Story by Love Wilhelmina Abanonave with additional editing by Agyekum Tuah
Most women take contraceptives without knowing the full risks associated with them. Though some work effectively, some also increase the risk of infections, particularly vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is because the hormones in birth control pills can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, making it more susceptible to infections.
According to EYA Medical consultant Dr Esther Yesutor Agbozo, hormonal changes caused by birth control pills can lead to an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus, resulting in yeast infections. Speaking on the GTV breakfast show on Monday, January 19, 2026, she highlighted the symptoms of yeast infections to include itching, burning sensations, and abnormal vaginal discharge with odour.
Dr Agbozo advised women to immediately seek medical help once these symptoms are noticed. She also mentioned that pregnancy and menstruation can also lead to infections; however, they are often overlooked since they are natural phenomena and cannot be stopped.
What the evidence shows
Vaginal infections commonly include yeast infections (candidiasis), caused by overgrowth of Candida fungus, and bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance in vaginal bacteria. Hormonal birth control pills, which contain oestrogen and progestin, can influence the vaginal environment by altering hormone levels, pH, and microbial balance.
Some studies and clinical observations suggest a connection to yeast infections. Oestrogen in combined oral contraceptives can promote glycogen in vaginal cells, creating conditions where Candida thrives. Older research, including a University of Michigan study from 2006, found oral contraceptive use roughly doubled the risk of yeast infections in some populations.
However, the evidence is not uniform, and many sources emphasise that birth control does not directly cause these infections. It may increase susceptibility in some women, particularly those prone to recurrent issues, but not all hormonal methods carry the same risk. Low-dose pills or progestin-only options sometimes show less association.
For bacterial vaginosis, the picture differs markedly. Multiple systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and longitudinal studies—including those published in journals like PLOS ONE and drawing on NIH-supported data—consistently find that hormonal contraception, including combined pills, is associated with a reduced risk of BV. One meta-analysis reported a significant protective effect, with users showing lower odds of prevalent, incident, or recurrent BV compared to non-users.
Major health authorities, such as the Mayo Clinic, list hormonal changes from birth control as a possible risk factor for vaginitis in general but do not single out pills as a primary cause. Factors like antibiotics, diabetes, or sexual activity often play larger roles.
Experts stress individual variation: women experiencing recurrent infections should consult a healthcare provider, who may recommend switching formulations, monitoring symptoms, or exploring non-hormonal alternatives.
Overall, while some evidence supports a modest increased risk for yeast infections with certain birth control pills, the claim overstates the case for vaginal infections broadly. Hormonal methods often appear protective against BV, one of the most common disruptions.
