1. What is a yeast infection?
2. How serious is a yeast infection?
3. What are the typical symptoms of a yeast infection?
4. Are yeast infections spread through sex?
5. Is it advisable to have sex while dealing with a yeast infection?
6. What is the usual treatment for a yeast infection?

The relationship between a yeast infection and sex is certainly an area of concern for those couples who are physically intimate. Sorting out the truths and the myths that surround this issue will help partners make knowledgeable decisions about the manner and degree to which they will have sexual contact during an outbreak. Since as many as 33% of all people, including men may be infected with a yeast infection at any given time, and 75% of all women will have at least one of these in their lifetime, this condition is much more common than one might realize. Understanding the nature, symptoms, and treatment of a yeast infection will be important for anyone who is currently sexually active and may have an infected partner.

Classic Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)

What Is A Yeast Infection?

An irritation of the vaginal lining and vulva area caused by an overgrowth of the naturally occurring Candida Albicans fungus can cause a woman to experience vulvovaginal candidiasis or a simple vaginal yeast infection. The trigger for becoming infected could be stress, illness, poor diet, lack of sleep, medications such as birth control pills, steroids, or antibiotics, hormonal changes, or poorly controlled diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Men suffering from diabetes or HIV/AIDS are also more at risk for an outbreak. While Candida Albicans is normally a healthy fungus, found throughout the body, it becomes a problem when excessive growth and accumulation occurs. It is not considered to be an STD in either men or women.

How Serious Is A Yeast Infection?

While a yeast infection is not an STD, having one can slightly increase a woman’s chances of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease from her partner. The itching caused by her yeast infection often results in scratching that could cause microscopic tears in the vaginal/vulva area. This would then allow both STD and HIV/AIDS viruses and bacteria access to enter and infect. Also, if yeast infections become a recurring problem, they tend to resist the standard treatments and become a chronic situation that is not only uncomfortable, but can affect the immune system and the overall health of the woman. These recurrences may indicate a much more serious underlying problem as well.

What Are The Typical Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection?

The usual symptoms of a yeast infection can be very similar to those associated with the STDs, Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Vaginal discharge of a thin or thick white, “cottage cheese” substance that has no unpleasant odor is often, but not always, present in a vaginal yeast infection. Swelling, itching, and burning in the affected vaginal area is more typical. There can be general soreness as well as pain when urinating or when having sex. Occasionally a rash is also evident. For men, a burning sensation during or after intercourse if no condom was used, is common, as is a transient rash. Because of the similarity between yeast infections and STDs, a doctor should be consulted before any treatment is started.

Are Yeast Infections Spread Through Sex?

It is rare, but it is possible to catch a yeast infection from one’s partner. Men do not usually have the tell-tale penile discharge, but 10%-15% of them will develop an uncomfortable rash after unprotected sex. This seems to be more of a problem for un-circumcised men.

Is It Advisable To Have Sex While Dealing With A Yeast Infection?

There really is no medical reason, other than risk of infecting one’s partner, for abstaining from sex during a yeast infection outbreak. That said, the reality is that sex may be very uncomfortable, even painful, during this time. It may be wise to actually delay sex since the vaginal creams being used for treatment may irritate the penis, or the act of intercourse may push medication out of the vaginal area. If a couple decides to have sex anyway, using condoms for protection is definitely a good idea. Proper hygiene by both partners is also important. Immediately after sex, genital areas and hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, as should any sex devices that may have been used. There appears to be very little chance of transmitting the infection when a man gives oral sex to a woman. However, there is the possibility that when a man is receiving oral sex from a woman, he may actually re-infect her. For this reason, some doctors encourage postponing sex until complete healing has taken place

What Is The Usual Treatment For A Yeast Infection?

If a yeast infection is suspected, a check-up with a doctor can confirm the condition or a more serious underlying problem. Once a correct diagnosis is made, OTC anti-fungal creams, tablets, and ointments or suppositories are available. These treatments lose some of their effectiveness with repeated use, so knowing that a yeast infection is present is important before any self-medicating takes place. Dietary changes can also help. Switching to a whole foods approach consisting mostly of fruits, vegetables, and grains can make a big difference. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, junk food, fast food, and dairy products should be eliminated or greatly reduced. In addition, eating cranberries and garlic can be helpful. Warm sitz baths with Tea Tree Oil drops and washing the area with hydrogen peroxide have also been recommended.

A yeast infection can be an unpleasant episode that may temporarily side track one’s sex life. Fortunately, in most cases, it is still possible to have intercourse without fear of infecting one’s partner by practicing safe sex techniques, including wearing a condom. Most doctor-diagnosed infections will respond to standard treatment in a relatively short period of time, and normal intimate sexual relations can be resumed as both partners feel comfortable.