Does Tirzepatide Cause Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections are a vaginal infection classified by the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. This fungus is naturally found in the body, but within specific levels, yeast infections are categorized by higher levels of Candida. While most often associated with the vagina, it can happen on or in other areas of the body including the mouth and skin. Several medications—namely antibiotics—are known to cause yeast infections. Does Tirzepatide cause yeast infections?

Tirzepatide & Yeast Infections

Based on current evidence, nothing suggests that Tirzepatide elevates the growth of Candida in the body. With that said certain side effects of Tirzepatide can create the ideal environment for yeast infections to develop. For example, diarrhea can sometimes affect the vagina and its pH balance. If this happens, this may cause a yeast infection.

Another important consideration to make is that uncontrolled blood sugar levels can contribute to yeast infections. Therefore, theoretically, using Tirzepatide to help balance this may actually indirectly prevent yeast infections in some people. However, people prone to yeast infections generally have multiple factors at play.

Preventing Yeast Infections While Taking Tirzepatide

Even though Tirzepatide does not appear to cause yeast infections, taking preventative measures is always recommended. Luckily, there are many ways you can help prevent yeast infections.

#1: Practice Good Hygiene

Hygiene is one of the largest contributing factors in yeast infection development. Make sure to clean the genitals regularly and avoid using scented soaps in areas where yeast infections more frequently occur. The vagina is self-cleaning and therefore practices such as douching are unnecessary and can actually make yeast infections more likely. Basic cleansing and hygiene practices are usually enough to prevent yeast infections.

#2: Eat A Balanced Diet

Your diet has more to do with yeast infections than is immediately evident. Diets high in sugar can inadvertently feed the Candida fungus and cause it to grow. Additionally, eating foods rich in probiotics can help prevent yeast infections and also be good for your gut.

#3: Monitor Blood Sugar

Tirzepatide can help regulate blood sugar. However, it is important to monitor it because high blood sugar can contribute to yeast infections. Making sure to keep your blood sugar within healthy limits can help prevent yeast infections.

#4: Practice Good Hygiene After Exercise

After a good workout, it can be tempting to immediately fall onto your couch without changing out of your sweaty workout clothes. However, at a minimum, patients should change out of their clothes because this environment is ideal for Candida growth. Increasing exercise is highly recommended when taking Tirzepatide , so ensuring to change out of sweaty workout clothes and shower after is a simple step that can prevent yeast infections.

Conclusion

There is not evidence that Tirzepatide directly causes yeast infections in the same way antibiotics do. However, certain side effects or lifestyle changes associated with Tirzepatide may increase the chances of yeast infections. Patients prone to yeast infections should discuss prevention methods with their providers when starting Tirzepatide  weight loss injections.