Yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast normally lives in the mouth, gut and vagina, but an overgrowth can cause symptoms like itching and painful urination.
Yeast infections can be treated with antifungal creams, ointments and suppositories that are available without prescription at most drugstores. Sex should be avoided until symptoms clear up for both partners.
Yeast Infections Aren’t Contagious
It’s uncommon for a yeast infection to be spread during sexual activity. That said, it’s not a sexually transmitted disease (STI). A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Candida is a common yeast that can live on the skin and inside the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. Typically, the immune system keeps Candida under control. But in some circumstances, like a moist environment and certain medical conditions, Candida can grow out of control.
Both women and men can get a vaginal yeast infection. Men can also get a yeast infection in the penis, which is called candidal balanitis.
The symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to other conditions, so if you think you have one, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will take a sample of your vaginal discharge and examine it under a microscope to confirm a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are usually easy to treat with prescription antifungal medications. Your doctor may prescribe vaginal creams, oral meds, or both. Women who are breastfeeding and people who have weakened immune systems might need a longer course of medication than others. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking your meds, and don’t share any with your partner. You should also avoid sharing toothbrushes, towels, or underwear. This is how infections can spread to other parts of the body.
Penis Holders Can Get Yeast Infections
A yeast infection affects the genital area of the body, either the vagina or penis. Yeast infections can be painful and uncomfortable and may cause itching, redness, and/or pain with urination. Yeast infections are usually caused by a fungal overgrowth of the Candida yeast, a bacteria that’s normally found in small numbers in the genitals and mouth. Over time, this fungus can grow out of control and create thick, white clumpy vaginal discharge that doesn’t smell good.
Sexual contact changes the normal balance of bacteria in the genitals, which can make it easier for Candida to grow out of control. The fungus can also spread through penetrative sexual activity that introduces new bacteria to the body, such as oral sex and penetration with the finger, penis, or sex toys.
It’s best to avoid sex until the symptoms of the yeast infection have cleared up, usually a few days after you finish treatment and your symptoms are gone. It’s also important to use condoms during sex if you have a yeast infection, as some antifungal medications are oil-based and can cause lubricants to break down latex or polyisoprene condoms. This can increase your risk of pregnancy or an STI, which can have serious consequences for both partners. Yeast infections can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter and prescription treatments, including creams, ointments, suppositories, medicated tampons, and tablets.
Sex Can Make Yeast Infections Worse
Yeast infections aren’t sexually transmitted, but having sex while you have an infection can make the symptoms worse. Sex can irritate the skin in the vagina and cause it to break open, which can make the infection worse and prolong symptoms. It can also irritate the penis and cause itching, burning, and pain.
Having sex while you have an infection can also make your treatment less effective. You should avoid vaginal and oral sex or any type of penis-in-vagina sex until you have completely treated your yeast infection. These activities can make the symptoms of your infection worse and could spread the infection to your partner, who might have an untreated yeast infection himself. Additionally, sexual activity can exacerbate a yeast infection in the labia if they are swollen from inflammation or infection.
When you have sex, the friction can aggravate the inflammation and irritation. It can also make itching, burning, and itchy discharge more pronounced. And if you use a condom, friction can cause the rubber to rip or break.
If you do have sex, you should use a condom that’s made from latex or polyisoprene. This can reduce the risk of a condom breakage. You should also make sure to urinate after sex, which can help get rid of bacteria that could encourage an overgrowth of yeast.
Yeast Infections Can Be Passed Between Partners
It is possible to pass a yeast infection to your sexual partner, although this is very rare. It is also very important to use barrier methods, such as condoms, when engaging in vaginal and oral sex until you have fully treated your yeast infection. You should also refrain from sex until your symptoms have subsided, as the friction of sex can make the condition worse.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans. This type of yeast normally lives in the mucous membranes that line the genitals, but an overgrowth can occur for a variety of reasons. These include changes in hormone levels, pregnancy, and antibiotic use. Some medical conditions can also cause a yeast infection, such as diabetes and uterine fibroids.
A person with a yeast infection often has a whitish-yellowish vaginal discharge that is watery or chunky, and looks a bit like cottage cheese. They may have itching in the vulva and pelvic area, pain during sexual intercourse, and a swollen penis. A health care provider can diagnose a yeast infection by taking a sample of the discharge and looking at it under a microscope. There are other diseases that have similar symptoms, such as a urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis, so it is important to visit your doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis.
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