Painful sex after yeast infection

Yeast infections occur because of an overgrowth of a type of fungus known as Candida , which lives in the body harmlessly most of the time. It is possible to have sex with a yeast infection, but it can be painful and has other risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , vaginal yeast infections are the second most common kind of vaginal infections after bacterial infections of the vagina. While it is possible for a person with a yeast infection to have sex, most doctors do not recommend having sex until the infection has cleared up. Also, because many of the symptoms are uncomfortable, individuals may choose to refrain from sexual activity while they have a yeast infection to minimize pain and itching.

With all the information out there, finding the right answers can be confusing and overwhelming. In some circles, garlic is revered for its detoxifying qualities. In reality, inserting any foreign object in the vagina may cause further complications or even worsen an infection. A common misconception is that vaginal itch creams can treat yeast infections. While they may temporarily relieve the symptoms of your infection, they will not cure it. Vaginal yeast infections are not usually spread by having sex. However, if you have a yeast infection, you should avoid sexual activity until the infection is gone.

Sexual intercourse may interfere with yeast infection treatment, and condoms may be damaged by yeast infection medication. Given the prevalence of STDs and yeast infections, it's not unreasonable for a woman to wonder if a yeast infection may increase her risk of other vaginal infections. For the most part, yeast infections aren't associated with the development of an STD. But by scratching to relieve vaginal itching, you may inadvertently create microscopic tears in the skin that allow bacteria or viruses that cause STDs to enter your body more easily. Some studies suggest that about 50 to 70 percent of women with HIV develop vaginal yeast infections at some point in their lives.

That said, the timing may also be a coincidence. Your yeast infection may have been triggered by a number of other factors. Read on to learn more about why this happens, other potential causes, treatment options, and more. Candida fungus is a normal part of the microscopic bacteria ecosystem in your vagina.