Let’s talk about yeast infections. They’re one of those annoying things that make you want to scream into the void or at least shove a tub of yogurt where the sun doesn’t shine (don’t do that, by the way).
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I still have sex while dealing with this scratchy situation?” you’re in good company. It’s a common question, and because we’re here to solve life’s biggest mysteries (okay, the vagina’s biggest mysteries), we’ve got you covered.
What is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is basically your vagina throwing a house party for uninvited guests, specifically, an overgrowth of yeast called Candida. Lovingly referred to as C. albicans.
Usually, this yeast lives peacefully down there, but when the balance of your vaginal microbiome gets out of whack, it can turn into a full-blown rager. The result? Itchy, irritated, and downright pissed off lady bits.
But don’t worry, it’s super common, easily treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Is It Safe to Have Sex with a Yeast Infection?
Short answer: It’s not ideal.
Long answer: While technically you can have sex with a yeast infection, it’s about as enjoyable as trying to dance in stilettos on a cobbled street. Yeast infections irritate your vaginal tissues, which makes things down there extra sensitive. Not in a good way.
Sex can cause even more irritation or delay your healing. Plus, friction + an inflamed vulva = a hard no from your vag.
And here’s the kicker: yeast infections are contagious. Yep, you can pass that funky fungal party to your partner. So, while you won’t die, it’s not doing anyone any favors.
How Long Do Yeast Infections Last?
The good news is that with the proper medication, the majority of yeast infections will clear up within a few days to a week.
Most yeast infections will pack up and leave within 1-7 days if treated properly. Over-the-counter creams or suppositories usually work quickly – sometimes in just a day or two for mild cases.
- What happens if you just ride it out?
- Relief usually kicks in after a day or two of starting treatment, but some symptoms like redness or irritation may linger briefly as your body heals. Be patient, your vagina is working hard for you!
- What about the stubborn ones?
- Severe or recurring infections may take 1-2 weeks of more intensive treatment, often with prescription antifungals. Persistent symptoms deserve persistent solutions, call your doctor for backup.
- When will the itching stop?!
- A mild yeast infection might resolve on its own after a couple of weeks, but let’s be real: enduring the itching, burning, and overall discomfort isn’t exactly a badge of honor. Treatment is your best bet for a speedy recovery.
- When should I get help?
- If nothing improves after a week or your symptoms get worse, that’s your cue to check in with a healthcare professional. They’ll ensure there’s nothing else going on and get you the right treatment.
- Bottom line:
- Yeast infections don’t last forever, especially if you tackle them head-on. Treat it early, and you’ll be back to your fabulous self in no time.
Symptoms:
You’ll usually know you’ve got a yeast infection from its signature itch down there. Yeast infection symptoms can include:
- Itching:
Itchy as hell. You know that itch you can’t scratch in public? Yep, it’s that kind of situation.
- Burning:
Burn, baby, burn. A fiery sensation that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally bought sandpaper underwear.
- Thick white discharge:
Cottage cheese vibes. Discharge that’s chunky, white, and resembles cottage cheese.
- Pain or soreness:
Swelling, redness, and a general “don’t touch me, I’m fragile” feeling around your vagina.
- Painful urination:
Peeing feels like a punishment from the universe (thanks to that burning sensation).
- Painful sex:
Sex? Hard pass. Any action down there feels less “ooh” and more “ouch.”
What Causes Yeast Infections?
Yeast infections happen when the balance of bacteria and yeast in your vagina gets thrown off, allowing Candida albicans (the yeast) to overgrow. Here are some common culprits:
Short-Term Causes
- Antibiotics:
These can wipe out the good bacteria as well as the bad, giving yeast a chance to party
- Hormonal changes:
Ah hormones, of course. Pregnancy, birth control pills, or your good old menstrual cycle can mess with your pH balance.
- Tight clothing:
We know leggings are life but snug leggings or synthetic underwear trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for yeast.
- Diet:
High sugar intake can fuel yeast growth. Sad, we know!
- Hot, humid weather:
Excessive sweating can create ideal conditions for an infection. Aim to keep your downstairs region clean and dry where possible.
Long-Term Causes
- Diabetes:
Poorly controlled blood sugar can increase your risk.
- Recurrent infections:
A yeast infection is classed as recurrent if you have three or more episodes in a year. If you’re getting infections often, it could be linked to an underlying condition like chronic stress or imbalanced hormones.
- Weakened immune system:
Medications like steroids or conditions like lupus can make you more susceptible.
Can a Man Get a Yeast Infection from a Woman?
Absolutely. It can cause balanitis (fancy word, gross reality), and it’s just as unpleasant for him as it is for you.
If your guy starts complaining about itching, redness, or a rash on his bits after sex, congratulations – you’re now a fungal influencer! In this case, sharing is not caring.
What Happens to My Boyfriend If I Have a Yeast Infection?
If he does catch it, he’ll need to treat it with an antifungal cream (available over the counter, no embarrassing doctor visits necessary).
Luckily, yeast infections in men are usually mild and easy to treat, but the discomfort will probably motivate both of you to avoid any repeat performances.
Does a Yeast Infection Smell?
Yeast infections usually don’t come with a smell. While it’s hardly Chanel No.5, if there is a smell it’s generally faint and not too offensive.
Some women report a sweet smell coming from the vagina when they have a yeast infection, while others notice a faint yeasty smell like bread dough… not exactly a bakery you want to linger in.
A common question is whether a yeast infection smells fishy; we’re happy to report it does not. Think more sourdough starter than seafood platter. If you do notice a fishy smell from your vagina, you’re most likely dealing with something else, such as bacterial vaginosis.
What Not to Do When You Have a Yeast Infection
- Don’t have sex.
Just don’t. Your vagina is not in the mood, no matter what your brain is saying. Yeah, we know those horny little ovulation hormones can play tricks on you.
- Avoid scented products.
No “vanilla snickerdoodle cupcake” soaps or sprays. Your lady parts prefer to keep things au naturel right now.
- Skip tight clothing.
Leggings and skinny jeans are a yeast beasty’s best friend. Grab your sweatpants and let that vajeen breathe!
- Don’t self-diagnose endlessly.
If it doesn’t get better after a few days of treatment, see a doctor. There is no shame in getting professional help.
- Skip the home remedies.
Garlic cloves, yogurt, or essential oils might seem like a quick fix, but they’re more likely to make things worse. Stick to science-backed treatments.
And please, PLEASE, do not stick any of these up your vagina. We don’t care if Betsy from Facebook said it worked, just don’t.
Treatment For Yeast Infections:
The good news is that evicting your fungal frenemy is relatively simple in most cases, with both over-the-counter and prescription treatment available.
- Head to the pharmacy to grab some antifungal medicine. Creams and suppositories such as miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole (Canesten) are available without a prescription.
- If the OTC remedies aren’t cutting it for you, your doctor may prescribe fluconazole (Diflucan) which is an oral medication.
Can You Speed Up Healing?
Yes! Obviously, you want this rude, itchy b!tch to evacuate your vagina as quickly as is physically possible.
Stick to antifungal treatments (topical creams or suppositories work wonders), wear loose, breathable cotton underwear, and eat yogurt or take probiotics to help restore your vaginal flora.
And for the love of everything sacred, stay hydrated.
When to See a Doctor for a Yeast Infection (AKA When to Call in Reinforcements):
- It’s Your First Yeast Infection Ever
Are you unsure if it’s yeast or something else? Get a professional to give you the lowdown. It’s better to be safe than itchy!
- OTC Treatments Aren’t Doing the Trick
If you’ve tried over-the-counter meds and the yeast is still squatting rent-free after a few days, it’s time to tag in the pros.
- Recurring Infections
If you’re battling yeast infections more often than binge-watching your favorite series (more than three times a year), this might indicate an underlying issue.
- Severe Symptoms
Don’t tough it out if your symptoms are more intense than usual – think major swelling, redness, cracking skin, or excruciating pain. Get help!
- Pregnancy or a Medical Condition
Pregnant? Have diabetes or a weakened immune system? Best to check with your doctor before self-treating.
- Something Feels… Off
You know your body best, so if something just doesn’t feel right, check it out. Think unusual discharge, strange smells, or itching that has you wanting to squat down and scoot along the carpet.
It could be something other than yeast; a quick checkup can clear the air.
- Partner Symptoms
If your partner is experiencing symptoms too (yes, it can happen), a doctor’s visit for both of you might be in order.
- Persistent Symptoms Post-Treatment
If the infection doesn’t clear up after treatment or comes roaring back quickly, get it checked out to rule out other causes.
Pam’s Thoughts
Sex with a yeast infection is a bad idea – for you, your boo, and your vagina’s overall happiness. Give your lady parts a little time to heal before jumping back into the fun stuff.
Yeast infections happen to the best of us, and while they’re absolutely annoying as hell, they’re also totally manageable with a bit of TLC.
Got more questions? Keep reading because when it comes to your sexual health, we’re not shy about getting into the nitty-gritty of it all.
FAQs
Is it safe to have sex with a yeast infection?
Not really. It can cause more irritation, slow down healing, and potentially pass the infection along to your partner. Let’s be honest, do you really want to be thrusting away with a yeasty vag?
Can a man get a yeast infection from a woman?
Yes, men can catch yeast infections, though it’s less common. They’ll likely experience itching, redness, or discomfort.
What happens to my boyfriend if I have a yeast infection?
If he catches it, he’ll need to use an antifungal cream for a few days. It’s not a big deal, but it’s definitely not fun.
What not to do when you have a yeast infection?
Avoid sex, scented products, tight clothing, and prolonged self-diagnosis. Spending 3 hours googling isn’t going to make it any better. Get proper treatment and give your body time to heal.
How do you know when it’s okay to have sex again?
Once you complete your course of medication and the symptoms are completely gone, you’re in the clear. If you want to be on the safe side, you can get an at-home yeast infection test or book an appointment with your doctor.
Can I prevent yeast infections?
Yes! Wear breathable underwear, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, stay hydrated, steer clear of too much sugar and balance your diet with probiotics.
What if I keep getting yeast infections?
Recurrent infections might need a doctor’s attention to rule out underlying issues. Don’t hesitate to seek help!
