Yeast infections are prevalent in ladies. Yeast infection refers to the overgrowth of fungus referred to as Candida around the vagina. This fungus is usually harmless and stays within the body. But, under some conditions, the infection may grow, eventually leading to several problems.[1]
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether a woman can have sex with yeast infections or not. While it is possible to have sex with yeast infections, this can eventually get painful and may pave the way for several other years. As per the reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection post bacterial infection around the vagina.
Is sex during vaginal infection an option?
Vaginal yeast infections are common and affect many women. In vaginal yeast infection, women suffer from abnormal vaginal discharge, pain while urinating, and itching and burning sensation around the vagina. Although you can have sex on vaginal infection, it can eventually lead to painful sex.
Most women are unaware of having a vaginal yeast infection and having unprotected sex while on vaginal yeast infection can prove to be risky. The lack of symptoms is one of the main reasons why women don’t know about the condition.[2] Being sexually active can eventually lead to increased risk by the infection. In some cases, there are high chances of the symptoms returning. If they are not taken care of properly, there are high chances of the signs returning.
Another bigger risk of having sex while on yeast infection is that it can eventually transmit the infection from you to your partner.[3]
Transmission during sex
As said, there is a high probability of transmitting the infection to your sexual partner. But, the likelihood may vary depending on the condition.
Women having sex with her female partner has a higher risk of transmitting the infection than with a male. Nonetheless, one of the studies conducted has shown no evidence of women transmitting the infection to their female sexual partners.[4]
Men, too, can get affected by a yeast infection, but the probability is very low. Men may develop the symptoms of yeast infection only if they have sex with an infected period.[5] Comparatively, uncircumcised men are more prone to contracting a yeast infection.
It is essential to consider that yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection. Nonetheless, it is always suggested to adopt contraceptive and prevention methods such as condoms to prevent the yeast infection from spreading to your partner.
What are the causes of a yeast infection?
Candida mostly causes yeast infection. The fungus is active around different body parts such as skin, mouth, and vagina.[6] The vagina contains Lactobacillus bacteria that keep Candida in balance.
The absence of Lactobacillus allows Candida to outgrow, thereby leading to yeast infection. Some of the common reasons why you might be affected by yeast infection include the following.
- HIV
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Antibiotics
- Too much of sugar consumption
Yeast infections are easy to treat and will easily disappear as well if the hygiene is maintained. However, some people may experience recurring symptoms and infections. In this case, it is suggested to see a doctor who may prescribe the required OTC medicines to treat the condition.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
Often women don’t take the symptoms of yeast infection seriously, as they consider it to be general. However, it is necessary to know as soon as you feel discomfort around your vagina owing to any of the following reasons, you need to get in touch with your doctor.
- Painful sex
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Labia swelling
- Abnormal white discharge
- Painful urination
Although many women do not experience the symptoms of yeast infection, it is necessary to keep a check on it. If the symptoms are left untreated, a mild yeast infection may turn out to be a serious problem.
Sex delays healing
Being sexually active on yeast infection can prove to be extremely harmful. Why? Being sexually involved with your partner will not only increase the chances of passing the infection but will also delay the healing process.[7] Also, in some cases, sex may worsen the symptoms of yeast infection. This, however, will make it hard for you to heal.
How long will yeast infection last?
Women suffering from yeast infection for the first time need to see a doctor immediately. The doctor may recommend certain medications like over-the-counter medicines or antifungal medicines. If you follow the doctor’s advice, the yeast infection will vanish in the first seven days itself.
Most of the antifungal medicines are oil-based. The oil, however, can damage the latex and polyisoprene condoms. So, if you are on antifungal medicines and are engaging in sexual activity using a condom, there are high chances for the condom to get damaged. This increases the risk of pregnancy.[8]
However, there are other treatments as well, but these may take a long time for your yeast infection to help. Most women can subside the symptoms of yeast infection in a few days, but there are chances of them to reoccur.[9] If you rely on antibiotics to treat a yeast infection, it may take about more than six months to be healed completely.
When should you see a doctor?
The doctor may usually prescribe over-the-counter medicines that may contain the following.
- Terconazole
- Miconazole
- Butoconazole
Mild treatments can be of great help for getting over the problems. However, in some cases, over-the-counter medicines may not be helpful. Hence, in such cases, you may be prescribed to take up oral medication.[10]
Pregnant ladies can suffer from a yeast infection, too, which can get problematic and lead to complicated immune system problems.
Yeast infections aren’t a big problem because it can be easily solved. If the medicines are followed, and the doctor’s advice is consulted, the person can return to their healthy sexual life.
Consuming Spanish Fly (or as it is now called Spanish Fly Pro) can be of great help in boosting the libido, thereby enhancing the sexual life between you and your partner. However, before bringing any changes, make sure to consult the doctor.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1787055/
[2] Miceli MH, Díaz JA, Lee SA. Emerging opportunistic yeast infections. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2011;11(2):142–151. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459317/
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/features/fungal-infections.html
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