Yeast Infection Facts

Our website has a tremendous amout of valuable information on candida, thrush and female yeast infections.

Let's first talk about the role sexual intercourse plays in yeast infections. Having a yeast infection and sexual intercourse can really take the joy out of what is intended to be a loving, intimate experience between two consenting adults. The burning, itching, and even pain during copulation experienced by the woman can make it unbearable for sexual intercourse to continue. Doesn’t sound like fun, does it?

The vagina, vulva, and labia are irritated when a woman has a yeast infection, resulting in terrible itching, a burning sensation, and in some cases, pain when the area is touched. If the woman attempts to have sexual intercourse, then the pain really sets in. If she attempts to have sexual intercourse and is not properly lubricated, the pain can be severe as already-irritate sensitive tissues become even more irritated.

Having sexual intercourse during treatment for a yeast infection, even if the woman is not experiencing too much pain, can be risky. The creams and suppositories commonly used to treat yeast infections can cause latex condoms to burst, possibly resulting in pregnancy or transmission of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can be a good idea to wait until your yeast infection is under control to return to having sexual intercourse if you rely on latex condoms for birth control or do not have a monogamous, long-standing relationship with one sexual partner that has been tested and is known to be free of any STDs.

When a woman does have unprotected sex, either due to unwise choices or because she is part of a monogamous relationship, the yeast infection can into the man’s penis and cause him to become infected. While many men have no symptoms and often no treatment is required, if the woman has sexual intercourse again with that man while he is infected, she will again experience a yeast infection.

If you are sexually active, either avoid sexual intercourse during treatment of a yeast infection or seek the advice of your health care professional to obtain treatment for both partners. When both partners of a relationship obtain treatment, the cycle can be broken.

Yes, yeast infection and sexual intercourse are not good partners. But, curing your yeast infection can return you to enjoying sexual encounters without itching, burning and pain.