Can You Have Sex With A Yeast Infection: Is It Safe Or Risky
- Oyewale Oyelami
Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common problem affecting men and women. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the body, which can occur for several reasons, such as taking antibiotics or having a weakened immune system. When someone has an infection, their mind may race with questions about what they can and cannot do. For example, one common question is can you have sex with a yeast infection?
This article will answer that question and provide other relevant information you need to know.
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Should I Call My Doctor Or Nurse If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection
Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection.
The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis . If left untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery.
Vaginal Yeast Infections And Safe Sex
Generally, it’s recommended to wait to have sex until after your infection clears which typically only takes one to seven days with antifungal medications.
If you’re considering having sex while you have a vaginal yeast infection, it’s important to first consider the risks.
For one thing, the vaginal itching and burning associated with yeast infections may make sex uncomfortable or painful and increase vaginal burning and inflammation.
Additionally, the friction involved with penetrative sex can cause tiny tears in the , making you more susceptible to STDs.
Another thing that might hinder you from having sex is the yeast infection treatment method you’re using.
What’s more, some medications contain oils that can break down condoms.
In general, yeast infections aren’t frequently spread from one partner to another during sex.
Even so, there are situations where it does happen.
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Do Yeast Infections Smell
Marion Davis | Answered November 22, 2021 A yeast infection usually doesnt cause vaginal odor. Danielle Lane | Answered August 24, 2021 A yeast infection typically will not cause any kind of smell to occur. Other vaginal infections can cause an odor. If you suspect you have a yeast infection, and your vaginal……
Can Sex Cause A Yeast Infection
Though a yeast infection is not generally considered a sexually transmitted infection , just like bacterial vaginosis, sexual activity can undoubtedly lead to an overgrowth of yeast and cause infection.
However, when the environment in these body parts changes, this yeast can grow out of control.
In addition, using condoms or diaphragms for birth control can also cause irritation, making infections more likely.
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How Do You Prevent A Penile Yeast Infection
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
- Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
- If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
- Discharge that changes color or consistency.
- Discharge that smells different than usual.
- Vaginal itching, burning, swelling or soreness.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, it can make you vulnerable to more serious conditions. Dont put off seeing your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. A simple course of antibiotics could set things straight.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/05/2020.
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.
Can You Get It From Kissing
You can transmit Candida fungus to a partner through kissing. But that doesnt mean that theyll develop thrush as a result.
Thrush happens when risk factors, like taking antibiotics or having a suppressed immune system, throw off your bodys natural balance of Candida albicans flora. So while kissing a person with thrush might contribute to having more Candida to deal with, it wont necessarily infect you. Remember that our bodies naturally have Candida.
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I Passed A Yeast Infection To My Partner Through Sex And It Wasnt Pretty
When becoming intimate in a new relationship, its normal to have a thousand thoughts firing off in your head during sex: Do I smell down there? How does my body look in this position? Is he going to orgasm? Am I ? But for me, those thoughts had never included Am I going to give my boyfriend a yeast infection?
Like many women, I was familiar with yeast infections. I knew the telltale symptoms and that hormonal birth control, antibiotics, or even wearing yoga pants all day might up your risk. But could you have sex with a yeast infection? The simple answer is yes. The bad news? It is possible to give your yeast infection symptoms to a partner during intercourse.
When my boyfriend and I were newly dating, I noticed sex felt a bit more painful than normal. I suspected I had the beginnings of a yeast infection, and mentioned to him that I needed to go to the drugstore to pick up an over-the-counter antifungal treatment. At the time, my S.O. didn’t tell me that he had also started to experience itching, pain, swelling, and, bizarrely enough, “peeling” downstairs. He didn’t connect his symptoms to my yeast infection, and instead, was concerned that he might have leprosy .
Regardless of how you contracted it, make an appointment with your doctor to confirm that your symptoms are in fact a yeast infection and get prescribed treatment. Dr. Fenske also suggests saline solution bathing, because it creates an environment that’s particularly for healing.
How To Prevent A Yeast Infection
Some preexisting conditions can predispose a person to develop a yeast infection. Some risk factors for contracting a yeast infection include an immunodeficiency condition, pregnancy, or diabetes.
There are also various dietary and hygiene choices that can lead to yeast infections. People with these health issues may have trouble managing their risk of yeast infections, but these lifestyle factors may be easier to avoid.
Actions that may make someone more susceptible to Candida overgrowth include:
- Wearing the same unwashed underwear over multiple days
- Sharing a toothbrush with someone who has oral thrush
- Not bathing thoroughly
- Not changing clothing after sweating profusely
- Sitting for extended periods of time in wet clothing or a wet swimsuit
People may consider these preventive techniques to avoid getting or spreading a yeast infection:
- Wearing condoms or dental dams
- Abstaining from sex until a yeast infection is resolved
- Washing your body regularly with unscented soap and water
- Avoiding a diet that is high in sugar
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing
- Wearing cotton underwear instead of polyester or synthetic fabrics
- Showering and changing clothes after exercising
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Yeast Infections & Sex: Your Questions Answered
Vaginal yeast infections affect approximately 1 million women in the United States each year. Although these infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections , sex can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection. Yeast infections can also make sex painful or uncomfortable. Happily, once diagnosed, most cases of yeast infections are easily treated with medication.
In this article, Ill describe the common symptoms and causes of yeast infections. Ill also cover whether yeast infections can spread between sexual partners and when its recommended to resume penetrative or oral sex after a yeast infection. Finally, Ill explain when its important to reach out to your provider for medical advice.
How Long Does It Take To Clear Up A Yeast Infection
Heather Blair | Answered August 2, 2021 Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories include miconazole and terconazole.Mar 17, 2021 Irma Barton | Answered November 25, 2020 More severe yeast……
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What Causes Yeast Infections
Common culprits for this imbalance are antibiotic use, frequent sexual intercourse, irritating soaps or deodorants, wearing tight-fitting undergarments, or any exposure to a hot and humid environment. The role diet plays in increasing the risk of a yeast infection is unclear, but candidal infections are more common in people with diabetes. They are sometimes the first clue to the presence of diabetes.
Male Yeast Infection Causes And Risk Factors
Candida albicans is a common fungus. Youâve probably got a small amount living in your mouth, digestive tract, or on moist parts of your skin. Women often have some in their . Most of the time, candida doesnât cause any problems. But if too much of it grows in one place, you get a yeast infection.
You could get this inside your mouth or as a skin infection. Men can also get a yeast infection on the tip of their . This leads to balanitis. Itâs more common in men who arenât circumcised and have a foreskin thatâs still intact.
Youâre more likely to get a yeast infection if you:
- Have been taking antibiotics for a long time
- Are sensitive to soaps, perfumes, and chemicals
You can also get a yeast infection on your through sex. If your partner has one, they could pass it on to you.
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Can I Have Sex If Im Treating A Yeast Infection
Engaging in intercourse is not advised while treating a yeast infection.
Treatment of this infection typically involves antifungal medications, such as creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories.
As a result, it is best to avoid sexual activity until the infection has completely healed. You should tell your partner if you have a candidiasis infection so they can get treatment.
How Can I Treat Genital Thrush
- Clean the infected area carefully, preferably in the shower rather than a bath. Make sure you dry the area well by patting it rather than rubbing it. This will help reduce the build-up of moisture in the area and make it more difficult for the fungus to survive.
- Dont use sprays, soaps, oils, disinfectants, shower gels or deodorants around the affected area, as these can cause further irritation.
- Avoid sharing your towels.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear to help to keep your genitals dry and cool and prevent the build-up of the fungus.
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Are Yeast Infections Contagious
Lets get right to the burning question: Is a yeast infection contagious? Yes and no. Its not really contagious in the way we normally think of something being contagious, and heres why: Your body chemistry can react to the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria present within your partners genitals or mouth, transferring yeast and causing your own yeast to grow. But this is not the same thing as spreading a sexually transmitted infection , according to Planned Parenthood. In the case of an STI, viruses or bacteria that are not naturally present in your body are introduced, causing a host of symptoms.
Practically speaking, though, you can pass a yeast infection to a partner, which is a big reason to wait to have sex. Another way you might transmit yeast is through kissing if you have an overgrowth of candida fungus in your mouth . Again, this is possible, but not likely. Thats because we all have candida present in our mouth, but it only becomes thrush when it overgrows. Otherwise, generally healthy people are not at an increased risk of developing thrush from close contact, per the Cleveland Clinic.
How Do You Treat A Male Yeast Infection
Even untreated, it often goes away by itself, but it can sometimes spread to the scrotum, inner thighs and buttocks. Luckily, treatment is simple: Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams used twice a day for between one to three weeks will clear the infection. An oral antifungal drug such as fluconazole is also almost always effective. Although various herbal remedies have been touted for women with yeast infections, theres no data on their efficacy in men, and traditional treatment is so safe and simple that theres no compelling reason to explore these possibilities.
Because the infection is transmitted to men by sexual intercourse, both partners should be treated so you dont keep re-infecting each other. However, if only the woman has evidence of a yeast infection, the risk of transmission is so low that theres no need to treat the male partner. Theres no compelling reason to limit sexual intercourse during treatment, but you should use a condom.
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How Long Does A Penile Yeast Infection Last
If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7 to 14 days.
If you are sexually active, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.
If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
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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How Long Does A Yeast Infection Usually Last
If this is your first yeast infection, your doctor will likely prescribe a short course of over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medication. This should clear up the infection within four to seven days.
Most antifungal medications are oil-based. Oil can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms. This means that if you rely on condoms to prevent pregnancy or disease during intercourse, you and your partner may be at risk.
If you opt for alternative treatments, your yeast infection may last several weeks or more. Some women have yeast infections that seem to resolve, but then reoccur soon afterward. These yeast infections may not fully go away without a round of antifungal medications and up to six months of maintenance treatments.