easier for yeast to grow. For instance, semen has a higher pH than what’s typically found in the vagina, and this shift can create a more favorable setting for Candida. Plus, certain sexual practices, like using flavored lubricants, can also feed yeast, since they thrive on sugar.

If you’re sexually active and dealing with frequent yeast infections, you might want to steer clear of lubricants that contain glycerin or sugars. It’s also a good idea for both you and your partner to practice good hygiene before getting intimate.

Treatment-resistant Candida

If you’re experiencing recurrent yeast infections, a stubborn strain of Candida may be at play, which might not respond well to the usual antifungal medication.

Most yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans — which accounts for about 90% of yeast infections and is generally treatable with standard medications. However, other species like Candida glabrata can be a bit trickier and may resist treatments like fluconazole.

If you’re struggling with stubborn vaginal yeast infections, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They’re there to help you find the right treatment plan tailored just for you.

Evvy's Vaginal Health Test can help identify which Candida strain is behind your recurrent yeast infections, making it easier for your healthcare provider to suggest the most effective antifungal treatment. 

The specifics of your treatment, like dosage and duration, will depend on the strain causing your yeast infection, how severe your symptoms are, and your medical history. So, your doctor might suggest a different treatment, like a stronger dose or combining oral medication with a vaginal cream to get the best results.

Many women find that using a mix of prescription medications, topical antifungals, or even a longer regimen of specific antifungal treatments can really help manage a yeast infection effectively. Just remember, it’s super important to complete the entire course of treatment — even if you start feeling better — until the yeast infection clears.

You use douches

Using douches or other scented soaps can significantly increase your risk of vaginal infections, including recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Douching disrupts the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, washing away good bacteria like Lactobacillus that help keep Candida in check. Without this natural defense, yeast can multiply rapidly, often leading to infections.

The vagina is self-cleaning and doesn’t need products to “stay fresh.” Studies have shown time and again that douching is associated with higher rates of vaginal infections, including both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. 

If you’re prone to recurrent yeast infections, avoiding douches, scented tampons, and sprays is best. Instead, maintain your vaginal health by wearing breathable cotton underwear, changing out of damp clothes or wet bathing suits quickly, and letting your body’s natural cleaning process do its job.

What you can do to prevent recurrent yeast infections

Understanding the factors that contribute to a yeast infection is half the battle. Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection each month:

• Consider switching birth control: If you think your birth control may be contributing to frequent yeast infections, talk to your healthcare provider about lower-dose estrogen options or non-hormonal contraceptive methods.
• Keep dry and clean during your period: Yeast thrives in moisture, so change tampons or pads frequently and avoid scented period products.
• Practice safe sex: Use barrier methods like condoms, and be cautious with flavored or sugary lubricants. Remember to also clean sex toys before and after each use.
• Use medications as prescribed: If your yeast infections are resistant, make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely, and avoid stopping medication early.
• Avoid douching: Keep your vaginal flora balanced by avoiding douches, scented sprays, and other products that disrupt natural bacteria.
• Test your microbiome: The Evvy Vaginal Health Test can uncover over 700 types of fungi and bacteria in your vaginal microbiome, and tell you whether you have too much drug-resistant yeast present.

FAQ

Is it normal to get a yeast infection every month?

It’s not uncommon for some women to experience yeast infections frequently, even monthly, but it’s not considered "normal" or ideal. Regular yeast infections can indicate an imbalance or ongoing factors that are encouraging yeast overgrowth. Hormonal changes throughout your cycle, contraception with higher estrogen, certain lifestyle habits, or even repeated antibiotic use can contribute to this cycle. If you're dealing with frequent infections, it's worth discussing with a healthcare provider who can help identify possible triggers and suggest ways to break the cycle. There are treatments and preventive steps available, so you don’t have to keep dealing with this discomfort month after month.

How do I stop recurring yeast infections?

If you're looking to put an end to recurrent yeast infections, the first step is identifying and (if possible) avoiding triggers. It’s best to avoid douching, scented products, and flavored lubricants, as these can throw off your pH. Don’t forget to change out of wet clothes — like swimsuits or workout gear — quickly to keep moisture at bay. If you're using high-dose estrogen contraception, it might be worth having a chat with your healthcare provider about trying a version with lower estrogen, since high levels can encourage yeast growth. Sometimes over-the-counter treatments don’t do the trick, and that could mean the infection is from a strain of yeast that’s tough to treat. Consider getting an Evvy Vaginal Health Test, which can help identify the specific strains of Candida causing your issues. Lastly, if your menstrual cycle brings on hormonal changes, ask your healthcare provider about maintenance therapy. 

What is commonly mistaken for yeast infection?

Several conditions can feel similar to a yeast infection due to similar symptoms like itching, irritation, and unusual vaginal discharge. One common culprit is a common condition called bacterial vaginosis, which often comes with a noticeable fishy odor and a thin, gray discharge — quite different from the thick, odorless discharge of a yeast infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another possibility; they can cause discomfort and irritation in the vaginal area but typically include symptoms like a burning feeling when you pee or a frequent need to go. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, might be confused with a yeast infection. Allergies or sensitivities to soaps, laundry detergents, or personal care products can also mimic yeast infection symptoms, including itchiness and redness. And let’s not forget about lichen sclerosus, a skin condition in the genital area that can cause intense itching and discomfort, which might also be mistaken for a yeast infection. 

How do you flush yeast out of your system?

There’s no real way to “flush out” yeast from your system. Yeast is a normal and healthy part of our microbiome. It typically lives in the gut and vagina (among other places) without causing any issues. The key is keeping yeast levels balanced. When a fungus like Candida overgrow in the vagina, it can lead to a yeast infection. The only way to treat yeast infections is with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medication.