You May Want to Think Twice Before Having Sex While You Have a Yeast Infection

Get the Full StoryIf you have a yeast infection, you might still want to get frisky between the sheets. Doing so, though, could be problematic to your health and to that of your partner. "Yeast infections come from an imbalance in the vaginal flora. It's normal to have yeast in your vagina and many other bacteria and other micoorganisms, but when one strain of yeast outgrows other bacterial and fungal species, it may result in a yeast infection," said Dr. Jennifer Landa, an ob-gyn and chief medical officer at BodyLogicMD, to POPSUGAR. When you do have one, here's what you should know before getting intimate.

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What Will It Feel Like?

"Ouch and yuck are the words that come to mind when thinking of having sex during a yeast infection. Yeast infections cause a thick, chunky discharge and cause your vagina to be itchy and can even cause redness and burning," she said. Basically, sex will definitely be uncomfortable. "Some women experience so much irritation from a yeast infection that they have microtears that burn when they are touched or when liquid hits them," she added, which is bound to happen here. These tears may especially form at the entrance to the vagina.

Can You Pass It to Your Partner?

Bad news for your buddy: "Yes, you can spread a yeast infection to your partner. Although it's not especially common, a guy can experience some redness and irritation after having sex with a woman who has a yeast infection, or he may experience jock-itch symptoms," she said.

Will It Make Your Infection Worse?

Unfortunately, having sex might make your recovery slower, too. "Sex may make the symptoms of the infection feel worse, and it may take longer for the symptoms to clear up after sex because sex can simply increase the vaginal irritation," she said. Also, those microtears put you at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, like HIV or hepatitis, as it's easier access, she added.

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How Long Should You Wait Before Having Sex Again?

"I would recommend treating the infection with boric acid capsules or an antifungal medication. It will take a couple of days of antifungal medication or a few days after the oral medication for the infection to clear," she said. If you're using an OTC cream, you definitely don't want to have sex during treatment, as it will be messy, as well.

The good news is, after the three days of cream treatment some are seven or three days after taking the oral medication, you should be fine. Remember, though, "you still might be a little red, swollen, or irritated, and you may want to wait a few extra days," she said. Go with your body. "What's more, you can dab a bit of coconut oil down there. Coconut oil is an antifungal and very soothing and would be a great way to lubricate yourself back into the saddle," she said.

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