Can You Get Pregnant With Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are common and not harmful to your chances of pregnancy. In fact, they may decrease the willingness to engage in intercourse which could lead you down a slippery slope towards infidelity or even divorce!Yeast forms colonies of fungi called candida albicans on skin cells this causes an itchy feeling with possibly redness if scratched too much during an outbreak cycle but no need for alarm as long term symptoms arent present other than some dry patches where there were large numbers clumps laid down before treatment began.
Does This Mean My Partner Has A Yeast Infection
If you have a yeast infection, its possible that you contracted it from your partner.
On the flipside, if youve engaged in sexual activity since you discovered your yeast infection, its possible you passed the infection to your partner.
About of people who have penises and engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection go on to develop a penile yeast infection.
If you believe you have a yeast infection, tell any active or recent sexual partners so they can seek treatment.
You may also consider taking a break from sex until you and any active sexual partners are symptom-free. This will prevent you from transmitting the same infection back and forth.
Should I Call My Doctor If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection
Yes, you need to see your doctor to find out for sure if you have a yeast infection. The signs of a yeast infection are much like those of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea . So, its hard to be sure you have a yeast infection and not something more serious.
If youve had vaginal yeast infections before, talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter medicines.
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How Are Yeast Infections Treated
Yeast infections can be cured with antifungal medicines that come as:
These products can be bought over the counter at the drug store or grocery store. Your doctor can also prescribe you a single dose of oral fluconazole . But do not use this drug if you are pregnant.
Infections that dont respond to these medicines are starting to be more common. Using antifungal medicines when you dont really have a yeast infection can raise your risk of getting a hard-to-treat infection in the future.
What Causes A Yeast Infection
Your body is home to lots of bacteria, which is important for your health. But if this balance of good bacteria changes, it can trigger a yeast infection.
Certain things can affect your balance of bacteria, including:
- taking antibiotics
- a weak immune system caused by diabetes or HIV
- hormone replacement therapy
The candida fungus also likes to grow in warm, moist places, which is why yeast infections are common in the genital area.
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Are Yeast Infections Contagious Through Oral
Oral sex can cause yeast infection although it is not very common. It is important however, to remember that there are other areas that may be affected by the yeast infection as well in addition to the gentiles. Oral yeast infection in the mouth is very common as well.
Since it is normal to find candida and yeast in many parts of the body, the exposure to the yeast infection from oral sex is not considered a major risk to healthy people. People with a weakened immune system, or uncontrolled diabetes however, are at a higher risk. Additional risk factors include antibiotic use, certain medication, ongoing stress levels, and others.
To learn more about about the common risk factors and causes, see: yeast overgrowth risk factors and causes. Might be useful if you consider having sex with a yeast infection.
The oral sex yeast infections connection was mentioned in the medical literature, with some research data suggesting the possibility of getting a yeast infection from oralsex. This connection however was explained by the fact that intercourse with yeast infection usually causes pain. For this reason, many couples did choose to have oral sex instead of intercourse .
Bottom line: oral sex may be a safer option if you choose to have sex with a yeast infection. If you use use vaginal creams as a part of the treatment however, oral sex may not be a good idea.
Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Some of the most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:
- itching in the vaginal area
- a burning sensation while peeing or having sex
- pain while having sex
- a rash in the vaginal area
Apart from these, those women that have a yeast infection are also most likely to experience vaginal discharge that is white-grey and looks chunky like cottage cheese. At the same time, some women might also experience vaginal discharge that is more on the watery side.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are more likely to worsen as time passes that is why immediate medical attention is very important.
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How To Prevent Yeast Infection
Some ways to prevent yeast infection are:
- taking a balanced diet
- including yogurt in your diet or supplements containing Lactobacillus
- wearing undergarments made with cotton or linen
- washing undergarments in hot water
- avoid wearing tight undergarments
- do not use feminine products that are scented
- avoid wearing wet undergarments
- stay away from taking hot baths regularly
How Long Should You Wait After Treatment
Having sex while undergoing treatment for a yeast infection may slow down the healing process.
Also, if a persons partner develops a yeast infection, it is possible that the infection will get passed back and forth. A person should generally avoid sexual activity until all the symptoms clear up.
Yeast infections usually clear relatively rapidly once a person begins treatment. Many over-the-counter treatment options require up to
- swelling of the labia
- white, clumpy discharge
When left untreated, the symptoms will typically get worse. However, some mild yeast infections may get better without treatment.
People can often treat a yeast infection at home using OTC remedies. These treatments usually contain one of the following ingredients:
When a person develops a yeast infection for the first time, they should see a doctor to ensure they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
People should also seek medical advice if OTC treatments are not effective. A doctor may recommend alternative treatments, including oral medication.
Finally, a person should seek medical attention if they:
- have four or more yeast infections in a year
5 sourcescollapsed
- Bitew, A., & Abebaw, Y. . Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Species distribution of Candida and their antifungal susceptibility pattern. BMC Women’s Health, 18, 94
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Causes And Risk Factors
Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Its normal for this yeast to live in the mucous membranes lining the genitals. There are usually only small amounts of it, though, so it doesn’t cause any problems.
But the healthy balance of microorganisms living in the membranes is sometimes disrupted for instance, through pregnancy or medication.
The level of estrogen in the body is particularly high during pregnancy. That can upset the healthy balance and increase the likelihood of developing a vaginal yeast infection. Taking the contraceptive pill affects a woman’s hormone levels in a similar way to pregnancy. So women who take the pill are also more likely to have yeast infections.
Some illnesses increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections. These include diabetes and other diseases that weaken the immune system. Various medications can increase the risk too, such as , steroids, hormone therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Other factors that increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections include stress, washing your genitals with soap, wearing synthetic and tight clothes, sweating and using non-breathable panty liners or sanitary pads. These things allow the yeast to thrive, leading to an inflammation.
Can You Get A Yeast Infection From Stress
If youre stressed out, your immune system cant fight the yeast infection thats growing in there.Faced with major life changes like planning a wedding or getting married having children and then divorcing oneself from those responsibilities for one partner who doesnt want them There are many other ways women deal with stress such as unemployment . All these things compromise their health to some degree because they affect our body differently but it seems this way has been linked most closely With Yeast Infection
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What Causes A Yeast Infection After Sex
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Diagnosis Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Diagnosing vaginal yeast infections is a very easy task. The doctor might ask about the patients medical history and whether they had it previously or not. Apart from that, the doctor might also ask about whether they have suffered from a sexually transmitted disease.
Additionally, a pelvic exam can also follow where the doctor examines the cervix and the vaginal walls. They can also look for any signs of infections. Next, the doctor might take some samples of your vaginal cells to be examined in a laboratory. Such tests are extremely helpful if the woman has a case of recurring yeast infections or if they have a hard time getting rid of the infection.
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Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatments
The good news is that most yeast infections are fairly easy to treat with antifungal medication. Your health care provider may write you a prescription for a one-dose oral medication that usually clears up a yeast infection in a day or two. Or you can use over-the-counter antifungal creams or vaginal suppositories which also help reduce symptoms within a few days.
If this is the first time youre having vaginal discharge or you have more frequent or intense yeast infection symptoms, its a good idea to visit your health care provider. They can do an exam to make sure there isnt another type of infection and prescribe additional or stronger treatments for persistent infections.
Treating The Sex Partner
The research data on this topic is quite limited and controversial. Some studies suggest that the treatment of the sexual partner may be helpful in the prevention of recurrent yeast infections . Other studies however, found that treating the sexual partner with antifungals wasnt effective .
Based on our practice working with many couples, we have found that the most important fact is to identify and treat the root cause of the infection. Most cases of recurrent yeast infections occur when the root cause of the infection wasnt properly addressed during the treatment. When this happens, treating your partner has very little value in preventing your yeast infection from coming back.
To learn more on the causes of yeast infection and how properly address the infection see:
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When It Comes To Whether Or Not You Should Have Sex While You Are Treating A Yeast Infection Experts’ Opinions Vary
Dr. Dweck said that although having sex with an active yeast infection isn’t necessarily dangerous, it could be uncomfortable or lead to a longer healing process.
“The intense vaginal itching and burning and inflammation of the tissues may make sex uncomfortable,” said Dr.Dweck. “Thrusting could also cause further tissue inflammation, hindering the healing process. In addition, internal anti-yeast creams can leak out or be irritating to a partner during sex.”
All in all, whether or not you opt to have intercourse while dealing with a yeast infection is up to you but you may want to discuss it with your doctor and your partner first.
How Long Should You Wait To Have Sex After A Yeast Infection
Look, we get it. Putting sex on hold might not be ideal, but its so worth it to wait when youre dealing with any type of vaginal infection. Plus, you really only need to wait until all of your symptoms are cleared up and youve finished treatment. Most antifungal treatments take effect rather quickly, so this typically means waiting about seven days after the onset of symptoms and until all symptoms are gone, according to Dr. Gersh. That said, some infections take longer to clear or require a stronger and longer treatment protocol, so resuming sexual activities after seven days may not be realistic depending on your situation. Also, if your partner is being treated, make sure symptoms have cleared up for both of you. When in doubt, ask your doctor. They can determine if the infection is gone and if its safe to have sex.
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What Happens If You Have Sex With A Yeast Infection
Having sex with a yeast infection can cause some painful or uncomfortable symptoms, including increased irritation, redness, itching, and painful urination. Though rare, it is also possible that you can pass your yeast infection along to your partner during sex. Finally, if youre using a topical treatment for your yeast infection and engaging in protected sex, it can increase the risk of condom breakage.
How To Reduce Your Risk For Future Yeast Infections
You can reduce your risk for genital yeast infections by using an outside condom or dental dam to minimize the spread of bacteria. This can also reduce your partners risk of developing oral thrush.
Generally speaking, you may be able to reduce your risk for any type of yeast infection if you:
- Take a daily probiotic supplement.
- Cut down on carbohydrate- and sugar-rich foods.
- Eat more Greek yogurt, as it contains bacteria that keeps yeast at bay.
- Wear breathable cotton undergarments.
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Risks Of Having Sex With A Yeast Infection
Having sex with a candidiasis infection can be risky.
Assuming one has this infection, there are potential risks associated with having sexual intercourse while infected.
For starters, candidiasis is often accompanied by itchiness and burning sensations in the affected area, which can be uncomfortable and may make sexual activity unpleasant.
In addition, having sex with an infection can increase your risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases, as the tissue in the affected area is more susceptible to tearing. If your partner has a yeast infection, there is also a risk of passing the infection back and forth between you.
Finally, candidiasis can sometimes lead to bladder infections. So, considering having sex while you have this infection, its crucial to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding.
Treatment Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Treatment of a yeast infection is decided by the doctor based on how severe the symptoms are. Not all yeast infections are the same that is why the doctor might suggest a different treatment for different types of it.
-
SIMPLE YEAST INFECTIONS
For simple yeast infections, the doctor might suggest ointments, creams suppositories or pills with antifungal properties. These might be prescribed for 1 to 3 days. Some common medicines for treating simple yeast infections are:
In the case of simple yeast infections, women need to go for follow-ups as well. A follow-up is also necessary if the signs have come back within the period of 2 months. For those that do not want to see a doctor can also go for over the counter medications.
-
COMPLICATED YEAST INFECTIONS
Sometimes yeast infections can also be complicated with severe symptoms like:
- if a woman has had four yeast infection in a year
- Candida albicans is responsible for most yeast infections, and if it is not caused by it then it can be termed as complicated
- diabetes that is not controlled
- a weakened immune system
- if it occurs in someone that has HIV or is pregnant
Treatment for complicated yeast infections include:
- antifungal suppository, cream, ointment for a period of two weeks
- doses of fluconazole for two to three times
- fluconazole as a long term treatment method usually recommended for six weeks
- topical application of antifungal medicines again for long term use
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How Do You Treat A Yeast Infection
If youve had a yeast infection before and you know youve got the symptoms again, you may be able to get medicine from a pharmacist without seeing your doctor first.
The good news is that if you do have a yeast infection, the person you’ve had sex with wont need treatment unless they also get symptoms.
As mentioned above, the yeast infection should go away within 7 to 14 days of treatment. If it keeps coming back and you get it more than 4 times in a year, your doctor may advise you to use a treatment for a longer period of time, which could be anything up to 6 months.
How K Health Can Help
Having signs of a yeast infection but dont want to go all the way to the doctors office?
Did you know that you can get yeast infection treatment online through K Health?
We have clinicians available 24/7 to get you the care or medication that you need.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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Sti Vs Uti Vs Yeast Infection
Infections that occur in or near the vaginal area can lead to worsening problems if you dont address them quickly. The most accurate way to tell the difference between a yeast infection, urinary tract infection , and an STI is to see your primary care doctor or gynecologist if you have one. They can do a physical exam and run lab tests to check for unique markers of each condition.
Because some STIs and yeast infections can share similar symptoms, differentiating between the two is especially challenging. For example, some STIs like herpes, genital warts, and trichomoniasis can present with unusual discharge, itchiness, and irritation, similar to a yeast infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You might even notice a vaginal odor. If youve had unprotected sex, its a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit your local urgent care clinic as soon as you can to determine if the symptoms are related to an STI or yeast infection.
On the other hand, the symptoms of a UTI vs. yeast infection are very different, according to the Office on Womens Health. Some common symptoms of a UTI include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, pressure in the lower abdomen, and passing frequent, small amounts of urinenone of which would typically be the case for a yeast infection. In any case, having sex with a UTI, STI, or yeast infection isnt a good idea.