Vaginal yeast infections are a common health issue, affecting 3 in 4 females⁽¹⁾. While there are many ways to get a yeast infection, there is only one real root cause — an overgrowth of yeast, most commonly Candida albicans⁽¹⁾.

But what puts you at risk for a yeast overgrowth? And can you get a yeast infection from sex? 

Yeast infections aren’t classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because it is possible to get a yeast infection without having sex. However, you can indeed contract them from a partner while having sex.⁽²⁾

Keep reading to learn more about how sex can cause yeast infections and helpful strategies to reduce the risk. 

Understanding Post-Sex Yeast Infections

Can sex cause yeast infections? While yeast infections aren't classified as STIs, you can still get them from your partner during sex⁽²⁾. Post-sex yeast infections can be caused by a number of reasons, which we’ll take a look at in greater detail in the next section.

Most commonly caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus that naturally resides in the human body, yeast infections can have similar symptoms to other urogenital health issues, such as bacterial vaginosis and UTIs⁽¹⁾. Understanding the differences between BV vs. UTI vs. yeast infections can help you as you are seeking medical diagnosis and appropriate treatment from your doctor.

Causes and Triggers

Yeast infections can occur due to a number of factors. Some common potential causes of yeast infections after sex include:

• Unprotected sex: The absence of a barrier, such as condoms, can facilitate the transmission of yeast infections between sexual partners. If one partner has a yeast infection, the risk of transmission is heightened⁽²⁾. 
• Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina. They not only kill the bad bacteria, but also the good and protective bacteria. When the balance between good bacteria and other microorganisms is disrupted, it creates an opportunity for yeast to thrive, potentially leading to an infection⁽¹⁾.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly a rise in estrogen, can heighten the risk of developing a yeast infection. Those noted with higher estrogen levels are pregnant females, those taking estrogen birth control or estrogen hormone therapy⁽¹⁾.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing yeast infections after sex requires a holistic proactive approach that addresses various factors contributing to the overgrowth of Candida. Incorporating these strategies into your routine can reduce the risk of developing yeast infections from sexual activity:

• Practice safe sex: Consistently and correctly using condoms or other barrier methods during sexual intercourse can help reduce the risk of transmitting yeast infections between partners⁽²⁾.
• Good hygiene practices: Practice regular, gentle genital hygiene with pH-balanced soaps and cleansers formulated for vaginal health. Harsh soaps and cleansers can disrupt the natural balance of pH in the genital area⁽³⁾.
• Regular health check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor your overall reproductive health and address any concerns promptly. 
• Careful antibiotic use: Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional and under their treatment plan. Be sure to always follow your doctor's instructions for when and how to take antibiotics.
• Wear breathable fabrics: Wear breathable clothing and cotton underwear to promote proper ventilation in the genital area, this can help reduce moisture that can contribute to creating an environment for an overgrowth of yeast⁽¹⁾.

Treatment and Remedies

If you suspect you may have a yeast infection, a doctor will be able to test and diagnose to confirm the infection. Treating a yeast infection after sex involves a combination of medical treatments and remedies to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential recurrence. A consultation with a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. 

Topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed to target the overgrowth of yeast and alleviate symptoms from the infection. Common antifungal treatments include terconazole, miconazole, or fluconazole⁽⁵⁾.

The typical treatment length and modality varies depending on the severity and frequency of your infection. For more mild to moderate infections treatment is usually around 3 to 7 days but sometimes yeast infections can require longer-term treatment⁽⁵⁾.

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

Experiencing yeast infections after sex can have implications for both your physical and emotional health but there may be proactive ways you can help prevent future yeast infections.

The physical impact of yeast infections includes itching, burning, discharge, and simple general discomfort⁽¹⁾. This physical discomfort can affect daily activities. Additionally, individuals prone to yeast infections may face challenges with recurrence. Recurrent infections can lead to ongoing physical discomfort and may require ongoing management.

Some lifestyle shifts can help prevent post-sex yeast infections. By adopting some proactive measures, you can help create an environment that discourages the overgrowth of Candida in the future and minimizes the risk of recurrent infections. 

Incorporate probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and fermented foods into your diet or consider taking a probiotic supplement targeted for vaginal health. Probiotics can help support the growth of beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy microbial balance⁽⁷⁾.

Avoid harsh cleansers that could potentially disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the vagina. 

Yeast Infection After Sex: Frequently Asked Questions

What specifically causes yeast infections after sexual activity?

Yeast infections after sexual activity are often caused by a disruption in the natural balance of microorganisms in the vaginal environment, leading to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, including^(1,2):

• Unprotected sex
• Antibiotic use
• Hormonal changes

Are there certain sexual practices that increase the risk of yeast infections?

Yes, certain sexual practices may increase the risk of yeast infections. For example, the lack of barrier methods like condoms during unprotected sex can facilitate the transmission of yeast infections between partners⁽²⁾.

Can yeast infections after sex be mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But some STIs can exhibit similar symptoms, contributing to the potential for confusion. Some of the similar symptoms include itching, burning sensations, and abnormal genital discharge, which may lead someone to mistakenly attribute these signs to an STI. 

Some STIs, such as chlamydia, can cause itching and unusual discharge, creating symptoms similar to those of yeast infections⁽⁸⁾. Recognizing the distinction between yeast infections and STIs is crucial due to differences in their underlying causes and required treatments. If you suspect you have a yeast infection or STI, make sure you see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How soon after sex can symptoms of a yeast infection appear?

The timing of yeast infection symptoms following sexual activity can vary from person to person.

However, it's important to note that yeast infections can occur from a variety of activities - not just sex. Factors such as a person's immune system, overall health, and antibiotic use can all influence someone’s risk of developing a yeast infection.

Does the use of condoms or lubricants impact the likelihood of yeast infections after sex?

The use of condoms and lubricants can influence the likelihood of yeast infections after sex because of their impact on vaginal health. However, consistent use of condoms can still help reduce the risk of yeast infection transmission between sexual partners(2). Condoms act as a barrier, preventing direct skin-to-skin contact and decreasing the likelihood of exchanging microorganisms that may contribute to yeast overgrowth. 

Similarly, water-based lubricants are generally recommended over oil-based lubricants, since oil-based can weaken latex condoms or other protective devices made from latex. When choosing a water-based lubricant look for ones without glycerine, as they may potentially encourage yeast growth⁽⁹⁾.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the connection between sex and yeast infections sheds light on the importance of proactive vaginal health strategies. Factors like your vaginal microbiome balance and unprotected sex can contribute to post-sex yeast infections, emphasizing the need for proactive approaches such as safe sex practices, good hygiene, and lifestyle changes. 

Knowledge is power when it comes to your health – we hope this helps you feel empowered to make informed decisions.

Note: references to "female", “women”, “male”, and “men” in this article refer to sex assigned at birth, not gender.

This article does not replace medical advice. We recommend you seek treatment if you think you are experiencing a UTI.