Can I have sex during vaginal thrush?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Vaginal thrush is a common type of vaginal  infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans which is a type of yeast. You must be shocked to know that this yeast is naturally present in the bowel and in small numbers in the vagina. It lives there without causing any harm. But if this yeast increases abnormally in number it can cause infection.

Symptoms of vaginal thrush include: 

• vaginal itching or burning
• Unusual white discharge from vagina 
• stinging or burning sensation while urinating
• pain and soreness in vagina 

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What causes vaginal thrush?

Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans. Certain factors like uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal imbalances, excessive sugar consumption, certain antibiotics and diseases can disrupt the natural balance, causing the yeast to multiply abnormally and cause infection.

Having sex during vaginal thrush:

You can have sex during vaginal thrush if you feel fine. Although the chances of transmission is very less but still you must talk to your doctor before having sex. 

Having sex during vaginal thrush can be a very uncomfortable and painful experience and you may also experience a burning sensation during or after sex. 

Thrush can also pass to the mouth during oral sex, so it’s important to use barrier forms of contraception like condoms to prevent its transmission to your partner.

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Yeast infections in men are not very common but it is possible for man to get infected by having sex with someone who has thrush.

Who are at more risk?

Women and girls of all ages have chances of infection but it is rare before puberty or after menopause. 

Certain risk factors for vaginal infections:

• pregnancy
• antibiotics or steroids
• uncontrolled diabetes 
• using certain type of hormonal birth control 
• sweating while wearing tight fitting clothes 
• use of intimate products like vaginal deodorants, sprays and wipes
• douching 
• weakened immune system
• skin condition like eczema or dermatitis
• Having a history of sexually transmitted infections

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Prevention 

The best way to prevent vaginal thrush is to talk to your doctor who will help you to identify what triggers it.  Discuss your symptoms with your doctor,  they can investigate the underlying root causes and treat accordingly. Your doctor might prescribe vaginal creams or vaginal tablets that can help reduce the symptoms of thrush. 

If you and your partner want to have sex while you are on treatment of vaginal thrush, it might slow down the healing time. So it’s important to talk to your doctor before having sex during vaginal thrush.