One of the best-known antifungals is clotrimazole, which is part of the drugs called imidazoles, which treat infections caused by fungi. In the vagina, it is explicitly used to treat infections caused by the yeast Candida Albicans.
Clotrimazole works by stopping the growth of the fungi that cause the fungal infection. It is a drug that can be purchased without a prescription and is available in forms such as ovules and creams. The dose will depend on the presentation acquired.
One of the usual recommendations when indicating clotrimazole cream is to avoid having sexual intercourse. If you want to know why we invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle in which we answer the question: can I have intercourse if I am using clotrimazole cream?
Table of Contents
Clotrimazole cream: what is it for
Clotrimazole vaginal is an antifungal medicine that belongs to the group of imidazoles like miconazole, fluconazole or ketoconazole. It is used to treat infections caused by yeast or fungi, specifically of the candida Albicans type, an uncomplicated vaginal infection.
It is available under its generic name clotrimazole or different trade names, such as vaginal Canesten or gyne-Canesten.
It works basically by preventing the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a membrane that covers the fungus. As there is no synthesis of this protective layer, the fungus becomes vulnerable, depriving it of the pharmacological action of clotrimazole cream.
Although vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, there is an increased risk of contracting it when having regular sexual activities for the first time. It is caused by a significant increase in the yeast Candida Albicans. It is expected that there are small amounts of this fungus in the vagina without causing any symptoms. However, when modifications are in the protective genital flora, its growth may be relevant until this vaginal yeast infection occurs.
Clotrimazole is used worldwide because many women (75%) usually suffer from vaginal candidiasis at least once in their lives. Between 40 and 45% have two or more episodes of vaginal or long-term candidiasis—in their life.
Can you have intercourse using clotrimazole cream?
Clotrimazole cream is applied to the vulva in case of vaginal yeast infections, and while the treatment lasts, sexual intercourse is not recommended. First of all, with sex, the secretions from the vagina increase, and this can influence the effectiveness of clotrimazole.
Second, the movements are likely to aggravate or worsen the irritation and bothersome symptoms that this condition brings, causing you not to enjoy sex usually and slowing down the healing process.
Also, keep in mind that, during treatment, having sex using contraceptive methods such as the condom or the diaphragm is not recommended since there is the possibility of causing damage to them directly affecting birth control.
Although vaginal candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, it is expected that when having sex, your partner ends up with a rash, redness, and burning, typical symptoms of what is known as candidal balanitis. In this case, the man should also use clotrimazole as a treatment.
Vaginal candidiasis is an uncomplicated vaginal infection, but it will always be necessary to use treatment with clotrimazole, a highly effective drug against infections of this type.
After an infection, when can I have sex?
Every woman knows that nothing is more annoying than having sex while having a vaginal infection. It will depend on the severity and the time it has started to be treated so that this vaginal infection can disappear. Symptoms can disappear even in 48 hours, and only chronic yeast infections may require treatment for a longer time.
As for sexual intercourse after vaginal candidiasis, it is best to wait at least 48-72 hours once the treatment with clotrimazole cream has been completed to resume them, considering the specifications previously given by the specialist.
The duration of treatment will depend on the infection, so a specialized assessment will always be necessary. Feel free to consult your gynecologist immediately if symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment or if symptoms persist for up to 7 days after completing treatment with clotrimazole.
What dose of clotrimazole cream should I use?
The dose will depend on the presentation of the clotrimazole cream:
- Clotrimazole 100 mg/gr (5 g cream): the usual dose for this presentation is a single dose once a day at night.
- Clotrimazole 20 mg (20 g cream): the usual dose for this presentation is three applications for 3 consecutive days, once a day at night.
Both presentations are available in cream with the disposable applicator. This should be introduced into the vagina as deeply as possible, lying on the back and with the legs semi-bent.
Treatment can be extended even from 7 to 14 days, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
Precautions when using clotrimazole cream
Although it is a drug that can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies, certain precautions should be taken into account, such as:
- In the case of hypersensitivity to the compound clotrimazole, its use is contraindicated.
- For the treatment to be effective, it is essential to use clotrimazole until the indicated doses are finished.
- If you miss a dose, do not apply a double dose. Wait for the next one and use it usually.
- Treatment is recommended to start after menstruation and must end before starting it.
- Avoid using tampons, spermicides, and douching during treatment.
- If symptoms get worse, see your doctor right away.
- Protect intimate clothing with the use of panty liners since there is a possibility that during the day, you will be expelling traces of cream and staining your underwear.
Many of the adverse reactions of clotrimazole cream are related to dermatological symptoms: redness, inflammation, irritation, burning, itching, rash, and peeling of the skin.
Treatment with clotrimazole is relatively safe and innocuous when used in pregnancy and lactation. However, a prior gynecologist assessment will always be recommended in both cases.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can I have sex if I’m using clotrimazole cream? We recommend that you enter our Sexuality category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.