Treatment for vaginal yeast infections include antifungal medications such as Monistat. While the medication is effective in treating specific infections, it is important to follow certain instructions. For instance, a common question posed by women and sexual partners is – can you have sex while using Monistat? Following subsections offer a detailed look at the antifungal medication, including the mechanism of action, thereby offering answers to the question. The straight answer to the question is No, individuals are not to indulge in sex when the woman is on antifungal medication Monistat. A detailed description to elaborate on the answer, follows in the sections below.
Overview of Monistat
Monistat is an over-the-counter antifungal medication for treating vaginal yeast infections, caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus. Vaginal yeast infections are attributed to antibiotics, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system that may disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina, allowing overgrowth of Candida. Monistat products are available as creams, suppositories, and ovules, containing the active ingredient miconazole. Monistat is inserted into the vagina to treat infections, and works by killing the Candida fungus and restoring the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Monistat is not effective in treating all types of vaginal infections and in the event of persistent symptoms, women are advised to seek specialist assistance.
Available in several strengths and formats, the treatment duration using Monistat can vary from 3 days to 7 days, depending on the formulation and strength, listed below.
Monistat 1: This is a single-dose treatment that contains 1200 mg of miconazole nitrate.
Monistat 3: This is a three-day treatment that contains 200 mg of miconazole nitrate per dose.
Monistat 7: This is a seven-day treatment that contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate per dose.
Monistat Vaginal Cream: This is a single-dose treatment that contains 1200 mg of miconazole nitrate.
Monistat Vaginal Ovules: This is a multi-dose treatment that contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate per dose.
Mechanism of action
The active ingredient in Monistat, miconazole, belongs to the category of imidazoles. It works by disrupting the cell membrane of the Candida fungus, causing the leakage of essential cell components and ultimately leading to the death of the fungus. Miconazole binds to 14-alpha-demethylase, an enzyme which is involved in the synthesis of ergosterol, a component of the fungal cell membrane. By binding to this enzyme, miconazole disrupts the normal biosynthesis of ergosterol, leading to a deficiency in the cell membrane and making it more permeable. This causes an influx of potassium ions, which leads to the death of the fungus. Monistat is not effective against bacteria, viruses or other non-fungal pathogens.
Use of the medication before sexual intercourse
With the basic information outlined, it is time to answer the question – can you have sex while using Monistat? It is generally not recommended to have sexual intercourse while using Monistat, or any other vaginal antifungal medication. The medication can weaken condoms and diaphragms, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, the medication can also be transferred to a partner during intercourse, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Women are likely to experience more irritation in the vagina if indulging in sex after application or insertion of Monistat. Additionally, the desired outcome from the medication may also be affected due to sexual intercourse, as the act may have a direct effect on reducing the medication quantity.
Simple instructions to be followed when using Monistat
Most antifungal creams and suppositories are to be inserted into the vagina for a specified period of time, typically for 3 to 7 days. It is also important to avoid using any other vaginal products, such as douches or powders, while using Monistat, as these can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and worsen symptoms. Couples can indulge in sexual activity other than vaginal intercourse when on Monistat and also preferably during the course of treatment.
Commonly reported side effects
Monistat, like any other medication, can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. The most common side effects associated with Monistat are mild and include local irritation. There is the likelihood of experiencing burning sensations, itching, or redness in the vaginal area after using Monistat. Typically, such symptoms improve or resolve a few days after commencing treatment. Other effects include possible allergic reactions, such as hives, outbreak of rashes, or difficulty in breathing. These are rare in occurrence, and in the event of experiencing any allergic symptoms, the medication is to be stopped immediately and the individuals is to seek medical attention. Side effects also include headaches, and possible gastrointestinal issues. Women may experience feelings of nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or flatulence when on Monistat.
Drug interactions of Monistat
Monistat may interact with other medications that are applied on the skin or vagina, for instance, other vaginal creams or suppositories, douches, or other vaginal products. These interactions can cause irritation or allergic reactions, and are likely to reduce the efficacy of the medication. Therefore, it is important to avoid using any other vaginal products while using Monistat. The formulation may also interact with certain oral medications, including blood-thinners, oral contraceptives, or diabetic medications. It is necessary to inform healthcare providers about all existing conditions and medications in use prior to treatment with Monistat. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women panning a pregnancy are to specifically inform the healthcare provider as the use of Monistat requires caution in such circumstances.
Summary – use of Monistat and sexual intercourse
Engaging in vaginal intercourse while on Monistat treatment is likely to aggravate vaginal irritation, and may compromise the effectiveness of the antifungal medication. Sexual intercourse when on Monistat may weaken condoms and diaphragms and this may elevate the risk of pregnancy. This could also expose the individuals to sexually transmitted diseases as the oil-based nature of Monistat cream and suppositories, may cause damage to barriers. It is therefore recommended to desist from sex during treatment and specifically after Monistat has been applied in some form.