The vaginal yeast infections are commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which can overgrow and cause symptoms such as changes in flow, itching, redness, itching in the genital area, and inconvenience to the sex or the missionary. Vaginal candidiasis is very common among women, and those who develop it often ask different questions, especially those related to the possibility of having sexual intercourse during their condition, is it recommended or, on the contrary, is it better to suspend them until the infection is cured? Discover the answer to can I have sex if I have vaginal yeast? In this FastlyHealarticle and other frequent doubts that arise around this condition.
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Can you have sex with vaginal yeast? – What gynecologists say
Before answering this question, we will clarify why fungi develop in the female genital area and know the most frequent causes of their condition. The most common fungus, Candida albicans, is found in different parts of the body in small amounts. Still, when there is an imbalance of microorganisms in the genitals, and the Candida Albicans fungus grows excessively, it causes a vaginal infection, known as a vaginal yeast infection. Although all women can suffer from it at some point in their lives, certain factors can increase the chances of taking antibiotics, being pregnant, overweight, having diabetes, experiencing hormonal changes, having a weakened immune system, or using harsh substances, words, and irritating soaps.
One of the most frequent questions among women who suffer from it is, can I have sexual intercourse if I have vaginal yeast infections? And when faced with this question, gynecologists make it clear: it is recommended to suspend sexual intercourse temporarily until the vaginal infection has healed completely. This is mainly due to two reasons, and we detail them below:
Worsening infection
Vaginal yeast infection causes symptoms in women such as whitish, thick, and watery vaginal discharge, vaginal itching and stinging, redness of the vulva, tenderness in the labia majora, discomfort when urinating, and having sexual intercourse. The friction and rubbing during intercourse can worsen all of these symptoms and contribute to irritation and inflammation of the vaginal tissues, so the existing infection can worsen and take longer to heal.
Risk of contagion
Although vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease because it can be contracted without intercourse, it can be transferred to men during sex. In this case, the affected male partner may present symptoms such as rash, redness, itching, and burning on the penis. Therefore, this is one of the main reasons it is not advisable to have sex with vaginal fungi without using the proper protection (condoms and mouth guards). We show more details in the article Fungi on the glans: symptoms and treatment.
Can I have intercourse while treating vaginal yeast infection?
The treatment of vaginal yeast is based on the administration of antifungal medications, which will help stop the excessive growth and proliferation of the Candida Albicans fungus. These can be used locally (vaginal creams, suppositories, or ovules) or taken orally (capsules or tablets), depending on the severity of the infection. In general, they work effectively in 1 to 7 days, but it is important not to stop treatment even if the symptoms have disappeared, as the infection may not have been completely cured. Medical indications regarding the dose and duration of therapy should always be followed.
Maintaining sexual intercourse for the duration of the yeast treatment, always using a condom, does not entail any significant health risk. Still, as we have commented in the previous section, the symptoms can be aggravated during intercourse, which would greatly slow down recovery, affecting the effectiveness of the antifungal drugs used. Thus, it is best to avoid having sex until treatment is complete and the infection is cured.
The following article shows the most effective natural remedies for vaginal yeast infection that can complement drug treatment.
If I have vaginal yeast infections, does my partner need treatment?
Although the risk of contagion is not very high, a man can suffer from candidiasis after having had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with his infected partner. In this case, you will have an itchy rash on the penis, so it will be advisable to see your doctor or a urologist for a check-up and start the timely treatment. Those men who have not been to circus or diabetes have a greater risk of contracting the infection.
If the couple is a woman, the risk of contagion is more significant, and she may also present the infection later. For this reason, you should go to the gynecologist and start antifungal treatment if you submit any symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
Can I get pregnant if I have a yeast infection?
In addition to the question, can I have intercourse if I have vaginal yeast infections, many women also wonder if suffering from this infection will affect their fertility in some way and if they will be able to get pregnant when suffering from it? The answer is YES, as there is no scientific evidence to show that yeast infection reduces a woman’s chances of conceiving a baby.
However, by experiencing itching, discomfort, and irritation, the desire to have sex with your partner will likely decrease, and that sex will be painful and uncomfortable.
If you are trying to conceive a baby, we recommend that you quickly consult the article Calculate fertile days.
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 have vaginal yeast? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
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.