Can yeast infections be passed between partners during sex?

Dear Reader and Itchy mouth?, 

There are many things you can catch when you have sex: STIs, feelings, and yes, even yeast infections. Yeast infections are the itchy result of an overabundance of a type of fungus that naturally occurs in the body. These infections can occur in the genital, anal, and oral regions. Yeast infections can develop for a number of reasons, from other health conditions to hygiene habits. They can also be passed from one person to another during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. If you want to catch up on how you can catch a yeast infection by having sex, read on! 

What is a yeast infection? 

Everyone’s body naturally has the fungus Candida albicans. When there’s an overgrowth of this fungus it’s known as a yeast infection or thrush. Yeast infections can occur in the genital region (vaginal or penile yeast infections) and the mouth (oral thrush). 

The symptoms of a genital yeast infection for people with vaginas include: 

• a burning sensation during urination 
• thick white discharge 
• Itchiness 
• vaginal redness 
• pain 
• Swelling 

While penile yeast infections are more common for people with phimosis, they can occur without the presence of this condition. The symptoms of a genital yeast infection for people with penises include: 

• thick white (sometimes smelly) discharge 
• penile blisters 
• a burning or itching sensation around the head of the penis 

The symptoms of oral thrush include: 

• a burning sensation 
• white patches on the tongue, roof and throat, or inside the cheeks 
• redness 
• an unpleasant taste in the mouth 

How do you get a yeast infection?  

Since Candida naturally occurs in the body, certain conditions can lead to an overabundance of fungus growth.  You might be at increased risk of developing a genital yeast infection if you: 

• are on antibiotics that disrupt your normal flora. 
• have a suppressed immune system. 
• have diabetes (sugary saliva increases growth of Candida).  
• use scented tampons, douche or use a vaginal deodorant. 
• sit in sweaty clothes. 
• use harsh products on genitals. 
• don’t rise soap off or don’t dry off completely.  

When it comes to oral thrush, your risk can increase from dry mouth, smoking, wearing poorly fitting dentures, or using an inhaler for asthma. 

You can also get a yeast infection or oral thrush from having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has a yeast infection. For example, if you perform oral sex on someone who has a genital yeast infection, you’re at risk of developing oral thrush. If someone with thrush performs oral sex in either the anal or genital region it's possible to pass it to both of those locations. If you have penile-vaginal sex with an infected individual (regardless of which partner has it), you might develop a genital yeast infection. 

How are yeast infections treated?  

Genital yeast infections can be treated by using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications that contain active ingredients like miconazole and clotrimazole. These medications come in the form of creams, gels, and vaginal suppositories. Oral thrush can be treated with other OTC antifungal medications that come in the form of tablets, lozenges, or liquids. You might also find home remedies like gargling with salt water or a baking-soda and water mixture, eating yogurt, or swishing apple cider vinegar in your mouth helpful for treating oral thrush. But if you or your partner are having trouble shaking a yeast infection of any kind, you might consider speaking with a health care provider. 

Can you have sex while being treated for a yeast infection? 

While you’re recovering from a yeast infection, it’s recommended to avoid having sex. Not only can you spread your infection to sex partner(s) or sex toys, but it can slow your recovery, too. Having sex while infected can be painful, irritate your site of infection, and result in a longer infection time. 

If you’re taking an antifungal medication with miconazole, it’s especially recommended to avoid having sex. This is because friction can wipe off the cream and prevent you from getting a full dose of medication. Having sex while on miconazole can also increase the risk of pregnancy or development of sexually transmitted infections (STI). This is because these creams and suppositories are oil-based which can break down condoms and diaphragms. 

How can you prevent a yeast infection? 

You can prevent getting a yeast infection by: 

• wearing loose fitting clothing, 
• using fragrance free soap and menstrual products, 
• urinating after sex (especially if you have a vagina), 
• changing out of swimsuits when you’re done swimming, 
• only using antibiotics, when necessary, 
• showering regularly, making sure to clean all soap off and drying thoroughly, and 
• brushing your teeth twice a day.  

You can also prevent getting a yeast infection from sexual partner(s) by having open and honest conversations about whether you have a yeast infection or any other condition that can be transmitted during sex. 

Hoping you’re yeast-free soon,