Genital yeast infection is a very common type of infection. Indeed, statistically, most women will exhibit this at some point in their lives. However, a question arises, does it affect sex life? Let’s see it in this article.
Genital yeast infection
yeast infection in a infection caused by a fungus called candida albicans. This can affect not only the genital organs but also other parts of the body causing candidiasis on the skin, thrush (oral thrush), etc.
When it affects the genital area, Candidiasis is one of the most common gynecological conditions, especially among women. However, it is not exclusive to women, it can affect men as well.
In general, candida is a fungus that lives with other microorganisms inside the vagina. There they coexist in full balance, forming the vaginal microbiota. However, on certain occasions, candida fungus can grow, leading to an imbalance in the vaginal flora and causing candidiasis.
Candida is one of the microorganisms that normally inhabit the vaginal flora until it reproduces and causes the infection.
Even if it is not dangerous, in many cases It can become a recurring infection. Therefore, it is important to consult the gynecologist.
On the other hand, as we have indicated, candidiasis can also affect men. Indeed, women may be more prone to it, but men are not exempt from this type of infection.
So when candida fungus affects the penis, causes balanitis, i.e. inflammation of the foreskin and glans. In addition, redness, burning and itching, and even a whitish coating may appear. Therefore, as in the case of women, it can cause discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
Causes
Some of the causes of the appearance of candidiasis can be:
- Alterations of the vaginal flora (prolonged use of antibiotics)
- Diabetes, obesity
- excessive alcohol consumption
- Weakened immune system (HIV, transplants, chemotherapy, etc.)
- Use of synthetic underwear
- Hormonal changes (during pregnancy)
- Excessive hygiene with soaps and aggressive substances
Consumption of antibiotics eliminates beneficial bacteria from the microbiota, promoting the growth of candida.
The most characteristic symptoms of a genital yeast infection are, according to the maio clinic:
- itching, burning
- Irritation
- vaginal rash
- Redness and inflammation
- Vaginal pain and/or discomfort
- watery vaginal discharge
- Thick white vaginal discharge
- In men, balanitis or inflammation of the foreskin and glans penis
Treatment
Since yeast infection is caused by a fungus, the normal thing is that the gynecologist prescribes an antifungal treatment. Indeed, usually an ointment or cream is applied according to the recommended dose and the infection subsides in a few days. However, you need to go to the gynecologist bearing in mind that:
- Only the specialist will be able to determine that the infection is indeed Candida. Thus, you can prescribe the appropriate treatment, excluding other types of conditions.
- On the other hand, antifungal creams can be obtained without a prescription. However, it is important not to self-medicate and follow the instructions of our doctor.
Does Genital Yeast Infection Affect Sex Life?
The answer is yes. In fact, yeast infection can affect your sex life. Therefore, we must take precautions if we are going to have sex while we have candidiasis. The reasons?
- Candidiasis can cause pain, burning, and irritation. Here because, it can make the sexual act really uncomfortable. Therefore, it is recommended not to have sex until the infection clears up completely.
- Also, while it’s not an STD, there is a possibility of contagion to the other person. In fact, it can cause balanitis, burning and redness in the genital area after sexual contact if you are a man.
- In this sense, if the relationships are maintained, the use of condoms is essential.
- On the other hand, since the sexual act can increase the irritation, can hinder recovery. In this way, although they do not pose a risk to the treatment, it is advisable to abstain until the infection has disappeared.
Genital yeast infection: An infection, but not dangerous
Candidiasis is an infection, but not particularly dangerous. Moreover, with proper treatment, it can disappear in a few days.
However, having sex while suffering from It can lead to certain problems like infecting the other person. It can also cause delayed healing. Also, since yeast infection involves symptoms such as irritation, sexual intercourse may not be pleasant.
For all these reasons, specialists advise abstain from sexual intercourse until the infection is completely gone.
However, if they are maintained The use of condoms is recommended to avoid contagion. Indeed, after the sexual act, the other person may experience symptoms, such as redness or irritation. Therefore, our partner will also need care.
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