Can You Have Sex With A Yeast Infection?

Technically, yes, but you probably shouldn’t. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to.

When you're dealing with the itching, burning, and discomfort of a yeast infection (aka thrush), sex is probably the last thing on your mind. But our bodies, especially during those ovulation days, might be thinking otherwise. If you're wondering whether it's safe, or even possible, to have sex while experiencing a temporary yeast infection, you're not alone.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the facts, and the stigma, about vaginal health, yeast infections, and whether sex helps or interrupts your healing.

First, What Is a Yeast Infection?

Let’s start with a throwback to science class ~ a yeast infection, or vaginal thrush, is caused most commonly by Candida albicans, a naturally occurring yeast that lives in the body. During the times of a yeast infection, the Candida throws a party and invites all her friends, resulting in an overbalance, creating symptoms like:

• Itching or burning around the vulva and vagina
  

• Thick, white discharge (often described as cottage cheese-like)
  

• Redness or swelling
  

• Pain during sex or urination

What causes a Yeast Infection?

Some of the most common causes and triggers for a yeast infection include:

• Antibiotics, which kill both bad and good bacteria and disrupt your natural flora
  

• Hormonal changes, especially during your period, pregnancy, or menopause
  

• Stress, which can weaken your immune system and throw off your vaginal pH
  

• Wearing tight or synthetic underwear that traps moisture and heat
  

• A diet high in sugar, which can feed yeast overgrowth
  

• Sexual activity, which can also shift the pH or introduce bacteria or yeast, especially with unwashed toys or fingers

Is a Yeast Infection a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?

Well, for years, yeast infections have been labelled non-sexually transmitted, but recent research is challenging that man-made narrative.

While yeast infections aren’t officially classified as STIs, there is increasing evidence that Candida can be sexually transmissible, especially during unprotected vaginal or oral sex. This is particularly important in cases of recurrent infections or chronic thrush, where one partner (and that can be your man) may be unknowingly reinfecting the other.

So while a yeast infection isn’t caused by sex, sexual activity can absolutely trigger or pass it on.

So, Can You Have Sex with a Yeast Infection?

Technically, yes. There’s no hard medical rule saying you can’t. But here are three reasons to convince you otherwise:

1. It Can Make Symptoms Worse

Sex, especially penetrative or raunchy, heavy sex, can worsen inflammation. The vaginal walls are already irritated during a yeast infection, and friction can lead to more pain, longer healing, and even microtears in the tissue.

2. You May Not Enjoy It

Sex should always be enjoyable. Itching, burning, and dryness aren’t necessarily conducive to pleasure. Pushing through discomfort can backfire emotionally and physically, and leave you feeling worse off afterwards. Your body deserves more than that ~ tenderness and rest are more important when battling a yeast infection.

3. You and Your Partner Can Pass It On to One Another

Studies have recently confirmed that yeast infections can be passed between sexual partners, even if your partner has no visible symptoms. Men can develop penile thrush (redness, itching, irritation), and women can pass the infection through oral sex or shared toys. Without treatment on both sides, the infection can ping-pong back and forth.

What Should You Do Instead?

Instead of pushing through sex, try other forms of intimacy with your partner like eye gazing, cuddling, or physical touch that doesn’t lead to sex ~ all the things that make us feel deeply connected. And while you’re healing, direct some of that love towards your vagina using products that help to restore the pH balance and treat the area. 

Some of our favourite soothing products include:

• Vaginal probiotics to help with pH balance

• Boric Acid Refresh Mist to reduce odour

• Breathable bamboo underwear to reduce trapped moisture

• pH-balanced feminine wipes for gentle, mid-day relief

• Natural intimate oil to calm irritation and nourish vulvar skin

These can be especially helpful if you’re prone to BV, thrush, or post-sex irritation.

Wishing you gentle healing, lovely, 

🌸