Yes, having sex while infected with a yeast infection can cause pain and discomfort for both partners. In addition, sexual contact with a partner infected with a yeast infection can transmit the infection to the genitals and mouth of the other person.
It’s best to avoid sex until you have a clear diagnosis and are finished with treatment. Generally, this means waiting a few days.
Symptoms
A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida in the vagina. It typically results in itching and a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge that may irritate the skin of the vulva. Infections are most common in women, but they can affect men and infants. The normal balance of bacteria in the genitals normally prevents Candida from growing out of control, but sexual activity can disrupt that balance and cause an infection.
Yeast infections can last for up to seven days, so it’s important to wait until symptoms have stopped to have sex. This includes oral sex and penetration with a penis, because the friction can make it more difficult for the infection to clear up.
When you see your gynecologist, she or he will obtain a detailed history of your symptoms and look at the vulva and inside the vagina for signs of inflammation, redness and discharge. The doctor might also take a sample of your vaginal fluid with a swab and send it to a lab for testing.
Most yeast infections can be treated with an over-the-counter cream or suppository that you insert into your vagina for three to seven nights. For recurrent or complicated yeast infections, a longer course of treatment, such as a two-week or multidose oral medication like Monistat, may be required.
Treatment options
Yeast infections are quite common and many women or people assigned female at birth will have them in their lifetime. They are not a reflection of cleanliness or hygiene, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including antibiotics, pregnancy, hormone changes, a weakened immune system and more. Luckily, they are also easily treatable with medication that is available over-the-counter or by prescription.
Creams, ointments and suppositories containing antifungal ingredients such as miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole can be used to help clear yeast infection symptoms in the vagina. These can be purchased over-the-counter and some are safe to use during pregnancy. Oral medications, such as a single dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) can also be used to treat yeast infection but are not recommended for pregnant women.
It is important to remember that sex while a yeast infection is present can increase irritation in the vulva and cause the condition to last longer. If you are treating a yeast infection with medication it is best to wait until the treatment process is complete before having sex. It is also a good idea to discuss safe sex practices with your partner, as yeast infections can be transmitted from one person to another. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as washing genitals regularly, using non-scented soap and wearing loose cotton underwear in the vulva area.
Risk of reinfection
Many women have more than one yeast infection in their lifetime. The fungus causes pain during intercourse, itchiness in the vagina and penis area, vulva and rectum, a cottage cheese-like discharge, odor, or swelling of the vulva. Women who have a yeast infection can pass it on to their partners during unprotected sex. Yeast infections can cause the vulva to inflame, leading to an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Having sex before your yeast infection clears can also prolong symptoms like itching and burning.
It’s hard to say how long it takes for medication to clear your system because it depends on the severity of the infection, your personal comfort level, and the type of treatment you receive. It may take a week or more for your yeast infection to go away with over-the-counter medications like Monistat or Gyno-Daktarin. If you’re treating your infection with a longer course of topical or oral medicine, you must wait until that ends before having sex.
Penetrative sex can actually disrupt the treatment process because it pushes creams, ointments, and suppositories right out of your vagina, which means you won’t get the full dose. In addition, some of these treatments contain oil that can erode latex condoms. That’s why it’s best to use a rubber-based condom or switch to non-penetrative sex to minimize the risks.
Communication with your partner
Yeast infections can cause painful and itchy genitals, which can make sex uncomfortable. It’s also possible to spread yeast to a partner during unprotected oral or penile contact, especially if you’re using a vaginal cream or suppositories.
Some of the oils used in these treatments can cause condoms to break, which can increase your risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It’s best to use a barrier method like a barrier condom, diaphragm or spermicidal jelly during sex until your yeast infection is clear.
It’s important to communicate with your partner about how you feel during this time. You might want to consider having non-sexual physical intimacy during this time, such as cuddling or holding hands. You can also engage in activities that promote emotional closeness, such as going on a picnic or cooking dinner together.
It’s also a good idea to talk with your partner about what you can do during the yeast infection wait period to maintain emotional and sexual intimacy. For example, if you have a favorite movie or song that’s particularly meaningful to you, you can tell your partner about it so they can watch it later. They might also be able to find other ways to connect with you during the yeast infection wait period, such as talking on the phone or going out for a meal.
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