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Have you started experiencing yeast infections or UTIs since your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis?

Yes, this is actually a recognized issue for people with RA. Research shows that people with rheumatoid arthritis face more than twice the risk of UTIs compared to those without RA. This increased risk is particularly common Show Full Answer

Have you started experiencing yeast infections or UTIs since your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis?

Yes, this is actually a recognized issue for people with RA. Research shows that people with rheumatoid arthritis face more than twice the risk of UTIs compared to those without RA. This increased risk is particularly common in women and those who are older.

There are a few reasons why this happens:

RA itself affects your immune system: Since RA causes your immune system to be overactive and dysfunctional, it can make you more vulnerable to infections like UTIs and yeast infections.

RA medications can increase infection risk: Many RA treatments, including methotrexate and other DMARDs, work by suppressing your immune system. While this helps control RA symptoms, it also reduces your body's ability to fight off bacteria and yeast that cause these infections.

Corticosteroids add extra risk: If you're taking prednisone or other corticosteroids long-term, this further increases your likelihood of developing UTIs.

It's important to let your rheumatologist know about these infections. They may need to temporarily pause your RA medication while you're being treated with antibiotics or antifungals to help your immune system fight the infection more effectively.

Don't ignore symptoms - early treatment of UTIs and yeast infections is important to prevent them from becoming more serious or recurring.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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