Fluconazole and IBS

Have you ever suspected that your IBS might be caused, connected, or worsened by Candida overgrowth? I have wondered about that for years.

IBS, dermatitis, and yeast infections

The main reason why this idea occurred to me is because of other issues I experience, especially on my skin. I get dermatitis quite regularly, and my doctor prescribed me a cream used to treat yeast infections for that. In addition to that, I also get yeast infections at certain points during my hormonal cycle, such as during ovulation and right before my period. This, combined with my IBS, has led me to question myself: what if this was Candida?

Secretly suspecting Candida

I’ve suspected Candida for a while and have even done quite a lot of research on it. Unfortunately, the diet recommended to kill it off would never work for me. Almost every safe food I have would need to be cut out, and I just know that starving myself will not help my health in the long run.

So, I finally decided to see a doctor and lay out all the symptoms I had which led me to my personal conclusion. The IBS, recurrent dermatitis, and yeast infections—it all sounds like Candida overgrowth, right?

Well, my doctor thought so, too. And promptly prescribed me a six-month Fluconazole treatment. I was supposed to take one dose every 10 days during the entire period. So, I bought the medication, went home, and took my first dose.

Fluconazole treatment—the answer?

First of all, I can’t say that I was thrilled to be taking medication for so long. It didn’t help that Fluconazole has a worryingly long list of potential side effects. But the promise of getting rid of my symptoms sounded far too good!

So, let’s start with the positive: despite being scared about Fluconazole making me sick (it does mention stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea as a possible side effect), I was completely fine. No flares, no symptoms at all.

The problem is, I felt nothing whatsoever. Or actually, I did, because I’m still under the impression that it made my yeast infections and skin issues worse. But maybe that’s just because I was convinced they would get better, and they didn’t.

The weeks went on, and nothing changed. No improvement, no signs of the medication doing anything. Except for potentially damaging my liver (another possible side effect that I was constantly scared about).

After a month and a half went by and I had ingested four tablets, I didn’t know what to do anymore. So, I read the package insert again. There, it mentioned in black and white that one dose was enough to treat a yeast infection, and yet, mine were far from being treated! On the contrary, I was relying on my creams more than ever.

Back to the beginning

Finally, I had to face the truth. Despite being so sure that Candida was the issue, I had to accept that I might have been wrong. Or that fluconazole just wasn’t the right treatment. In any case, I stopped taking it. After all, there’s no use to risk side effects when there’s no benefit, right?

What’s interesting to me is that while all my symptoms pointed in one direction and the diagnosis seemed straightforward, it seems to have been wrong anyway. After that experience and giving the topic a good amount of thought, I’m tempted to think that my skin issues and yeast infections might be due to external factors like the hard water we have. But who knows! Maybe one day, I’ll be able to get a test for this and be sure. Until then, I won’t be trying Fluconazole again. Still, I don’t regret taking it. At least now I know.

Have you ever taken Fluconazole for Candida overgrowth and if yes, has it helped you?